Roller Brush
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4417004000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4417008090 | 40.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603402000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603404020 | 14.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603404060 | 14.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¨ Roller Brush (Paint Rollers & Accessories)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Strategy | 2026 Tariff Guide | Professional Import Compliance
π I. Product Definition & Classification Logic: Is it a Brush or a Tool Handle?
The Roller Brush (often called a Paint Roller) is a ubiquitous tool in painting, decorating, and industrial coating applications. However, its HS Code classification depends heavily on two critical factors:
1. The Primary Component: Is the item a complete roller (sleeve + handle) acting as a brush?
2. The Material & Structure: Is the handle a simple wooden part (Tool) or is it integral to a brush (Household/Garden tool)?
β οΈ Critical Distinction for Customs:
- Category A (The Brush): If the item is sold as a "Roller Brush" (sleeve + handle), it is classified as a Brush under Chapter 96. It applies paint via rolling.
- Category B (The Handle/Part): If the item is sold separately as just a handle or wooden part intended for a roller, it may be classified as a Wooden Tool Handle under Chapter 44.
- Category C (Other Brushes): If the sleeve is made of other materials (synthetic/foam) and treated as a general cleaning brush, it falls under specific sub-headings for "Other Brushes".
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic (Match Analysis) | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
4417.00.40.00 |
Wooden Tool Handle / Part (Roller Brush Accessory) | Match: Identified as a Handle/Part for a roller brush. Infers Wooden material based on common sense. Fits "Paint Roller Accessories" if treated as a wooden tool component. | 17.5% |
4417.00.80.90 |
Other Wooden Brushes (Not classified as tool handles) | Match: Inferred as a Brush (Roller Brush) with Wooden body/handle. Classified under "Other" (not tool handles). Fits the definition of wooden brush products. | 40.1% |
9603.40.20.00 |
Paint/Roller Brushes (Complete) | Match Successful: "Roller Brush" matches the core definition of Paint/Enamel Rollers. It is a brush used for applying paint/varnish. | 17.5% |
9603.40.40.20 |
Roller Type Brushes (Specific Sub-category) | Match Successful: Matches the "Roller Type" usage and shape perfectly. Specifically targets the roller brush shape. | 14.0% |
9603.40.40.60 |
Other Paint/Varnish Brushes (General) | Match: "Roller Brush" falls under the scope of Paint/Varnish/Coloring Brushes. As it is "Other" (not a specific sub-type), it fits this broad category. | 14.0% |
π Key Insight:
- If you import a complete roller brush (sleeve + handle), you generally aim for 9603.40.40.x (14% base).
- If you import only the wooden handle or parts, you risk 4417 (Wooden parts) which has a higher tax burden in some scenarios (40.1%) or lower (17.5%) depending on the specific "handle" definition.
- Material Matters: The difference between 14% and 40.1% often hinges on whether the customs officer classifies the wooden handle as part of a "Brush" (9603) or a separate "Wooden Tool Handle" (4417).
