Single Flat Brush
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9603306000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603404060 | 14.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603304000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603302000 | 20.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7115903000 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Single Flat Brush (Singles: Black & Gold Variants)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Compliance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Single Flat Brush"?
A Single Flat Brush is a versatile tool used in painting, cosmetics, or general industrial cleaning. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on: 1. Material Composition (Is it a plastic handle with synthetic bristles? Or metal/plated?) 2. Specific Use (Cosmetic application vs. Artistic/General purpose) 3. Form Factor (Single unit vs. Set)
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a basic tool (black handle, synthetic bristles, no special finish) β It often falls under general household tools or bristle brushes (9603.30).
- If it is designated as cosmetic or artistic (gold finish, specific marketing) β It may fall under specific brush categories (9603.40 or 9603.30 variants).
- If the material is metallic/gold-plated β It may be classified under precious metals/tools (7115.90).
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application/Logic | Material/Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
9603.30.60.00 |
Single Black Flat Brush | General tool, black flat head form, no material conflict | Black, Synthetic/Plastic (Implied) |
9603.40.40.60 |
Single Black Flat Brush | General use, "Black Flat Head" is form description, fallback category | Black, General Bristle |
9603.30.40.00 |
Single Gold Flat Brush | Cosmetic or Painting brush, single unit, inferred bristle material | Gold-colored, Bristle |
9603.30.20.00 |
Single Gold Flat Brush | Artist brush or cosmetic brush, "Gold Flat Head" specific form | Gold-colored, Bristle |
7115.90.30.00 |
Single Gold Flat Brush | Material contains gold or gold-plated metal, classified as otherεΆε/tools | Gold/Metal Plated |
π Critical Insight:
- The base HS heading 9603 covers brooms, brushes, etc. - Subheading 9603.30 often refers to "Make-up brushes and powder puffs" or similar artistic/cosmetic brushes. - Subheading 9603.40 is often a "catch-all" for other brushes not elsewhere specified. - 7115 moves the item out of "brushes" entirely if the value or material is dominated by precious metals (gold plating).
π° Part 3: 2024 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Includes subsequent imports subject to Section 301 and IEEPA measures.
π― 1. 9603.30.60.00 ββ Single Black Flat Brush (General Tool)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| IEEPA / Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Likely excluded due to China origin + surtax) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9603.30.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most cost-effective classification for a basic black flat brush. - No base tariff, no Section 301 tariff, but a 10% IEEPA surcharge applies. - Total cost impact: 10% of CIF value.
π― 2. 9603.40.40.60 ββ Single Black Flat Brush (General Catch-all)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| IEEPA / Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 14.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 14% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9603.40.40.60 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Note:
- Higher base tariff (4%) than the previous code. - Same 10% surcharge. - Total cost impact: 14%. Avoid this if9603.30.60.00is applicable.
π― 3. 9603.30.40.00 ββ Single Gold Flat Brush (Cosmetic/Art)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 7.5% |
| IEEPA / Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9603.30.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Explanation:
- Classified as cosmetic/art brush. - Zero base tariff, but 7.5% Section 301 tariff applies (likely due to specific tariff rate list changes for this subheading). - Plus 10% IEEPA surcharge. - Total cost impact: 17.5%.
π― 4. 9603.30.20.00 ββ Single Gold Flat Brush (Artist/Specific Form)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.6% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 7.5% |
| IEEPA / Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 20.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9603.30.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Note:
- Highest base tariff among the "brush" categories (2.6%). - Same 7.5% Section 301 + 10% IEEPA. - Total cost impact: 20.1%. Only use if specific artistic features mandate this code.
π― 5. 7115.90.30.00 ββ Single Gold Flat Brush (Gold/Metal Material)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.9% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 25.0% |
| IEEPA / Section 122 Surcharge | 10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 38.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:7115.90.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:122 |
π Critical Warning:
- High Tariff Alert!
