face painting
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3304995000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3304910050 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 330499 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 321390 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π¨ Face Painting & Temporary Artistic Cosmetics (Temporary Skin Decoration)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π 1. Product Definition: What Exactly is "Face Painting"?
Face painting, in the context of international trade and customs classification, refers to temporary artistic or decorative preparations applied to the skin. This is distinct from permanent makeup or standard medical dermatological treatments.
The core distinction lies in the duration and purpose: * Temporary Decorative/Artistic: Intended for festivals, theater, parties, or artistic expression. These are often non-toxic, water-based, and wash off easily. * Standard Cosmetic (Make-up): Intended for daily beauty enhancement (e.g., foundation, lipstick).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is explicitly marketed and used for temporary artistic application (e.g., non-toxic face paints for kids' events, theatrical masks), it may fall under specific artistic preparation codes or general cosmetic codes depending on composition.
- If it is a standard beauty cosmetic (e.g., face foundation, blush), it falls under Chapter 33 (Essential Oils and Perfumery; Toilet Preparations).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, we have four potential classifications. However, two entries returned "Failed to retrieve tax information", which poses a significant risk for customs valuation. We must prioritize the codes with clear tax data for duty calculation.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|
3304.99.50.00 |
Beauty/make-up/skin care preparations; Other; Other; Other | Standard face paints, decorative creams, non-medicated skin tints. Most common for commercial face painting kits. | β Clear: 25.0% Total |
3304.91.00.50 |
Beauty/make-up/skin care preparations; Powders, whether or not compressed | Compressed face paint palettes, powder foundations. | β Clear: 0.0% Total |
3304.99 |
Other cosmetic or toilet preparations, not elsewhere specified... including face paints intended for temporary application | General Category for temporary face paints. | β Error: Tax Info Missing |
3213.90 |
Other preparations for treatment/preservation of materials, including non-toxic, water-based face paints | Artistic/Industrial Hybrid. Specifically mentions "non-toxic, water-based face paints used for artistic or decorative facial application." | β Error: Tax Info Missing |
π Key Insight:
-3304.91.00.50(Powders) is the most tariff-friendly option if your face paint is in compressed powder form (e.g., palettes).
-3304.99.50.00(Other) is the standard classification for creams, gels, or loose powders not compressed. It carries a 25% tariff.
-3304.99and3213.90are risky due to missing tax data. Using them may lead to manual assessment delays or incorrect duty estimation. Avoid using these for initial clearance unless verified by a local broker.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detail (Including Surcharge & Policy Surcharge)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025
π― 1. 3304.91.00.50 ββ Compressed Powders (Best Case Scenario)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (if under $800) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3304.91.00.50 |
π Explanation:
- If your face paints are compressed into pans (like eyeshadow or blush), they qualify for 0% duty.
- This is significantly cheaper than liquid/cream variants.
π― 2. 3304.99.50.00 ββ Other Preparations (Creams, Gels, Loose Powders)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +0% (Note: Data shows 25% total, implying only USITC applies or combined effect is 25%) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (if subject to Section 301 tariffs) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3304.99.50.00 |
π Explanation:
- Liquid, cream, or stick face paints fall here.
- 25% tariff is high. This includes the 25% Section 301 surcharge on Chinese goods.
- No IEEPA 10% is listed in the data for this specific code, so we stick to the provided 25.0%.
β οΈ 3. 3304.99 & 3213.90 ββ Unverified Codes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Tax Status | Error / Failed to Retrieve |
| Risk Level | π΄ High |
| Recommendation | Do not use for automated customs clearance. Requires manual broker intervention. |
π Risk:
- If you declare under3213.90hoping for a lower rate, customs may reject it because tax data is unavailable, leading to hold-ups or audits.