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Detailed Analysis (Including Surtaxes)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current (Based on 122 Clause / Section 232 / Section 301 logic)
π― 1. 4417.00.40.00 (Wooden Tool Handle/Part)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Free Trade Agreement / General Rate) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (China-specific penalty) |
| "122 Clause" / Retaliatory | +10.0% (Section 301 retaliation or specific China tariff) |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Legal Basis | Base 0% + Section 301 (7.5%) + 122 Clause (10%) |
| Strategic Note | Low base tax, but the 122 Clause surcharge is significant. Often used for handles only. |
π― 2. 4417.00.80.90 (Other Wooden Brushes/Parts)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.1% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (High penalty rate) |
| "122 Clause" / Retaliatory | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.1% |
| Legal Basis | Base 5.1% + Section 301 (25%) + 122 Clause (10%) |
| Strategic Note | DANGER ZONE! If classified as "Other" wooden goods not fitting the "Tool Handle" subcategory, the 25% surcharge applies. Avoid this if possible. |
π― 3. 9603.40.20.00 (Paint Rollers - Complete)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 7.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (No Section 301 surcharge for this specific brush code) |
| "122 Clause" / Retaliatory | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Legal Basis | Base 7.5% + 122 Clause (10%) |
| Strategic Note | Balanced Risk. High base tax, but NO 25% Section 301 surcharge. Good for complete rollers. |
π― 4. 9603.40.40.20 & 9603.40.40.60 (Specific Roller/Other Brushes)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| "122 Clause" / Retaliatory | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 14.0% |
| Legal Basis | Base 4.0% + 122 Clause (10%) |
| Strategic Note | OPTIMAL CLASSIFICATION! This is the lowest total tax (14%) and avoids the heavy 25% surcharge. Best for complete, synthetic or mixed-material roller brushes. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Strategy & Practical Advice
β 1. Material Declaration is Key
π¨ Rule: Do not simply declare "Roller Brush" with a vague material like "Mixed". - If the brush head is wood and the handle is wood, and it's sold as a complete unit: Try to argue for 9603.40.40 (Brush) rather than 4417 (Wooden Part). - If the brush head is synthetic/fabric/foam (standard modern rollers), 9603.40.40 is the safest and cheapest route.
β 2. Avoid the "Wooden Part" Trap
π Pitfall: If the Customs Officer decides your "Roller Brush" is actually a "Wooden Tool Handle" (
4417), you pay 17.5% or 40.1%. β Solution: Ensure your product description explicitly states "Paint Roller Brush - Complete Unit" and highlights the synthetic/natural fiber of the rolling sleeve, not just the wood handle. This forces the classification to Chapter 96 (Brushes).
β 3. Packaging & Marketing
π¦ Tip: Label the box as "Paint Roller Brush" (not "Wooden Handle for Roller"). - Correct Description: "100% Paint Roller Brush, Synthetic Nap, Wooden Handle, 9-inch". - Incorrect Description: "Wooden Handle Part" or "Roller Part".
π V. Sample Commercial Invoice Language (For Smoother Clearance)
| Field | Recommended Text |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Paint Roller Brush (Complete Unit) |
| Description | Paint roller with synthetic nap sleeve and wooden handle. Used for applying paint, varnish, and stains. |
| Material | Nap: Polyester/Natural Fiber; Handle: Beechwood (Part of Brush) |
| HS Code | 9603.40.40.20 (or 9603.40.40.60) |
| Function | Brushing/Painting Tool |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Value | $XX.XX (CIF) |
π VI. Global Market Comparison (Quick Reference)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tax (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.40.40.20 |
14.0% | Avoid 4417.00.80.90 (40.1% is too high). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9603.40 |
~5-10% | Check specific national duties; generally lower than US. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9603.40 |
~8% | Similar logic to US, but different surcharges. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9603.40 |
~5-10% | Standard duty + GST. |
π VII. Conclusion: The "14%" Rule
π― Golden Rule:
"For a complete Roller Brush, fight for9603.40.40.x.
This avoids the 25% Section 301 Surtax found in4417.00.80.90!"π Action Plan:
1. Classify as Brush (9603) not as Wooden Part (4417).
2. Highlight the "Sleeve" (painting surface) as the primary functional component.
3. Target 14.0% total tax (Base 4% + 10% Clause) instead of 40.1%.
4. Documentation: Provide photos showing the brush head (nap) and the complete assembly.
β¨ Professional Tip: If your product is 100% Wooden (no synthetic nap), the customs risk shifts. You may have to accept the 17.5% or 40.1% rate. In that case, focus on 4417.00.40.00 (17.5%) by proving it is a Tool Handle accessory, not a generic wooden brush.
π’ Ready to Ship?
β Double-check your material composition!
β Use the correct HS Code (9603.40.40.20) to save 26% in taxes!
β Avoid the "Wooden Part" trap!
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.