折叠牙刷
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9603210000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603294090 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🪥 Folding Toothbrush (Toothbrushes for Personal Use)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Compliance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Folding Toothbrush"?
A folding toothbrush is a manual oral hygiene tool designed for personal use, specifically engineered for portability by featuring a hinge mechanism that allows the brush head to fold into the handle. In international trade, it falls under the category of Toothbrushes within Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles).
Key Distinction:
- Manual vs. Electric: Must be hand-operated. If it contains batteries or motors, it is classified elsewhere (e.g., HS 8543 or 8509).
- Material: Typically made of plastic, bamboo, or wood handles with nylon/animal hair bristles.
- Function: Solely for cleaning teeth and oral hygiene.
⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- All folding toothbrushes for personal use are strictly classified under HS 9603.21 or 9603.29, depending on their value and specific composition.
- The "folding" mechanism does not change the fundamental nature of the product as a "toothbrush."
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
According to the provided data, there are two primary HS Codes for toothbrushes, distinguished by their value per unit.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Value Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9603.21.00.00 | Toothbrushes, including dental-plate brushes | Standard folding toothbrushes, travel toothbrushes, oral care brushes | No specific value limit mentioned in description, but typically the primary category |
| 9603.29.40.90 | Other: Valued not over 40¢ each | Low-cost promotional folding toothbrushes, budget travel sets | ≤ $0.40 per unit |
🔍 Key Insight:
- 9603.21.00.00 is the general code for toothbrushes.
- 9603.29.40.90 is a specific sub-category for low-value toothbrushes (≤ 40 cents).
- Importance of Value: The tax rate differs significantly. If your folding toothbrush is valued at $0.40 or less, it qualifies for the 0% tariff under 9603.29.40.90. If it is more than $0.40, it falls under 9603.21.00.00 with a 7.5% tariff.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detail (Including Additional Taxes)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Current rates as per provided data
🎯 1. HS Code 9603.21.00.00 — Standard Folding Toothbrushes
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/China) | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 7.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ No (Not eligible for Section 321 de minimis if additional taxes apply, depending on final US CBP ruling, but generally higher-value imports are scrutinized) |
| Legal Basis Path | HS:9603.21.00.00 → Tax: 0% Base + 7.5% Additional |
📌 Explanation:
- The basic tariff is 0%, which is favorable.
- However, the 7.5% additional tariff applies to Chinese-origin goods.
- Total cost impact: You must pay 7.5% of the CIF value in duties.
- Example: For a $1,000 shipment of folding toothbrushes, duty = $75.
🎯 2. HS Code 9603.29.40.90 — Low-Value Folding Toothbrushes (≤ 40¢/each)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ✅ Yes (Potentially eligible for Section 321 if under $800 per person per day, but this code itself has 0% duty) |
| Legal Basis Path | HS:9603.29.40.90 → Tax: 0% Base + 0% Additional |
📌 Explanation:
- This is the optimal classification for low-cost items.
- If your folding toothbrush is sold or valued at $0.40 or less per unit, the total tariff is 0%.
- Example: For a $1,000 shipment of folding toothbrushes valued at $0.30 each, duty = $0.
- Strategy: Ensure your commercial invoice clearly states the unit price is ≤ $0.40 to qualify.
🛠️ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Folding Toothbrush for Personal Use" and unit value (crucial for 9603.29.40.90) |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Show folding mechanism to confirm it’s a "toothbrush" and not a "miscellaneous tool" |
| ✅ Material Composition | ✔️ | e.g., "Nylon bristles, plastic handle" – to confirm no prohibited materials |
| ✅ Value Declaration | ✔️ | Must be ≤ $0.40 to qualify for 0% tariff under 9603.29.40.90 |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Include item count to verify unit value |
📌 Critical Tip:
- If the unit value is > $0.40, you must use 9603.21.00.00 and pay 7.5%.
- If the unit value is ≤ $0.40, you can use 9603.29.40.90 and pay 0%.
