Y shaped Eyelash Fork
CN β USAI Analysis
π Y-Shaped Eyelash Fork (Eyelash Curler/Lift Tool)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Y-Shaped Eyelash Fork"?
The Y-Shaped Eyelash Fork is a specialized beauty tool used in the eyelash extension industry. It is typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or silicone and features a "Y" shaped split tip. Its primary functions are: 1. Separation: Isolating individual natural lashes to prevent them from sticking together during extension application. 2. Curling: Helping to hold the curl of natural lashes or extensions. 3. Lifting: Acting as a mini-eyelash curler for specific lifting techniques.
In international trade, it is classified based on its material and whether it is a "manual tool" or an "electrical appliance." Since most Y-shaped forks are manual, non-electric hand tools, they generally fall under Chapter 82 (Articles of Iron or Steel) or Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles), depending on the manufacturer's design intent and material composition.
β οΈ Key Distinction: - If made of Stainless Steel: Typically classified under 82.05 (Hand tools) or 82.06 (Miscellaneous articles of base metal). - If made of Plastic/Silicone: Typically classified under 96.03 (Brooms, brushes) or 39.26 (Plastic articles), but often grouped with cosmetic tools under 96.03.90. - Note: The US ITC and CBP have increasingly scrutinized beauty tools. The most common and defensible classification for professional steel lash tools is 82.05.50 or 96.03.90.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
8205.59.00.00 |
Other hand tools (including glaziers' diamonds) | Professional stainless steel lash forks, tweezers, pliers | Stainless Steel |
9603.90.80.00 |
Brooms, brushes... other articles... | Plastic/silicone lash brushes, hybrid tools, cosmetic applicators | Plastic/Silicone |
9603.90.50.00 |
Other articles... (Cosmetic/Toilet brushes) | Specific cosmetic brush-like lash tools | Plastic/Metal |
8206.00.00.00 |
Sets of articles of base metal | Kits containing multiple lash tools (forks + tweezers) | Mixed Base Metal |
3926.90.99.00 |
Other articles of plastics | Low-cost, single-use plastic lash separators | Plastic |
π Important Reminder: - Most Professional Y-Forks are Steel: If the tool is rigid, metallic, and used for precise manipulation (like tweezers), 82.05.59.00.00 is the most accurate and commonly accepted HS Code by CBP for "hand tools." - Plastic/Silicone Tools: If itβs a soft, flexible, or brush-like tool, 96.03.90.80.00 is more appropriate. - Do NOT classify as "Part of Apparatus": These are standalone manual tools, not parts of a machine.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharge & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8205.59.00.00 ββ Stainless Steel Y-Shaped Fork (Hand Tool)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.4% (General) / 0% (if under specific HTS provisions, but unlikely for China) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% (Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Against China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | ~38.4% (if base is 3.4%) or ~35% (if base is 0%) |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8205.59.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation: - Base Rate: Under HTSUS 82.05, the general rate is often 3.4% for hand tools. However, some specific subheadings may have lower rates. - Section 301: The 25% tariff applies to most steel articles from China. - IEEPA: The additional 10% applies to Chinese-origin goods. - Total Impact: High tariffs make this category expensive for Chinese exports.
π― 2. 9603.90.80.00 ββ Plastic/Silicone Lash Fork (Cosmetic Tool)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 3.4% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25% (Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Against China/HK products) |
| Total Rate | ~38.4% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9603.90.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note: - Even though itβs a "cosmetic tool," plastic articles from China are also subject to Section 301 tariffs if they fall under specific headings. 96.03 is generally not exempt from 301 tariffs. - Total Rate remains high due to combined tariffs.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Missing Items Not Allowed)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the Y-shape tip, material (steel/plastic), and overall look. |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Prove if itβs stainless steel (304/316) or plastic. Critical for HS Code. |
| β Function Description | βοΈ | "Manual hand tool for separating eyelashes in extension procedures." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Eyelash Fork, Manual, Stainless Steel" or similar. |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Pre-agreed HS Code (e.g., 8205.59.00.00) with justification. |
| β Country of Origin | βοΈ | Must be clearly marked "Made in China" or equivalent. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material First, Function Second, Name Precise, Tariff Lower!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel Fork | 8205.59.00.00 - "Hand Tool: Stainless Steel Eyelash Fork" |
Call it "Cosmetic Brush" β Risk of misclassification. |
| Plastic/Silicone Fork | 9603.90.80.00 - "Cosmetic Tool: Plastic Lash Separator" |
Call it "Hand Tool" β Incorrect Chapter 82 vs 96. |
| Kit with Multiple Tools | 8206.00.00.00 - "Set of Base Metal Tools" |
Declare as single item β Higher duty, no kit benefit. |
| Raw Steel Wire (Unfinished) | 73.26.90.89.00 - "Other Articles of Iron/Steel" |
Declare as finished tool β Penalty for misdeclaration. |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label | Provide brand authorization if using a trademark. Avoid "No Brand" if it triggers stricter scrutiny. |
| Mixed Materials | If steel tip + plastic handle, classify based on the essential character (usually steel). |
| Gift Sets | If included in a larger beauty kit, declare the whole kit under the principal itemβs HS Code. |
| Small Quantity (De Minimis) | β Do Not Rely on De Minimis: Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs apply to all entries, regardless of value (no $800 exemption). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8205.59.00.00 |
~38.4% (Steel) / ~38.4% (Plastic) | No specific | High tariffs due to 301+IEEPA. |
| π¨π³ China | 82.05 or 96.03 |
5-10% | N/A | Low import duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 82.05 or 96.03 |
3.9-6.0% | CE (if plastic) | Lower tariffs, no 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 82.05 or 96.03 |
3.9-6.0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules similar to EU. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 82.05 or 96.03 |
3.4-6.0% | PSE (if electrical) | Generally favorable. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the hardest market for Chinese beauty tools due to cumulative tariffs. - EU/UK/Japan offer much lower tariff burdens. - Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Vietnam or Thailand) if exporting to the US to avoid high tariffs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a steel lash fork as a "Plastic Cosmetic Brush" π Consequence: Misclassification. CBP may reclassify it to Chapter 82, leading to back taxes + penalties.
β Error 2: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies π Consequence: Seizure or heavy fines. Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs apply to all shipments from China, regardless of value.
β Error 3: Using vague terms like "Beauty Tool" π Consequence: Customs may assign a higher duty rate or hold the shipment for inspection. Be specific: "Stainless Steel Eyelash Fork."
β Error 4: Ignoring Material Composition π Consequence: If itβs a mix of steel and plastic, misdeclaring it as all-plastic leads to penalties. Essential character must be determined.
β Correct Practice:
"Manual Stainless Steel Y-Shaped Eyelash Fork, Used for Separating Lashes in Extension Procedures, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Steel is Chapter 82, Plastic is 96.03. US Tariffs are High, 301 + IEEPA Apply. No De Minimis for China!"
πΉ "Name It Right, Prove Itβs Hand Tool, Avoid Penalties, Keep Margins High!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Y-shaped fork is made in Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff and only pay the base rate + IEEPA (if applicable).
Consider Advance Ruling from CBP if shipping large volumes to the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide material specs + Apply for HS Code Pre-ruling
π Let your eyelash forks clear smoothly, legally, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent counts in beauty exports!
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.