Nail Art Color Mixing Palette Pink
CN β USAI Analysis
π Nail Art Color Mixing Palette (Pink) | The Ultimate Guide to Classification & Clearance
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is This "Pink Palette"?
A "Nail Art Color Mixing Palette" is a specialized cosmetic accessory used for mixing, blending, and storing nail polishes. It is not a nail polish itself, nor is it a tool (like a brush or file). Its primary function is to serve as a container or applicator support surface.
In international trade, the classification hinges on its material and intended use: 1. Plastic/Acrylic Resin Palettes: Most common. Used for cosmetic mixing. β Chapter 39. 2. Glass/Ceramic Palettes: Used for high-end or artistic mixing. β Chapter 70 or Chapter 69. 3. Metal Palettes: Less common for mixing, more for storage. β Chapter 73.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is a disposable plastic sheet with wells, it may be classified as plastic articles.
- If it is a reusable palette (plastic, glass, or ceramic) with multiple wells, it is classified as a cosmetic accessory.
- Do NOT confuse this with "Nail Polish" (HS 3304) or "Nail Files" (HS 8214). This is a tool/accessory, not the cosmetic product itself.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
The most common classification for a Plastic/Acrylic Nail Art Mixing Palette is under HS Code 9616 or 3926, depending on specific design and material. However, for reusable cosmetic accessories, HS Code 9616 is often preferred if considered a "powder puffs and pads," but more accurately, it falls under HS Code 3926.90 (Other articles of plastic) or HS Code 9616.10 (Powder puffs and pads for applying cosmetics) if designed to hold powder/liquid.
For Nail Art Mixing Palettes (specifically those with wells for liquid polish), the most accurate global classification is:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3926.90.99 | Other articles of plastic | Reusable plastic mixing palettes with wells | β Plastic/Acrylic |
| 7013.49.90 | Glass tableware, other | Glass mixing palettes | β Glass |
| 6912.00.00 | Ceramic tableware | Ceramic mixing palettes | β Ceramic |
| 8214.20.00 | Other hand tools (if metal blade) | β Incorrect for palette alone | β N/A |
| 9616.10.00 | Powder puffs and pads | β Incorrect for hard surface palette | β N/A |
| 3304.99.00 | Beauty or makeup preparations | β Incorrect (this is for the polish, not the palette) | β N/A |
π Key Clarification:
- Most customs authorities classify plastic nail mixing palettes under 3926.90.99 (Other plastic articles) because they are functional cosmetic accessories, not "puffs" (9616).
- If the palette is made of glass, use 7013.49.90.
- Pink color does not affect HS code classification.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (US Import from China)
β Country of Destination: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. HS Code 3926.90.99 β Plastic Nail Art Mixing Palette (Most Common)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25% (Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (China/Hong Kong products, effective 2025-11-10) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β No (Section 321 relief does not apply to Section 301/IEEPA duties on China-origin goods > $800 if specifically excluded, but note: Current de minimis rules are under legal challenge. For safety, assume NO exemption for China-origin goods subject to 301 tariffs.) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- The base rate of 5.3% is standard for plastic articles.
- The 25% Section 301 tariff applies to most plastic articles from China.
- The 10% IEEPA tariff applies as of November 2025.
- Total: 40.3%. This is a significant cost factor.
π― 2. HS Code 7013.49.90 β Glass Nail Art Mixing Palette
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 4.7% |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | β No |
π Note: Glass palettes are slightly cheaper in tariff than plastic, but still heavily taxed.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Plastic Nail Art Mixing Palette, Pink, Non-Disposable" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List quantity, weight, and dimensions |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show multiple wells, clear plastic, no branding confusion |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | β οΈ Recommended | Since classification can be debated (3926 vs 9616), a pre-ruling avoids delays |
| β CE/FCC Certificate | β Not required | These are cosmetic tools, not electronic or hazardous goods |
| β FDA Registration | β Not required | Only required if selling nail polish, not the palette itself |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Crucial!)
π₯ "Declare Material, Function, and Reusability!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Palette | "Plastic Cosmetic Accessory, Mixing Palette, Reusable" | "Nail Polish Holder" (Vague) |
| Glass Palette | "Glass Cosmetic Accessory, Mixing Palette" | "Kitchenware" (Wrong Chapter) |
| Disposable Sheet | "Plastic Cosmetic Mixing Sheet, Disposable" | "Nail Art Tool" (Misleading) |
π Warning:
- Do NOT describe it as "Nail Polish" (HS 3304) β this will lead to seizure and fines.
- Do NOT describe it as "Toy" (HS 9503) β even if pink and cute, itβs a cosmetic accessory.
- Clearly state "Non-Electronic, Non-Portable, No Power Source" if asked.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Customized Palette | Provide design file to prove itβs a cosmetic accessory, not a toy |
| Palette with Branding | Ensure brand doesnβt imply itβs a "toy" (e.g., "Disney Nail Palette" might be questioned) |
| Bulk Shipment | Declare as "Cosmetic Accessories" β not "Gifts" |
| Small Package (< $800) | Note: As of 2026, Section 321 de minimis relief may NOT apply to China-origin goods subject to Section 301 tariffs. Assume full duty applies. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Tariff (China) | Total Rate | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99 |
5.3% | +35% (301 + IEEPA) | 40.3% | None |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.90 |
5% | 0% | 5% | None |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.97 |
3.7% | 0% (if not under anti-dumping) | 3.7% | REACH (if plastic contains restricted substances) |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.97 |
3.7% | 0% | 3.7% | UKCA |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.90 |
5.9% | 0% | 5.9% | None |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.90.90 |
5% | 0% | 5% | None |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
- EU, UK, Japan, Australia have significantly lower duties.
- Consider sourcing from Vietnam or Thailand to avoid China-specific tariffs, if possible.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Nail Polish" (HS 3304)
π Consequence: Goods seized, fines, and potential fraud investigation.
β
Fix: Always declare as "Cosmetic Accessory" or "Plastic Article."
β Mistake 2: Declaring as "Toy" (HS 9503)
π Consequence: May trigger additional safety tests (CPSIA in US) and wrong tariff.
β
Fix: Emphasize "Cosmetic Use" in description.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Material Specifics
π Consequence: If declared as "Plastic" but actually "Glass," customs may reclassify and impose penalties.
β
Fix: Specify material (Plastic/Acrylic/Glass) clearly.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis Exemption for China Goods
π Consequence: Package held at customs, duties unpaid, returned or destroyed.
β
Fix: Prepare for full duty payment (40.3%) for China-origin goods to the US.
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Palette is Not Polish! Plastic is 40.3% in US!"
πΉ "Material Matters: Plastic vs. Glass Changes HS Code!"
πΉ "De Minimis May Not Save You on China Goods!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Nail Art Palette is pink, it doesnβt change the HS code.
If you can source from Vietnam (HS 3926.90.99, 0% Section 301), you save 35% in duties!
Always request an Advance Ruling from US Customs for high-value shipments.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Verify Material
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Avoid Seizures, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Classification Starts with Precision!
πΌ Your Cost Savings Depend on Your HS Code Accuracy!
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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.