- Do not misdeclare a $1.00 toothbrush as $0.30 to avoid tax – this is fraud.
✅ 2. Declaration Strategy
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tariff | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folding toothbrush valued at $0.35 | 9603.29.40.90 |
0% | ✅ Declare unit price ≤ $0.40 |
| Folding toothbrush valued at $1.50 | 9603.21.00.00 |
7.5% | ✅ Declare unit price accurately |
| Electric folding toothbrush | ❌ Not in scope | N/A | ⚠️ Wrong Category – Check HS 8543/8509 |
| Toothbrush with non-toothbrush accessories (e.g., comb) | ❌ Mixed | Varies | ⚠️ May require separate classification for accessories |
🔥 Golden Rule:
"Value is King! Under 40 cents? 0% Tax! Over 40 cents? 7.5% Tax!"
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Bulk Wholesale (High Value) | Likely will exceed $0.40/unit. Use 9603.21.00.00 and budget for 7.5%. |
| Promotional Giveaways (Low Value) | If given away or valued at $0.10, use 9603.29.40.90 for 0% duty. |
| Set with Multiple Items | If sold as a set, the value is attributed to each item. Ensure each toothbrush’s share is ≤ $0.40. |
| Custom/Branded Brushes | Branding doesn’t change HS code. Focus on unit value and function. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 9603.21.00.00 or 9603.29.40.90 |
7.5% or 0% | None required | Critical: Unit value must be declared |
| 🇨🇳 China | 9603.21.00.00 |
0% - 5% | CCC (if applicable) | Domestic trade |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 9603.21.00 |
0% - 4% | CE (if electric) | Manual brushes have low duty |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 9603.21.00 |
0% - 4% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 9603.21.00 |
0% - 3% | None | Low duty for brushes |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US is the only market highlighted here with a specific additional tariff (7.5%) for standard toothbrushes.
- Strategy for US Market: If possible, design or price folding toothbrushes at ≤ $0.40/unit to qualify for 0% duty.
- Warning: If the product is part of a premium travel kit, it may not qualify for the low-value exemption, so expect 7.5%.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Declaring a $2.00 folding toothbrush as $0.30 to get 0% duty
👉 Consequence: Customs audit, fines, seizure, and potential blacklisting.
✅ Correct: Declare true value. If $2.00, use 9603.21.00.00 and pay 7.5%.
❌ Error 2: Misclassifying as "Other Brushes" (9603.29.90)
👉 Consequence: Incorrect classification may lead to delays or incorrect tax application.
✅ Correct: Always specify "Toothbrush" in the description.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring Unit Value in Commercial Invoice
👉 Consequence: Customs may reject the 0% tariff claim if unit value is unclear.
✅ Correct: Clearly state "Unit Value: $0.35" on the invoice.
❌ Error 4: Assuming "Folding" makes it a "Device"
👉 Consequence: Misclassification as electronics (HS 8543) if not careful.
✅ Correct: Emphasize "Manual," "Non-electric," and "Personal Use."
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Maximize Savings!
🎯 Remember the Key Rule:
🔹 "Under 40 Cents? 0% Tax! Over 40 Cents? 7.5% Tax!"
🔹 "HS 9603.21 for Standard, HS 9603.29.40 for Low-Value!"
📌 Pro Tip:
- If you are importing bulk promotional folding toothbrushes, negotiate with suppliers to keep the FOB value ≤ $0.40/unit to qualify for 0% US duty.
- For premium travel sets, budget for 7.5% duty under 9603.21.00.00.
- Always ensure your commercial invoice clearly states "Folding Toothbrush, Manual, Personal Use" and the exact unit value.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact your customs broker to verify the unit value threshold for your specific shipment.
📄 Prepare clear commercial invoices with accurate unit pricing.
🚀 Optimize your product pricing to stay under $0.40/unit if possible to save 7.5% in duties!
✨ Precise Classification Saves Money!
💼 Every cent counts 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) — 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.