Lip Brush Stick
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926903500 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603306000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603304000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Lip Brush Stick: Global Trade Classification & Duty Optimization Guide (2026)
π The Ultimate Guide to Clearing "Lip Brush Sticks" Through Customs with Minimum Duty & Maximum Efficiency
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis
π One: Product Definition & The Core Dilemma
The Lip Brush Stick is a ubiquitous beauty tool, but its customs classification is a battlefield of three competing categories: Plastic Components, Cosmetic Brushes, or Manicure/Miscellaneous Tools.
The classification depends entirely on your material composition (Plastic vs. Metal) and functional intent (Pure applicator vs. Artistic Brush).
β οΈ Critical Decision Point:
- Is it just a plastic stick used for makeup? β Plastic Category (HS 3926)
- Is it a brush with bristles/fibers designed for lips? β Brush Category (HS 9603)
- Is it made of base metal or a complex tool? β Miscellaneous Tools (HS 8214)
π¦ Two: Detailed HS Code Breakdown (2026 Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Form Logic | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.35.00 |
Plastic Lip Stick (Unstrung) | Plastic material,ε½’ζ: Unstrung/Plain Plastic Parts. Fits the "Other Plastic Articles" catch-all. | Standard plastic applicators with no bristles, or pure plastic handles sold as loose parts. |
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic/Synthetic Fiber Stick | Plastic or Synthetic Fiber,ε½’ζ: Unclassified Other Plastic Articles. | Mixed material sticks not fitting specific sub-headings; broader "other plastic" category. |
9603.30.60.00 |
Cosmetic Lip Brush (Unstrung) | Cosmetic Use: Lip application. Form: Brush Tool. | Best Option: Plastic handle with synthetic bristles/fibers strictly for lip makeup. |
9603.30.40.00 |
Cosmetic Artist Brush | Cosmetic Use: Lip application. Form: Matches Artist Brushes/Writing Pens. | Brushes that closely resemble traditional artist paintbrushes or high-end makeup tools. |
8214.90.90.00 |
Other Manicure/Cosmetic Tool | Material: Base Metal or Plastic. Use: Nail or Beauty Tools. | Inferred as a metal or complex plastic tool for beauty purposes (less common for pure lip sticks). |
π Key Insight:
-9603.30.60.00offers the lowest tax (10.0%) and is the most accurate for a true "Lip Brush" (bristles included).
-3926categories are for plastic handles or unstrung parts, but attract higher duties (16.5% - 22.8%).
-8214uses a per-unit fee ($0.014 each + 3.2%) which can be cheaper for high-volume, low-value items, but risky if volume is low.
π° Three: 2026 Tariff Rate Deep Dive (US Import from China)
β Destination: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Applicable Regimes: Section 301 (Add-ons) + Section 122 (New 2024/2025 Tariffs)
π― Scenario A: The "Pure Plastic" Route (3926.90.35.00)
Most likely if the item is just a plastic stick without bristles.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% (No additional Section 301 in this specific sub-heading) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (New 2024/2025 China specific tariff) |
| Total Duty | 16.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.5% |
| Legal Path | 122 Clause: 10% + Base: 6.5% |
π Note: This is a "catch-all" plastic classification. High risk of misclassification if the item has bristles.
π― Scenario B: The "Mixed Material" Route (3926.90.99.89)
If made of Plastic or Synthetic Fiber but not specifically listed.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Duty | 22.8% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| Warning | Highest Duty Rate! Avoid unless no other option exists. |
π― Scenario C: The "Cosmetic Brush" Route (9603.30.60.00) β RECOMMENDED
The optimal classification for a true lip brush with bristles.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Duty | 10.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| Legal Path | 122 Clause: 10% (Only Section 122 applies) |
π Why it wins: 0% Base Duty is a game-changer. Even with the 10% Section 122, the total (10.0%) is significantly lower than plastic options.
