hair trimmer
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8510209000 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214906000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8510209000 | 39.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
✂️ Hair Trimmer (电动理发器/理发工具)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Hair Trimmers"?
Hair trimmers are grooming tools used for cutting hair. In international trade, they are categorized into two main types based on their power source and material:
Electric Hair Trimmers (电动理发器): Powered by a built-in motor, used for professional or home grooming. These fall under electrical appliances. Manual/Metal Hair Shears & Trimmers (理发剪/理发工具): Non-electric cutting tools, typically made of base metals (steel), used for precise trimming.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the device has a built-in motor or requires electricity/battery to operate → It is classified as an Electrical Appliance (HS 8510).
- If it is a passive cutting tool made of metal without any motor → It is classified as a Tool/Weapon of Base Metal (HS 8214).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are two primary classification pathways depending on the product's mechanism:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
8510.20.90.00 |
Electric Hair Trimmers | Electric shavers, hair clippers, beard trimmers with built-in motors | ✅ Has Motor (Electrical) |
8214.90.90.00 |
Other Articles of Base Metal (Hair Shears) | Non-electric scissors, shears, manual trimmers made of steel/metal | ✅ No Motor (Metal Tool) |
8214.90.60.00 |
Articles for Cutting (Base Metal) | Specific cutting tools for hair, made of base metal, no conflict | ✅ No Motor (Specific Metal Tool) |
🔍 Important Reminder:
- Electric vs. Manual: The presence of a motor is the decisive factor. If it plugs in or has a battery, it MUST go to 8510. Misclassifying an electric trimmer as a manual metal tool (8214) is a major compliance risk. - Material Consistency: For HS 8214, the primary material must be base metal (steel). If the housing is plastic but the blade is metal, it may still fall under 8214 if the cutting action is purely mechanical and non-electric.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Current rates apply (Section 301 + Section 122)
🎯 1. 8510.20.90.00 —— Electric Hair Trimmers (Electrical Appliances)
This classification attracts the highest tariff burden due to the "Electrical Appliance" category and specific trade restrictions.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Additional Tariff) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% (Additional Tariff for Specific Goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 39.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Eligible (High tax rate usually excludes small packages from de minimis benefits in strict interpretations, though policy varies, assume taxable) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:8510.20.90.00 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- Base 4%: Standard MFN rate for electric shavers/trimmers. - Section 301 25%: The most significant cost driver. All Chinese-origin electrical appliances in this list are subject to this additional duty. - Section 122 10%: An additional layer of surcharge often applied to specific consumer goods. - Total 39%: This is a heavy tariff. Importers must price accordingly or seek alternative sourcing.
🎯 2. 8214.90.90.00 —— Other Base Metal Articles (Manual Hair Shears/Trimmers)
For non-electric, metal-based cutting tools. Note the mixed duty structure (Specific + Ad Valorem).
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1.4¢ each + 3.2% (Specific + Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +0.0% (Exempt/Not Applicable for this subheading in some contexts, or included in base) Note: Data shows 0.0% additional surcharge here compared to 25% for electric |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 1.4¢/unit + 13.2% (3.2% base + 10% Sec 122) |
| Tax Calculation | (0.014 × Quantity) + (CIF Value × 13.2%) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ⚠️ Case-by-Case (Specific duties can complicate de minimis, but generally lower risk than high % rates) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:8214.90.90.00 → Section 122 |
📌 Note:
- The tariff is a combination of a fixed fee per unit and a percentage. - Section 301 (25%) appears to be 0.0% here, suggesting manual metal hair tools might be excluded from the harshest 301 list or fall under a different provision. Verify this with current USITC data as Section 301 lists are complex. - Section 122 10% still applies.
🎯 3. 8214.90.60.00 —— Articles for Cutting (Base Metal)
Another potential classification for metal hair cutting tools.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.2¢ each + 3.1% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +0.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 0.2¢/unit + 13.1% (3.1% base + 10% Sec 122) |
| Tax Calculation | (0.002 × Quantity) + (CIF Value × 13.1%) |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ⚠️ Case-by-Case |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:8214.90.60.00 → Section 122 |
📌 Note:
- This is the lowest tax burden option, but only if the product is strictly non-electric and made of base metal. - The per-unit cost (0.2¢) is negligible for high-volume items, but the 13.1% ad valorem rate is still significant.
