folding toothbrush
CN β USAI Analysis
πͺ₯ Folding Toothbrush (Compact Travel Hygiene Tool)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly is a "Folding Toothbrush"?
A folding toothbrush is a compact oral hygiene device designed primarily for travel or space-saving purposes. It features a handle that hinges or slides to allow the brush head to be stored within or aligned with the handle, often protected by a cap or locking mechanism.
In international trade, classification depends heavily on material composition and intended use:
Plastic Folding Toothbrushes: The most common type, made entirely or primarily of plastic. These fall under electrical/non-electrical household articles. Metal/Folding Toothbrushes: Made of stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals. These are classified as metal household articles. Electric Folding Toothbrushes: Rare, but if it contains a motor/battery for vibrating heads, it is classified as an electrical appliance.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If made of plastic β Typically classified under 9603 (Brooms, brushes) or 3926 (Plastic articles) depending on specific design nuances, but usually 9603.29 or 9603.90.
- If made of metal β Classified under 7324 (Sanitary ware of iron/steel) or 7615 (Aluminum household articles).
- Most Common: Plastic folding toothbrushes are predominantly classified under Chapter 96.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Primary Material |
|---|---|---|---|
9603.29.90.00 |
Toothbrushes, other than brush bodies (includes folding plastic ones) | Standard plastic folding toothbrushes for travel | β Plastic |
9603.90.80.00 |
Parts of brooms, brushes, paint pads, and other articles | Replacement brush heads only (if sold separately) | β Plastic/Mixed |
8509.40.00.00 |
Electric toothbrushes (if motorized/folding) | Electric folding toothbrushes with batteries | β Electrical |
7324.90.00.00 |
Sanitary ware of iron or steel (e.g., stainless steel folding toothbrush) | Premium metal folding toothbrushes | β Metal |
7615.19.00.00 |
Aluminum household articles, non-coated | Lightweight aluminum folding toothbrushes | β Metal |
3926.90.97.00 |
Other articles of plastic | Non-brush plastic components or novelty items | β Plastic |
π Critical Reminder:
- Most standard plastic folding toothbrushes are classified under9603.29.90.00(Toothbrushes, other than brush bodies).
- Electric versions must go under8509.40.
- Metal versions go under Chapter 73/76.
- Do not misclassify as "personal care appliances" if non-electric; this triggers higher duties and inspection delays.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9603.29.90.00 ββ Plastic Folding Toothbrushes (Non-Electric)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% (Standard Footnote for Chapter 96 items not on exemption list) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Against China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 23.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis for Section 301/IEEPA items) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9603.29.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:301.9603 |
π Explanation:
- The base duty for toothbrushes is 5.6%.
- Section 301 Tariff (+7.5%) applies to most Chinese-made plastics and household goods.
- IEEPA Surcharge (+10%) is newly enforced for China-origin goods.
- Total Effective Rate: 23.1%. This is a significant cost increase for low-value items like toothbrushes.
π― 2. 8509.40.00.00 ββ Electric Folding Toothbrushes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:8509.40.00.00 |
π Note:
- Electric toothbrushes face similar surcharges.
- High-value items absorb the percentage better than low-value travel toothbrushes, but the percentage burden remains high.
π― 3. 7324.90.00.00 ββ Metal Folding Toothbrushes (Stainless Steel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.7% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π Note:
- Metal household goods from China are subject to the same surcharges.
- Premium positioning may justify the cost, but volume importers must account for this.
π οΈ Part 4: Practical Clearance Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Missing Items = Delays)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material (Plastic/Metal/Electric), dimensions, folding mechanism type |
| β Product Photos (Closed & Open) | βοΈ | Clear view of brush head, hinge, and packaging |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Folding Toothbrush, Plastic, Non-Electric" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If non-China origin, may qualify for reduced rates |
| β FDA Registration (If Applicable) | βοΈ | Toothbrushes are Class I medical devices; ensure FDA establishment registration |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailed count, net/gross weight, packaging type |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material First, Function Clear, No Hidden Electronics, Avoid 'Appliance' Label!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Folding Toothbrush | 9603.29.90.00 - "Plastic Folding Toothbrush" |
Labeling as "Personal Care Appliance" β Triggers 301/IEEPA + Higher Base |
| Electric Folding Toothbrush | 8509.40.00.00 - "Electric Toothbrush" |
Omitting "Electric" β Customs may classify as plastic β Penalty |
| Metal Folding Toothbrush | 7324.90.00.00 - "Stainless Steel Toothbrush" |
Labeling as "Plastic" β Misdeclaration, fines |
| Replacement Brush Heads | 9603.90.80.00 |
Labeling as "Whole Toothbrush" β Incorrect duty application |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/ODM Private Label | Provide OEM agreement to prove brand ownership, avoid counterfeit flags |
| Combined Kits (Toothpaste + Brush) | Declare separately if possible. Toothpaste may have different classification/duty |
| Biodegradable Materials | Provide material safety data sheet (MSDS) if claiming eco-friendly status for marketing |
| Sample Shipments | Even for low-value samples, if from China, de minimis exemption (Section 321) is VOID for Section 301/IEEPA items. Tax still applies! |
π Part 5: Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.29.90.00 |
23.1% | FDA Reg + CPC (if child) | High surcharges. No de minimis for 301/IEEPA. |
| π¨π³ China | 9603.29.00.00 |
5% | CCC (if electrical) | Standard duty. No surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9603.21.00.00 |
3.2% (MFN) + Anti-dumping? | CE + REACH + CPNP | Check for anti-dumping on Chinese plastics. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9603.21.00.00 |
3.2% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9603.21.00.00 |
5% | TGA (if medical claim) | Low base duty. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9603.21.00.00 |
4.0% | PSE (if electrical) | Moderate base duty. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most challenging market due to 23.1% effective duty on plastic toothbrushes.
- EU/UK/AU/JP have much lower base duties but require strict chemical compliance (REACH, etc.).
- Volume importers to the US must factor in the 23.1% landed cost increase or seek exemptions/pre-rulings.
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood-Stained Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Treating plastic toothbrushes as "General Household Goods" without checking Section 301/IEEPA
π Consequence: Underpayment by ~17.5% β Back taxes + penalties + interest!
β Mistake 2: Declaring electric toothbrushes as "Plastic Brushes"
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies β Higher duty + delay + potential fraud investigation
β Mistake 3: Assuming "De Minimis" ($800) exemption applies to small packages from China
π Consequence: Wrong! Section 301 and IEEPA surcharges DO NOT QUALIFY for de minimis exemption. Tax is due even for small gifts/business samples.
β Mistake 4: Omitting FDA registration info for plastic toothbrushes
π Consequence: FDA hold at port β Detention, destruction, or return of goods
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Folding Toothbrush, Non-Electric, Travel Size, Brand XYZ, FDA Registered Facility #12345, HS 9603.29.90.00"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Classification, Save Costs, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Brush 9603, Metal 7324, Electric 8509. Never Assume De Minimis for China!"
πΉ "Tariff is 23% in US, 5% in China. Declare Accurately to Avoid Fines!"
π Pro Tip:
If your toothbrushes are originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may exempt from IEEPA/Section 301 surcharges, reducing the US tariff to 5.6% (base only).
Consider supply chain diversification for high-volume US exports.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Material Specs + Verify FDA Status
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Maximize Margins, and Comply with 2026 Regulations!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Duty Saved is Pure Profit!
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.