Headwear and Hair Styling Combination
CN β USAI Analysis
π Headwear and Hair Styling Combination
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand the "Combination"?
"Headwear and Hair Styling Combination" is a broad term in the fashion and beauty industry. In international trade, classification depends heavily on the primary function, composition, and physical state (prepared vs. unprepared) of the items.
The key distinction lies in whether the hair styling tool is electrical (e.g., hairdryers, straighteners) or non-electrical (e.g., brushes, combs, clips), and whether the headwear is fashion accessory or protective gear.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Points: - Electrical Devices: Hairdryers, curling irons, straighteners β Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery) - Non-Electrical Tools: Brushes, combs, clips, pins β Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous manufactured articles) - Headwear (Fashion): Hats, caps, berets β Chapter 65 (Headgear) - Headwear (Protective): Helmets β Chapter 95 (Sporting goods) or Chapter 65 (if non-sporting)
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Electrical? |
|---|---|---|---|
6504.00.00.00 |
Woven or plaited headgear (e.g., straw hats, baskets) | Straw hats, woven caps, party hats | β No |
6505.00.90.00 |
Knitted or crocheted headgear (e.g., beanies, berets) | Winter hats, fashion berets, swim caps (fabric) | β No |
6506.99.00.00 |
Other headgear (e.g., hard hats, baseball caps) | Baseball caps, safety helmets, visors | β No |
9603.21.00.00 |
Brushes for applying cosmetics or toilet preparations | Makeup brushes, facial brushes | β No |
9603.29.00.00 |
Other paint, dye, ink, or similar brushes | Paint brushes, cosmetic brushes not for face | β No |
9603.30.00.00 |
Hair brushes (including hair combs and hairpins) | Hairbrushes, hairpins, hair clips, barrettes | β No |
8516.32.00.00 |
Hair driers (including hair dryers) | Hairdryers, hot air brushes | β Yes |
8516.60.00.00 |
Hair curling tongs, straighteners, and other hair ironing appliances | Curling wands, flat irons | β Yes |
9605.00.00.00 |
Travel sets for personal toilet, sewing or shoe or clothing cleaning | Travel kits containing brushes, combs, clips | β No |
π Key Reminder: - Sets: If headwear and hair tools are sold together in a single retail package (e.g., a "Beauty Gift Set"), they may be classified under 9605.00.00.00 as a "travel set" or "personal care set." However, if the value of the headwear dominates, customs may require split classification. - Electrical vs. Non-Electrical: Electrical hair tools are never classified with non-electrical brushes. They have entirely different HS codes and tax implications.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 6505.00.90.00 ββ Knitted or Crocheted Headgear (e.g., Beanies, Berets)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 20% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% (for China/HK products, from November 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 55% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 55% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:6505.00.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation: - "USITC Additional Tax 25%" is part of the Section 301 tariffs; - "IEEPA 10%" is the newε―Ήε additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act; - Total 55%, which is extremely high.
π― 2. 6504.00.00.00 ββ Woven or Plaited Headgear (e.g., Straw Hats)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 20% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 55% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 55% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:6504.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - Same tax structure as knitted headgear; - Includes straw hats, basket caps, and woven fashion headwear.
π― 3. 9603.30.00.00 ββ Hair Brushes, Combs, Pins, Clips
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9603.30.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - Non-electrical hair styling tools (brushes, clips, pins) have a lower base rate but still face significant additional taxes; - Includes hair combs, hairpins, barrettes, and non-electrical hairbrushes.
π― 4. 8516.32.00.00 ββ Hair Driers (Electric)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.4% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | ~38.4% (on base rate + additional) |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF + Base Tax) Γ 25% + CIF Γ 10% (Complex calculation applies) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:8516.32.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - Electrical hair tools are subject to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs; - Base rate is higher than non-electrical tools, but the additional tax structure is similar; - Requires FCC certification for US import.