π― Scenario D: The "Artist Brush" Route (9603.30.40.00)
If the brush resembles an art tool.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Duty | 17.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
π― Scenario E: The "Per Unit" Route (8214.90.90.00)
For high-volume, low-unit-price items.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | $0.014 per unit + 3.2% |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Duty | $0.014/unit + 13.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Calculation | ($0.014 Γ Qty) + (CIF Γ 13.2%) |
| Strategy | Only cost-effective if the CIF value per unit is very high relative to the fixed fee. |
π οΈ Four: Clearance Action Plan & Strategic Advice
β 1. The "Golden Rule" for Classification
π₯ "Bristles = Brush (HS 9603), No Bristles = Plastic (HS 3926)"
If your product has synthetic fibers/bristles for applying lipstick, MUST declare under9603.30.60.00.
Consequence of Error: Declaring a brush as plastic (3926) leads to 16.5% duty instead of 10%, wasting 6.5% profit margin.
β 2. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Product Photo | Clear shot showing bristles/fibers vs. handle | Proves it's a "brush," not a "plastic stick." |
| Material Spec | Explicitly state "Plastic Handle + Synthetic Bristles" | Prevents "Other Plastic" (99.89) classification. |
| Function Statement | "For applying lip color, cosmetic application only" | Aligns with "Cosmetic Brush" definition. |
| Invoice | Must list "Lip Brush" not "Plastic Part" | Avoids "Miscellaneous Plastic" suspicion. |
β 3. Smart Declaration Tactics
- DO NOT call it "Plastic Stick" in the description if it has bristles.
β Wrong: "Plastic Lip Stick, Material: Plastic"
β Right: "Cosmetic Lip Brush, Handle: Plastic, Bristles: Synthetic" - DO emphasize the Function (Lip Application) to lock in 9603.30.60.00.
- AVOID
3926.90.99.89(22.8%) unless the item is truly a raw plastic component sold separately.
β 4. Special Case: High Volume / Low Value
If you are shipping 100,000 units at $0.10 each:
* Calculate: $0.014/unit fee + 13.2% duty vs. 10% flat duty.
Verdict: For very cheap items, the fixed fee in 8214.90.90.00 might be higher than a flat % duty, but 9603.30.60.00* (10%) is usually safer and simpler to audit.
π Five: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Best HS Code | Effective Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.30.60.00 |
10.0% (China) | Lowest Duty! Avoid 16.5%+ plastic routes. |
| π¨π³ China | 9603.30.60.00 |
~5% - 10% | Import duty varies; check specific trade agreements. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9603.30.60.00 |
0% - 4.5% | Often duty-free or low for cosmetic tools. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9603.30.60.00 |
0% | Post-Brexit often favorable for cosmetics. |
π Conclusion: The US is the most aggressive with Section 122 (10% add-on), but
9603.30.60.00remains the tax-efficient winner compared to plastic alternatives.
π Six: Common Pitfalls & Avoidance
β Mistake 1: Calling a "Lip Brush" a "Plastic Handle."
π Result: Classified as 3926.90.35.00 β 16.5% Duty (Overpaying 6.5%).
β Mistake 2: Declaring as "Other Plastic" (99.89).
π Result: 22.8% Duty (Catastrophic loss).
β Mistake 3: Mixing "Brush" and "Plastic" in description without defining bristles.
π Result: Customs audit, delay, and forced re-classification.
β The Fix:
"Cosmetic Lip Brush (Plastic Handle, Synthetic Bristles) - HS 9603.30.60.00"
Total Duty: 10.0% (Base 0% + Section 122 10%).
π― Seven: Final Verdict & Action Plan
π Best Strategy for 2026
- Classify as:
9603.30.60.00(Cosmetic Brush). - Expected Duty: 10.0% (Base 0% + 122 Clause 10%).
- Description: "Lip Brush, Plastic Handle, Synthetic Bristles, Cosmetic Use."
- Avoid:
3926.90.99.89(22.8%) and8214(Complex calculation).
π‘ Pro Tip: If your product is metal-based, check
8214.90.90.00for the per-unit fee, but for 95% of "Lip Brush Sticks" (plastic/synthetic),9603.30.60.00is the safest, cheapest, and most compliant path.
π Ready to Ship?
Step 1: Verify bristles are present.
Step 2: Use HS Code9603.30.60.00.
Step 3: Declare "Cosmetic Brush" in the invoice description.
Result: 10% Duty, Fast Clearance, Max Profit!
β¨ Precision Classification = Maximum Profit!
πΌ Don't let a wrong HS Code cost you 12.8% more in taxes!
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.