🛠️ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (All are Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specs Sheet | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Electric" vs "Manual", voltage, material composition. |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Clear images showing the motor/battery compartment (if electric) or blade structure. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Describe accurately: "Electric Hair Trimmer, Model XYZ, 100-240V" or "Stainless Steel Hair Shears". |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Itemize units to calculate specific duties (for HS 8214). |
| ✅ Certifications | ✔️ | For Electric: FCC, UL, ETL. For Metal: Material Certificates (RoHS if applicable). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
🔥 “Electric is 8510 (39%), Manual is 8214 (13%+). Don’t Mix Them!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery-operated Trimmer | HS 8510.20.90.00 |
Declare as "Metal Scissors" (HS 8214) | Severe Penalty: Underpayment of 25%+ in duties, seizure, or audit. |
| Manual Steel Scissors | HS 8214.90.90.00 |
Declare as "Electric Device" (HS 8510) | Overpayment: Pay 39% instead of ~13%. Lose competitiveness. |
| Kit with Both | Split Declaration | Mixed Box Declaration | Delay: Customs will separate and assess each. Provide separate invoices if possible. |
✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/White Label | Ensure the invoice matches the physical product exactly. "Hair Trimmer" is too vague; use "Electric Hair Clipper". |
| Accessories Included | If batteries or blades are included, they are generally consumed by the main product. Do not split unless high value. |
| Plastic Housing, Metal Blade | If Non-Electric: Still HS 8214 (based on essential character/function). If Electric: HS 8510 (motor dictates classification). |
🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8510.20.90.00 (Elec) |
39% | FCC, UL | High Section 301 + 122 burden. |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 8214.90.90.00 (Metal) |
~13.2% + 1.4¢/ea | None typically | Lower duty if manual. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 8510.20.90.00 |
4% - 6% | CCC (if applicable) | Standard import duties. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 8510.10.00 / 8510.20.00 |
0% - 1.7% | CE, RoHS | No Section 301. Very favorable. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 8510.20.00 |
0% - 4% | UKCA, RoHS | Post-Brexit tariffs generally lower. |
📌 Conclusion:
- US Market is the most challenging due to the 39% total tariff for electric trimmers.
- EU/UK markets are highly competitive with near-zero tariffs for electrical goods.
- Strategic Advice: If shipping to the US, consider if manual tools (HS 8214) are viable alternatives to save ~25% in duties, though demand for electric is higher.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring an Electric Hair Trimmer as a "Metal Tool" (HS 8214) to avoid Section 301.
👉 Consequence: Customs will inspect, find the motor, reclassify to 8510, and charge back-duties + penalties. Risk Level: High.
❌ Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 surcharges.
👉 Consequence: Even if you think Section 301 doesn't apply, Section 122 (10%) might still hit you. Always calculate total landed cost.
❌ Error 3: Vague Description "Hair Clipper" without specifying power source.
👉 Consequence: Customs may hold the shipment for classification review, causing delay in clearance.
✅ Correct Approach:
"Electric Hair Trimmer, Lithium-ion Battery Powered, with Charging Case, Model H100, FCC ID: XYZ123"
OR
"Stainless Steel Hair Cutting Shears, Manual, Non-Electric"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Electric = 8510 = 39% Tax. Manual = 8214 = 13% Tax. Choose Wisely!"
🔹 "Motor defines the HS Code. Description must match Reality."
📌 Pro Tip:
For Electric Hair Trimmers entering the US, the 39% total duty significantly impacts profit margins. Consider:
1. Supplier Sourcing: Are there non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam) to avoid Section 301?
2. Product Mix: Can you bundle with lower-tariff accessories?
3. Pre-Ruling: Apply for a Customs Ruling to confirm the HS code before shipping large volumes.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify your product has a motor. If yes, expect 39% duty. If no, verify metal content for 13% duty.
🚀 Accurate Classification Saves Money. Avoid Customs Audits.
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Cost Efficiency Depends on These 2 Digits (85 vs 82)!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.