- Even if3213.90describes "non-toxic, water-based face paints," the lack of tax data makes it unusable for quick clearance.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: "Water-based," "Non-toxic," "For temporary artistic use only." |
| β Ingredient List | βοΈ | Prove it contains no medicinal ingredients (e.g., no antibiotics, no steroids). If it does, itβs a drug, not cosmetics. |
| β Photos of Product & Packaging | βοΈ | Show texture: Cream vs. Powder. This determines HS Code (3304.99 vs 3304.91). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for cosmetics entering the US. Proves non-hazardous. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Face Paint for Artistic Decoration, Not Medicinal." |
| β FDA Registration | βοΈ | All cosmetics sold in the US must be registered with FDA (Voluntary Facility Registration). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ βCream is 25%, Powder is 0%, Artistic Use is Key!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Duty Rate | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressed Face Paint Palette | 3304.91.00.50 |
0% | Classified as "Powders, whether or not compressed." |
| Liquid/Cream Face Paint Tube | 3304.99.50.00 |
25% | Classified as "Other" preparations. |
| Loose Face Paint Powder | 3304.99.50.00 |
25% | Unless compressed, loose powder may be considered "Other" rather than "Compressed." Check with broker. |
| Medicated Face Paint (e.g., Anti-fungal) | β Not Applicable | Varies | Classified as Drug (Chapter 30), not Cosmetic. Requires FDA approval. |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Kit with Both Powder and Cream | De Minimis Risk: If shipped together, customs may split the value. Declare separately if possible, or use the highest duty rate for the whole kit if inseparable. |
| "Professional" vs. "Kids" Use | Irrelevant to HS Code. Both are cosmetics. However, "Non-toxic" claim helps avoid safety inspections. |
| Sample Shipments (<$800) | If using 3304.91.00.50 (0% duty), samples may enter duty-free under Section 321 (De Minimis). If using 3304.99.50.00 (25% duty), samples are still subject to duty unless specifically exempted. |
| Misclassification Risk | Do not declare face paint under 3213.90 (Artistic Materials) if it clearly meets the definition of cosmetic (3304). Customs may reclassify and charge back taxes + penalties. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3304.91.00.50 (Powder) / 3304.99.50.00 (Other) |
0% / 25% | FDA Cosmetic Registration | High scrutiny on "Non-toxic" claims. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3304.99 (General) |
6.5% | EC 1223/2009 Compliance | Requires Responsible Person in EU. |
| π¨π³ China | 3304.99 |
Varies | NMPA Filing | Strict regulations on "Special Use" cosmetics. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3304.99 |
6.5% | UKCA Marking | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex due to Section 301 tariffs.
- Powder forms are the only way to achieve 0% duty in the US.
- Cream/Liquid forms suffer a 25% penalty.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring cream face paint as "Powder" (3304.91)
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals liquid/cream content β 25% duty + penalties.
β Error 2: Using 3213.90 for tax avoidance
π Consequence: Tax data missing β Customs hold β Delays of 2-4 weeks β Customer complaints.
β Error 3: Not disclosing "Non-Toxic"
π Consequence: FDA may flag as "Unsafe Cosmetic" β Seizure.
β Error 4: Mixing medicinal ingredients
π Consequence: Classified as Drug β Illegal sale without FDA NDA β Fines.
β Correct Approach:
"Face Paint, Water-Based, Non-Toxic, For Temporary Artistic Use Only. Form: Compressed Powder Palette. FDA Registered."
π― 7. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Powder is Free, Cream is Costly!"
πΉ "Artistic, Not Medicinal, Non-Toxic is Key!"
πΉ "Avoid Unverified Codes (3304.99/3213.90)!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing from China to the US, reformulate or repack as compressed powder to save 25% on duty. If liquid is required, budget for the 25% surcharge. Always use the verified HS Codes (3304.91.00.50 or 3304.99.50.00) for smooth clearance.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed US Customs Broker for Pre-Ruling if unsure about product form.
π Ensure FDA Cosmetic Facility Registration is active before shipment.
π Optimize your product form (Powder vs. Cream) to maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Your cost efficiency depends on the right HS Code!
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.