π― 5. 9605.00.00.00 ββ Travel Sets for Personal Care
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5% |
| USITC Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Rate | ~40%+ (varies based on value distribution) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9605.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - If a set contains mixed items (e.g., hat + brush), customs may classify the entire set under
9605.00.00.00if it meets the definition of a "set for personal use"; - This can sometimes result in a lower effective rate than classifying items separately.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory Documents)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material composition (e.g., wool, straw, plastic), dimensions |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of items, labels, and packaging |
| β Certification (if electrical) | βοΈ | FCC, UL, ETL for hairdryers, straighteners |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Headwear" or "Hair Styling Tools" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail contents of each box, especially for sets |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If not CN, claim preferential rates if applicable |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Separate Electric from Non-Electric, Sets Need Definition, Headwear Material Matters!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Hairdryer | 8516.32.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 9603.30.00.00 (Brush) β Penalty + Back Tax |
| Straw Hat | 6504.00.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 6505.00.90.00 (Knitted) β Incorrect Rate |
| Travel Set (Hat + Brush) | 9605.00.00.00 (if qualified) |
Split incorrectly β Higher Total Tax |
| Baseball Cap | 6506.99.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 6504.00.00.00 β Incorrect Rate |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Headwear | Provide design drawings and material specs to avoid misclassification |
| Hybrid Products (e.g., LED Hat) | Classify under Chapter 65 if LED is minor; may require Chapter 85 if primary function is illumination |
| Travel Kits | Ensure all items are for "personal use" and not commercial resale to qualify for 9605.00.00.00 |
| Safety Helmets | Classify under 6506.99.00.00 or 9506.99.00.00 depending on type; do not mix with fashion hats |
π 5. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 6505.00.90.00 / 9603.30.00.00 |
55% / 35% | FCC (if electrical) | High tariffs for CN origin |
| π¨π³ China | 6505.00.90.00 / 9603.30.00.00 |
20% / 0% | CCC (if electrical) | Lower tariffs for domestic imports |
| πͺπΊ EU | 6505.00.00.00 / 9603.30.00.00 |
12% / 0% | CE | No Section 301-style tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 6505.00.90.00 / 9603.30.00.00 |
5% / 0% | RCM | Moderate tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 6505.00.00.00 / 9603.30.00.00 |
10% / 0% | PSE (if electrical) | Low tariffs for accessories |
π Conclusion: - USA has the highest effective tariffs for headwear and hair tools from China; - EU and Japan are more favorable for non-electrical hair tools; - Electrical products face strict certification requirements globally.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Mixing electrical hairdryers with non-electrical brushes in one HS Code π Consequence: Customs rejection, penalty, and return. Electrical β Non-Electrical.
β Mistake 2: Misdeclaring straw hats as knitted hats π Consequence: Incorrect tariff rate (6504 vs 6505). Even if rates are similar, misclassification leads to customs audits.
β Mistake 3: Declaring a "Travel Set" incorrectly π Consequence: If not qualified as a set, items are taxed separately at higher rates. Ensure items are intended for personal use and packaged together.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring FCC Certification for Electrical Tools π Consequence: US Customs and FDA may seize goods. No FCC = No Entry.
β Correct Practice:
"Knitted Wool Beanie, 100% Acrylic, Size One-Size" "Electric Hair Dryer, 1875W, 110V, FCC Certified, Model XYZ" "Travel Hair Care Set: 1 Hairbrush, 1 Comb, 1 Clip, Retail Packaged"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Electric Goes to 85, Non-Electric to 96, Hats to 65, Sets to 9605."
πΉ "Tariff Differences are Huge: 55% vs 35%, Declaration Matters!"
π Tips: - If your products are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may apply for IEEPA exemption, reducing rates to 0%~5%; - Recommend applying for an Advance Ruling (ISF/9902) for new product lines to avoid clearance risks.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your headwear and hair tools clear customs smoothly, expand profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.