Wide tooth comb
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9615111000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9615192000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πββοΈ Wide Tooth Comb (Hair-Combs & Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: Are You Using the Right Category?
The "Wide Tooth Comb" is a personal grooming accessory designed to detangle hair without causing breakage. In international trade, it falls under Heading 96.15 (Combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516).
However, not all combs are treated equally. The classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Material: Is it made of Hard Rubber or Plastics (e.g., celluloid, Bakelite, ABS)? 2. Unit Value: Is the value not over $4.50 per gross?
β οΈ Key Distinction: * If the comb is made of Wood, Metal, or Bone β It falls under different subheadings (e.g., 9615.19 or 9615.90) with different tax structures. * If the comb is Plastic/Rubber AND valued >$4.50 per gross β It falls under 9615.19.20.00 (Valued over $4.50). * If the comb is Plastic/Rubber AND valued β€$4.50 per gross β It falls under 9615.11.10.00 (Valued not over $4.50).
Based on the provided , we are strictly analyzing Plastic/Hard Rubber Combs.
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Constraint | Value Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9615.11.10.00 |
Combs, hair-slides and the like: Of hard rubber or plastics: Combs: Valued not over $4.50 per gross | Bulk plastic combs, inexpensive wide-tooth combs, promotional grooming tools | β Hard Rubber or Plastics Only | β€ $4.50 / Gross |
9615.19.20.00 |
Combs, hair-slides and the like: Other: Combs: Valued not over $4.50 per gross | Note: This code typically applies to non-plastic combs (e.g., wood/metal) valued β€$4.50. However, if your data links it to plastics, verify if it's a "Other" subtype. Correction based on standard HTSUS: 9615.19.20.00 is for Other Materials (Non-Plastic). If it IS plastic but over $4.50, it would be 9615.19.40.00. Per your , we analyze 9615.19.20.00 as provided. |
β Not Plastic (e.g., Wood, Metal, Bone) | β€ $4.50 / Gross |
π Important Clarification on
<DATA>: The provided data lists9615.19.20.00with a tax structure that differs significantly from9615.11.10.00. *9615.11.10.00is strictly for Plastic/Hard Rubber combs. *9615.19.20.00is generally for Other Materials (like wood or metal) under "Other" combs. * If your Wide Tooth Comb is PLASTIC, you MUST use9615.11.10.10.00(or9615.11.10.00as per data). Do NOT use9615.19.20.00for plastic combs, or you risk misclassification penalties.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US) β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on context of "surtax" in data) β Effective Time: Current rates as per provided
π― 1. 9615.11.10.00 ββ Plastic/Rubber Combs (Valued β€ $4.50/Gross)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | Base: 0.0% + Surtax: 0.0% |
| Calculation | No duty payable if value β€ $4.50 per gross |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If < $800, but even above, rate is 0%) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 9615.11.10.00 |
π Explanation: * This is a highly favorable classification for low-value plastic grooming tools. * Zero Duty: There is no base tariff and no additional surtax applied to this specific subheading in the provided data. * Strategic Advantage: For bulk shipments of inexpensive plastic wide-tooth combs, this code offers maximum cost efficiency.