- If customs determines the brush is made of gold or gold-plated metal (even if itβs just a handle), it is moved to Chapter 71 (Articles of Gold). - Section 301 tariff jumps to 25%. - Total cost impact: 38.9%. This is a punitive rate. Ensure the product is not predominantly precious metal if you want to avoid this.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Detail handle material (plastic vs. metal), bristle type (synthetic vs. natural), and finish (black vs. gold-plated). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the brush, including any hallmarks or material indicators. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item as "Single Flat Brush" and specify material (e.g., "Plastic handle with synthetic bristles"). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state if the "gold" is paint, plating, or solid metal. Crucial for avoiding 7115. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirm quantity and unit type (single unit vs. set). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material Defines Code, Use Supports Description, Gold Plating is Risky!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Black Brush, Plastic Handle, Synthetic Bristles | 9603.30.60.00 |
Lowest tariff (10%). Fits general tool description. |
| Black Brush, General Use, No Specific Cosmetic Claim | 9603.40.40.60 |
Fallback category if 9603.30.60.00 is rejected. Higher tariff (14%). |
| Gold-Finished Brush, Plastic Handle, Cosmetic Use | 9603.30.40.00 |
If gold is just paint/coating. Mid tariff (17.5%). |
| Gold-Finished Brush, Artistic Features | 9603.30.20.00 |
If specific artistic form is declared. Higher tariff (20.1%). |
| Brush with Gold-Plated Handle/Metal Body | 7115.90.30.00 |
Avoid if possible. High tariff (38.9%). Only if legally required. |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| "Gold" Color vs. Gold Material | Clearly declare as "Gold-colored" or "Gold-finished" (paint/plastic) if it is not solid gold or thick plating. Avoid "Gold" alone. |
| Cosmetic vs. Artistic | If sold as makeup, use 9603.30.xx.xx. If sold as paintbrush, consider 9603.40 or 9603.30. Documentation must match marketing. |
| Single Unit | Ensure the description says "Single" or "1 pc". Sets have different HS codes. |
| Bristle Material | If bristles are natural hair, tariffs may differ. If synthetic, 9603.30 is more likely. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2024 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.30.60.00 |
10% (Total) | Includes IEEPA 10%. Avoid 7115 (38.9%). |
| π¨π³ China | 9603.30.60.00 |
0% (MFN) | Import duty may be 0% or low, but check VAT (13%). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9603.30.00 |
4.5% (MFN) | No Section 301 or IEEPA. Standard EU duty. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9603.30.00 |
4.5% (MFN) | Post-Brexit, similar to EU MFN rates. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9603.30.00 |
5.0% (MFN) | No additional surtaxes. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest cost market due to IEEPA (10%) and potential Section 301 (0-25%). - EU/UK/AU are much more favorable (4-5%). - Misclassification as "Gold/Metal" in the USA leads to 38.9%, which is devastating to margins.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Describing a plastic-brushed brush as "Gold Brush" without specifying material.
π Consequence: Customs may suspect precious metal β Assign 7115 β 38.9% tax!
β Error 2: Using "Flat Brush" without specifying "Single".
π Consequence: May be misclassified as a set β Different HS Code β Potential misdeclaration.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "IEEPA 10%" surcharge.
π Consequence: Profit margin erosion. All China-origin brushes face this 10% tax regardless of base duty.
β Error 4: Confusing Cosmetic vs. Artistic classification.
π Consequence: 9603.30.40.00 (17.5%) vs 9603.30.20.00 (20.1%). Small difference, but compliance matters.
β Correct Approach:
"Single Flat Brush, Black, Plastic Handle, Synthetic Bristles, Model XYZ"
OR
"Single Flat Cosmetic Brush, Gold-Finished (Paint), Synthetic Bristles, Model ABC"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precision Classification for Cost Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Black Brush: 10% is King." (
9603.30.60.00)
πΉ "Gold Finish: Check Material, Avoid 7115."
πΉ "10% IEEPA is Unavoidable for China Origin."
π Pro Tip:
If your "Gold" brush is just plastic with gold paint, ensure your invoice says "Gold-Colored" or "Gold-Finished", NOT "Gold". This keeps you in the 9603 chapter (max 20.1%) instead of 7115 (38.9%).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with material declarations.
π Request HS Code Pre-ruling if unsure about "Gold" classification.
π Optimize for9603.30.60.00wherever possible to minimize costs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Cent Saved is Pure Profit!
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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.