🧼 Lint Remover (Fabric Shavers & Deburring Tools)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Lint Remover"?

A Lint Remover (also known as a Fabric Shaver, Deburrer, or Lint Brush) is a handheld device used to remove pills, fuzz, and lint from clothing and upholstery. In international trade, classification depends heavily on whether the device is motorized or manual, and its specific mechanical structure.

Key Distinction for Classification: 1. Electric/Rechargeable Lint Removers: Contain a self-contained electric motor driving a cutting blade. These fall under Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery). 2. Manual/Non-Motorized Lint Removers: Simple brushes, sticky rollers, or hand-held scrapers without motors. These fall under Chapter 96 (Articles of apparel accessories, etc., or brushes).

⚠️ Critical Note for this Data Set:
The provided <DATA> contains HS Codes for both Electric Domestic Appliances (8509) and Manual Brush/Cleaning Tools (9603). It does not contain codes for "Sticky Rollers" (usually 9603.90.50 or similar) or "Manual Scrapers" unless they are classified under specific brush categories. We will strictly analyze the codes provided in your dataset.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided <DATA>)

🔍 Classification Logic: 1. If Electric: The primary classification is 8509.80.50.95 (Other electromechanical domestic appliances). * Why? Heading 8509 covers "Electromechanical domestic appliances, with self-contained electric motor, other than vacuum cleaners." A lint remover is a domestic appliance with a motor, distinct from a vacuum cleaner (Heading 8508). 2. If Manual (Brush Type): The classification is 9603.90.80.50 (Other brooms/brushes). * Why? It falls under "Brooms, brushes... Other."

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed)

✅ Applicable Market: USA (Based on the structure of tax details like "Additional Tariff")
✅ Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on "Additional Tariff" language in source)

🎯 1. Electric Lint Remover (8509.80.50.95)

📌 Explanation:
- The source data explicitly states total_tax: "0.0%".
- This is a highly favorable classification. Unlike many other consumer electronics or plastics, this specific subheading for "Other" domestic appliances currently appears to be exempt from the additional tariffs listed in the dataset.

🎯 2. Manual Lint Brush (9603.90.80.50)

⚠️ Critical Warning - The "Metal Surcharge" Trap:
- Many lint removers (even manual ones) have metal blades or metal bristles.
- The source data for 9603.90.80.50 explicitly mentions:
“加征关税: 7.5%钢,铝铜制品加征关税: 50%”
(Translation: Additional Tariff 7.5%; Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products Additional Tariff 50%)
- If your manual lint brush contains ANY steel/aluminum/copper parts, the total tax skyrockets to 60.3%.
- If it is purely plastic/wood/nylon, the total tax is likely 10.3% (2.8% Base + 7.5% Additional).
- Recommendation: Verify material composition. If metal, consider if re-classification or duty drawbacks apply.

🎯 3. Other Codes (Incorrect for Lint Removers)

🛠️ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist

✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Decision Tree)

1. Is it Electric/Rechargeable?

   • ➡️ Yes → Use 8509.80.50.95.
   • ➡️ Tax: 0.0%.
   • ➡️ Benefit: Lowest cost, no metal surcharge risk.

2. Is it Manual (No Motor)?

   • ➡️ Yes → Use 9603.90.80.50.
   • ➡️ Check Materials:
     • Contains Steel/Metal Blades? → Tax 60.3%. High cost! Consider if electric version is cheaper despite shipping complexity.
     • Plastic/Wood/Plastic Bristles Only? → Tax 10.3%. Acceptable.

✅ 3. Common Mistakes & Warnings

❌ Mistake 1: Classifying Electric Lint Removers as 8467.29.00.90 (Hand Tools).
👉 Consequence: Tax is 7.5%. You might think it's similar, but 8509 (0%) is better. Also, customs may reject it as not a "working tool" in the industrial sense.

❌ Mistake 2: Using 8509.80.50.80 (Humidifiers) for Lint Removers.
👉 Consequence: Customs Rejection/Seizure. The description does not match. HS Codes are strict.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Metal Content for Manual Brushes (9603.90.80.50).
👉 Consequence: If declared as 10.3% but contains steel blades, Customs may audit and apply the 50% metal surcharge retroactively + penalties.
👉 Solution: Provide a detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) proving no steel/aluminum/copper, or accept the 60.3% rate.

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 VI. Final Conclusion & Action Plan

🎯 For Electric Lint Removers:

✅ Use HS Code: 8509.80.50.95
💰 Tax Rate: 0.0%
🚀 Strategy: This is the optimal code. Ensure your invoice clearly states "Domestic Appliance" and "Electric Motor" to support this classification. No additional tariffs apply.

🎯 For Manual Lint Brushes:

⚠️ Use HS Code: 9603.90.80.50
💰 Tax Rate: 10.3% (Non-metal) OR 60.3% (Metal)
🚀 Strategy:
1. Avoid metal if possible to stay at 10.3%.
2. If metal is present, calculate if the 50% surcharge makes the product uncompetitive.
3. Do not use paint brush or grinder codes.

💡 Pro Tip:
"When in doubt between Electric (8509) and Manual (9603), Electric wins on tax (0% vs 10-60%). Always aim for the 8509.80.50.95 classification if the product has any motor."

📣 Immediate Action:
1. Confirm if your product is Electric or Manual.
2. If Electric → Declare as 8509.80.50.95.
3. If Manual → Check material composition for Steel/Aluminum/Copper.
4. Attach a Product Data Sheet to your commercial invoice to prevent classification disputes.

✨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification! Save costs, avoid audits!