π― 2. 9615.19.20.00 ββ Other Combs (Non-Plastic) Valued β€ $4.50/Gross
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 9.7Β’ per gross + 1.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 9.7Β’/gross + 1.3% |
| Tax Detail | Base: 9.7Β’/gross + 1.3% + Surtax: 0.0% |
| Calculation | (0.097 Γ Quantity/Gross) + (0.013 Γ CIF Value) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (If applicable) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 9615.19.20.00 |
π Explanation: * This code applies to combs made of materials other than hard rubber or plastics (e.g., wood, metal, tortoiseshell) that are valued at $4.50 or less per gross. * Mixed Tax Structure: It combines a specific duty (9.7 cents per gross unit) with an ad valorem duty (1.3%). * No Surtax: Unlike high-tech goods, these traditional materials are not subject to the aggressive 25% or 10% IEEPA/301 surtaxes in this specific data snapshot.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Have Documents)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state Material (e.g., "ABS Plastic", "Walnut Wood", "Metal Alloy"). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify Unit Value per "Gross" (144 pieces) to justify the β€$4.50 claim. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the comb type (Wide Tooth) and material texture. |
| β Material Certification | βοΈ | If claimed as "Biodegradable Plastic" or "Wood", provide certificates to avoid misclassification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
π₯ "Material First, Value Second, Name Specific!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Wide-Tooth Comb | 9615.11.10.00"Plastic Hair Comb, Wide Tooth, Valued β€$4.50/Gross" |
"Hair Accessories" (Too vague)9615.19.20.00 (Wrong material) |
| Wood/Metal Wide-Tooth Comb | 9615.19.20.00"Wood/Metal Hair Comb, Valued β€$4.50/Gross" |
"Plastic Comb" (False)9615.11.10.00 (Wrong material) |
| Valued >$4.50/Gross | Requires different subheading (e.g., 9615.19.40.00 for plastic)Not in current |
Forcing β€$4.50 claim |
β 3. Special Considerations for Wide Tooth Combs
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Set Packs (Comb + Brush) | Do NOT split. Declare as a "Set" if primarily a comb. If mixed, HS Code is determined by the component giving the essential character. |
| Gift Sets | If packaged with other items (shampoo, mirror), ensure the comb is the primary item to keep under 9615. |
| Material Ambiguity | If "Plastic" looks like "Wood", provide a material test report. Customs may classify as "Other" (9615.19) if doubt exists, potentially changing tax if plastic rates differ in other contexts. |
| Value Calculation | Ensure the $4.50/gross limit is strictly met. $4.50 / 144 pieces = $0.03125 per piece. If your price is $0.04/piece, you lose the 0% rate for plastic! |
π Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9615.11.10.00 (Plastic β€$4.50) |
0.0% | Best for plastic bulk imports |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9615.19 / 9615.90 | Varies (5-12%) | VAT 19-25% applies |
| π¬π§ UK | 9615.19 | 5.0% | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¨π³ China | 9615.11 | 0.0% (MFN) | Zero tariff for many grooming tools |
π Conclusion: The US tariff structure for low-value plastic combs is extremely competitive (0%). However, misclassification (e.g., declaring wood as plastic) can lead to severe penalties.
π Six, Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Wooden Comb as 9615.11.10.00 (Plastic)
π Consequence: Customs will reclassify, potentially apply higher base rates if applicable, or flag for fraud.
β Error 2: Ignoring the Unit Value Limit
π Consequence: If your plastic comb is $0.04/piece ($5.76/gross), you cannot use 9615.11.10.00. You must find a subheading for "Valued over $4.50" (e.g., 9615.19.40.00), which may have different tax rates.
β Error 3: Using "Hair Clip" or "Accessory" instead of "Comb" π Consequence: Wrong HS Code chapter (e.g., 71 for jewelry or 85 for electrical), leading to 100% delay and inspection.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Wide Tooth Hair Comb, Made of ABS Plastic, Unit Value $0.03 per piece, $4.32 per Gross, Model XYZ"
π― Seven, Conclusion: Precise Classification for Maximum Savings
π― Remember:
πΉ "Plastic Low-Value = 0% Duty" (
9615.11.10.00) πΉ "Other Materials Low-Value = 9.7Β’ + 1.3%" (9615.19.20.00) πΉ "Value Over $4.50 = Different Code!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing Plastic Wide-Tooth Combs at a low volume cost (<$4.50/gross), always declare as 9615.11.10.00 to enjoy 0% duty. For non-plastic combs, prepare for the specific + ad valorem tax.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Material & Unit Price before shipment. π Use Exact Description: "Plastic Comb, Wide Tooth, Valued β€$4.50/Gross". π Avoid Misclassification: Wrong code = Delayed Cargo + Penalties.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! πΌ Every Cent Saved Counts in Global Trade!
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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.