dental floss pick
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9604000000 | 22.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3306909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦· Dental Floss Pick
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition: Do You Really Understand "Dental Floss Pick"?
A Dental Floss Pick is a small oral hygiene tool consisting of a handle (often plastic) with a loop of dental floss or filament stretched across it. It is designed for individual use, providing convenience over traditional spool-based floss.
In international trade, dental floss picks are categorized based on their material composition, packaging, and intended medical or hygienic use. Unlike generic plastic goods, they are often viewed as "hygiene appliances" or "dental aids."
Key Distinctions: - Individual Pick vs. Multi-pack: Single picks vs. boxes containing multiple units. - Floss Material: Nylon, PTFE, or waxed thread. - Handle Material: Injection-molded plastic (PP, ABS). - Packaging: Retail box (with branding) vs. bulk blister packs.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is purely hygienic (cleaning teeth) β HS 9602.00
- If it contains medicated floss (e.g., fluoride, antimicrobial) β May fall under HS 3006 (Pharmaceuticals) depending on formulation
- If sold as a part of a dental kit β Still generally 9602.00, but documentation matters
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authoritative Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Use Case | Material | Medicated? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9602.00.00.00 |
Dental Floss & Floss Picks (General) | Oral hygiene, plaque removal | Plastic handle + nylon thread | β No |
3006.40.00.00 |
Dental Floss with Medicinal Substances | Therapeutic oral care | Plastic handle + medicated thread | β Yes (e.g., Fluoride) |
3926.90.97.00 |
Other Plastic Articles (If no floss) | Empty handles or defective picks | Plastic only | β No |
8214.90.00.00 |
Manicure/Manicure Sets (If part of a set) | Personal grooming kits | Mixed materials | β No |
9018.90.00.00 |
Dental Instruments (If reusable metal) | Professional dental tools | Stainless steel | β No |
3926.90.97.00 |
Plastic Handles Only (Bare parts) | Manufacturing components | Plastic | β No |
π Key Note:
- Most standard dental floss picks (plastic handle + nylon floss) fall under9602.00.00.00.
- Medicated floss picks (with antimicrobial agents) may be classified under3006.40.00.00, which requires pharmaceutical import licenses in many countries.
- Do NOT classify as3307.90.00.00(Shaving prep) β this is incorrect and may lead to penalties.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (USA Import from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (with ongoing Section 301 tariffs)
π― 1. 9602.00.00.00 β Dental Floss Picks (Non-Medicinal)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% (List 4B, from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Section 301 Add-on | +10% (China-origin goods, from IEEPA:9903.01.25) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β Not Eligible (Section 301 goods are excluded from $800 de minimis) |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9602.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base tariff is 0% β dental floss is not heavily taxed under normal MFN rates.
- However, Section 301 tariffs apply:
- 7.5% under USITC List 4B (for consumer goods like hygiene products)
- 10% under IEEPA for China-origin goods
- Total: 17.5% β a moderate but significant cost factor.
π― 2. 3006.40.00.00 β Medicated Dental Floss Picks
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Section 301 Add-on | +10% (List 3, pharmaceuticals) |
| IEEPA Section 301 Add-on | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 20% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β Not eligible |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3006.40.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Medicated floss incurs higher tariffs due to pharmaceutical classification.
- Requires FDA approval or OTC monograph compliance for import into the US.
- Additional regulatory burden β expect longer clearance times.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Avoid Costly Mistakes)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Dimensions, floss length, material (PP handle, nylon thread) |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | Confirm no medicated substances (if claiming 9602) |
| β Product Photos (Packaged & Open) | βοΈ | Show handle, floss, branding |
| β FDA Registration (If Medicated) | βοΈ | Required for 3006.40.00.00 |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Dental Floss Pick, Non-Medicinal" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For tariff preference if applicable |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net weight, gross weight, units per box |
β 2. Classification Tips (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Non-medicinal = 9602, Medicinal = 3006, Plastic Handle Alone = 3926!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard plastic pick + nylon floss | 9602.00.00.00 |
3926.90.97.00 |
Underpayment penalty |
| Floss with fluoride | 3006.40.00.00 |
9602.00.00.00 |
FDA non-compliance |
| Empty plastic handles | 3926.90.97.00 |
9602.00.00.00 |
Overpayment risk |
| Reusable metal dental flosser | 8214.90.00.00 |
9602.00.00.00 |
Misclassification |
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Case | Strategy |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Provide client contract + design files to prove non-medicated status |
| Multi-packs (200 picks/box) | Declare as "Retail Packaging" β still 9602.00.00.00 |
| Travel-size picks (10/pack) | Same classification β no difference |
| Importing from Vietnam | Eligible for USMCA or ASEAN tariff reductions β apply for Form A |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9602.00.00.00 |
17.5% (Section 301) | FDA (if medicated) | Non-medicinal is easier |
| π¨π³ China | 9602.00.00.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | Low barrier |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9602.00.00.00 |
0% | CE (if medicated) | No Section 31 tariffs |
| π¬π§ UK | 9602.00.00.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9602.00.00.00 |
0% | PMDA (if medicated) | Strict on medicated |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9602.00.00.00 |
5% | TGA (if medicated) | Moderate cost |
π Key Insight:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 tariffs.
- EU, UK, Japan, Australia have 0% base tariffs β only regulatory compliance matters.
- Consider sourcing from Vietnam/Malaysia to bypass China-origin penalties.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Learn from Othersβ Mistakes)
β Mistake 1: Declaring medicated floss as non-medicinal
π Result: FDA seizure, fines, shipment return
β Mistake 2: Using "Plastic Toy" as product description
π Result: HS 9503 misclassification β 17.5% penalty + delay
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 301 for China-origin goods
π Result: Underpayment of 17.5% β retroactive tax + interest
β Mistake 4: Splitting declaration (handle + floss separately)
π Result: Higher combined tariff (3926 + 9602) β 35%+ effective rate
β Correct Declaration Example:
"DENTAL FLOSS PICKS, NON-MEDICINAL, PLASTIC HANDLE, NYLON FLOSS, RETAIL PACK OF 50, MODEL XYZ, FOR ORAL HYGIENE ONLY"
π― 7. Conclusion: Smart Compliance, Lower Costs, Faster Clearance!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Non-medicinal = 9602.00.00.00 (17.5% total)"
πΉ "Medicated = 3006.40.00.00 (20% + FDA)"
πΉ "Vacuum = Never split declaration!"
π Pro Tip:
If your dental floss picks are originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may qualify for lower or zero tariffs under ASEAN Free Trade Agreements or USMCA (if assembled there).
Apply for Certificate of Origin Form A/D to claim benefits.
π£ Immediate Action Steps:
π Contact a licensed customs broker
πΈ Provide clear product images + composition statement
π Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling if uncertainπ Let your dental floss picks clear smoothly, reduce costs, and boost profits!
β¨ Precision Classification Starts Here!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in international trade!
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.