toothbrushes
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9603210000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603294090 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3306900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3306200000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603210000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πͺ₯ Toothbrushes & Oral Care Tools (ηι΄ε·γηηΊΏε·γηε·)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π One Product, Four Tariff Paths: Why Classification Matters
"Toothbrushes" are not just simple cleaning tools. In international trade, they are classified based on their specific structure and intended use. A simple "interdental brush" might fall under three different codes depending on how it is packaged and defined. Misclassification can lead to massive tariff differences (from 0.2Β’ to 35%) or even shipment detention.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Is it a standalone brush with a handle? β 9603.21 (17.5%)
- Is it a small, replaceable brush head or thread? β 9603.29 (Low ad valorem + specific fees)
- Is it part of a "dental preparation" or kit? β 3306 (High tax: 17.5% - 35%)
π¦ δΊγHS Code Classification Matrix (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Rate (Total) | Key Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
9603.21.00.00 |
Toothbrushes & Interdental Brushes (Stand-alone brushes) | 17.5% | Classified as "Brushes for human use." Matches the definition of "Toothbrushes" and "Interdental brushes" as standalone tools. |
9603.29.40.90 |
Interdental Brushes & Floss (Small brushes/Floss) | 0.2Β’/unit + 17% (7% + 10%) | Classified as "Other toilet brushes." Often applies to smaller interdental brushes or floss picks that don't fit the main "Toothbrush" definition. |
3306.90.00.00 |
Oral Hygiene Preparations/Tools (General dental care items) | 35.0% | Classified as "Other preparations for oral/teeth hygiene." Broad category for items not specifically defined as brushes or floss. |
3306.20.00.00 |
Dental Floss (Floss specifically) | 17.5% | Classified specifically as "Dental floss for cleaning teeth." Distinct from brushes. |
π° δΈγDetailed Tariff Breakdown (China Origin β US)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Applicable Policies: Section 301 Duties + IEEPA 122 Tariffs
π― 1. Path A: Standard Toothbrushes / Interdental Brushes
HS Code: 9603.21.00.00
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Duty | +7.5% |
| IEEPA 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis? | β NO (Below $800 de minimis does NOT apply to these HS codes from China). |
π Logic:
The summary states: "Interdental brushes, floss brushes, and toothbrushes belong to brushes for personal use... fully matching the category of toothbrushes and related oral care brushes."
This is the most common classification for standard manual toothbrushes.
π― 2. Path B: Small Interdental Brushes / Floss Picks
HS Code: 9603.29.40.90
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.2Β’ per each (Specific Rate) + 7.0% |
| Section 301 Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~7% + $0.002/unit + 10% IEEPA |
| Note | This path is often cheaper for low-cost, high-volume small brushes if the ad valorem portion is low. |
π Logic:
The summary states: "Interdental brushes and floss brushes belong to toilet brushes for the human body... falling under the 'Other' category, excluding hairbrushes."
This code is used when the item is considered a generic "toilet brush" rather than a specialized "toothbrush."
π― 3. Path C: General Oral Hygiene Preparations
HS Code: 3306.90.00.00
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Warning | Highest Tax! |
π Logic:
The summary states: "Interdental brushes belong to preparations/tools for oral or dental hygiene... matching the purpose definition of this code."
Use this only if the product is part of a complex kit or doesn't fit the strict "brush" definition. Avoid if possible due to high cost.
π― 4. Path D: Pure Dental Floss
HS Code: 3306.20.00.00
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Duty | +7.5% |
| IEEPA 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Note | Same rate as Path A, but specific to "Floss." |
π Logic:
The summary states: "Interdental brushes belong to tools for cleaning interdental spaces... matching the purpose definition of 'threads for cleaning teeth (dental floss)'."
If your product is purely thread/floss without a brush component, use this.
π οΈ εγCustoms Clearance Recommendations (Practical Guide)
β 1. Material Preparation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specifications | β | Must clearly define if it is a "brush" (handle + bristles) or "floss" (thread). |
| Photos (Clear View) | β | Show the brush head, handle, and packaging. If it's a mini-brush, highlight its size. |
| Commercial Invoice | β | Clearly state: "Manual Toothbrush" or "Interdental Brush" β NOT "Oral Hygiene Kit" (which triggers 35%). |
| Origin Certificate | β | Essential for IEEPA duty calculation. |
| USDA/FDA Compliance | β | If made of natural bristles (boar), check USDA rules. If plastic, standard FDA cosmetic rules may apply. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (How to Save Money)
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Manual Toothbrush | 9603.21.00.00 |
Best balance of clarity and tax (17.5%). |
| Mini Interdental Brushes (Small Heads) | 9603.29.40.90 |
May be lower cost if unit value is very low (0.2Β’ base). |
| Dental Floss Only | 3306.20.00.00 |
Specific for floss. |
| Toothbrush + Paste + Floss Kit | Risky | Likely to be classified as 3306.90 (35%). Do not bundle unless necessary. |
β 3. Critical Warnings & Pitfalls
π« Pitfall 1: Calling it "Oral Care Tool" in Packaging If your packaging says "Oral Hygiene Preparation" or "Dental Care Kit," customs may default to
3306.90.00.00(35%). Solution: Use precise terms: "Manual Toothbrush" or "Interdental Brush."π« Pitfall 2: Confusing "Brush" with "Floss" If you send floss but declare it as a brush, or vice versa, it may cause delays. Solution: Be precise. Floss =
3306.20. Brush =9603.21.π« Pitfall 3: Ignoring IEEPA 122 Tariffs All these codes from China are subject to the 10% IEEPA 122 tariff. Do not assume 0% base duty means 0% total tax.
π δΊγSummary: Which Code Should You Choose?
| Product Type | Best HS Code | Total Tax | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Toothbrush | 9603.21.00.00 |
17.5% | Direct match for "Toothbrush." |
| Interdental Brush (Small) | 9603.29.40.90 |
Low Unit + 17% | Consider if unit price is < $1. |
| Dental Floss | 3306.20.00.00 |
17.5% | Specific for floss. |
| General Oral Tool | 3306.90.00.00 |
35.0% | Avoid unless no other option. |
π Pro Tip:
Always declare the exact function. "Interdental brush" is better declared as9603.21(17.5%) than3306.90(35%) if it is a standalone brush.
Accuracy saves 17.5% in taxes!
π ε γFinal Checklist for Shippers
- Check Product Shape: Is it a brush with a handle? β
9603.21. - Check Material: Is it floss/thread? β
3306.20. - Check Packaging: Does it look like a "kit"? β Avoid
3306.90if possible. - Confirm Origin: China origin β Expect IEEPA 10% + Section 301 7.5% or 25%.
- Declare Clearly: Use "Toothbrush" or "Interdental Brush" in invoice description.
π― Conclusion:
For most standard toothbrushes and interdental brushes, the safest and most cost-effective classification is 9603.21.00.00 with a total tax of 17.5%.
Avoid 3306.90.00.00 (35%) unless the product is a complex preparation or kit that doesn't fit the brush definition.
π£ Action Step:
π Contact your customs broker to confirm if your specific "interdental brush" design qualifies for
9603.29(cheaper for very small items) or must stick to9603.21.
π Prepare clear photos showing the product structure to support your classification.
β¨ Precision in Classification = Profit in Your Pocket!
πΌ Don't let a 17.5% vs 35% difference ruin your margins!
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.