💇‍♀️ Comb Shape (Plastic/Animal/Hair Combs)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Combs"?

Combs, as essential personal care tools, are widely used in daily hairdressing, pet grooming, and industrial settings. In international trade, they are primarily classified based on their material and manufacturing process. The most common commercial item is the plastic comb, which falls under Chapter 39.

Key Classification Distinctions:
- Plastic Combs (Most Common): Made of cellulose acetate, polypropylene, ABS, etc. → HS 9615.
- Animal/Horn/Ivory Combs: Made from natural materials like tortoiseshell, horn, or ivory (restricted/prohibited) → HS 9615 (but with strict CITES/customs controls).
- Metal Combs: Made of stainless steel, titanium, etc. → HS 8214 (Cutlery/Hairdressing articles) or HS 7323 (if considered kitchenware-like, but usually 8214 for hairdressing).
- Wooden Combs: Made of bamboo, sandalwood, etc. → HS 4417 (Wooden brushes/combs) or HS 9615 (if processed similarly to plastic, but often 4417 is safer for pure wood).

⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the comb is plastic, horn, bone, wood, or bristle → It belongs to HS 9615.
- If the comb is metal (e.g., stainless steel fine-tooth comb) → It belongs to HS 8214.
- Ivory/Tortoiseshell items are subject to CITES restrictions and may be banned in some countries (e.g., US, EU, China).

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Key Reminder:
- Plastic combs are overwhelmingly classified under 9615.11.00.00 or 9615.19.00.00.
- Metal combs are often misclassified. If it’s a hairdressing tool made of metal, it may fall under 8214.20.00.00 (though this is more for scissors/razors, some customs accept metal combs here; however, 9615.90.00.00 is also commonly used for "other materials" including metal if not explicitly covered elsewhere. Check local customs practice).
- Wooden/Bamboo combs can be classified under 9615.90.00.00 or 4417.00.00.00. 9615.90.00.00 is generally preferred for finished combs.
- Ivory/Tortoiseshell combs: HS 9601 (Ivory) or 9602 (Tortoiseshell). Strictly regulated!

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Surcharges)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)

🎯 1. 9615.11.00.00 —— Combs, of hard rubber or plastics

📌 Explanation:
- "USITC Surtax 25%" comes from Section 301 of the US Trade Act;
- "IEEPA 10%" is the additional tariff imposed on Chinese goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act;
- Total 35%, which is a high tariff. Must be factored into pricing!

🎯 2. 9615.19.00.00 —— Other combs, of hard rubber or plastics

📌 Note:
- Same rate as above; applies to all plastic combs regardless of shape (wide-tooth, fine-tooth, round, etc.).
- De Minimis (Section 321) is not available for these goods.

🎯 3. 9615.90.00.00 —— Combs, of other materials (Wood, Horn, etc.)

📌 Note:
- Even wooden or bamboo combs face the same 35% surtax if from China.
- CITES Restrictions: If made from protected species (e.g., sandalwood, tortoiseshell), additional permits are required.

🎯 4. 8214.20.00.00 —— Metal Combs (if classified here)

📌 Note:
- Metal hairdressing tools also face the same surtaxes.
- Some customs brokers may classify metal combs under 9615.90.00.00 to simplify, but check with customs for accuracy.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)

✅ 1. Required Documents Checklist (All or Nothing)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)

🔥 “Material First, Shape Second, Name Specific, Tariff Clear!”

✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling

🌍 V. Global Main Market Customs Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with significant surtaxes (35%).
- China, EU, Japan, Australia have 0%~5% tariffs.
- Cost advantage: Consider non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, India) to avoid US surtaxes.

📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring "Comb" as "Hair Accessory" without material specification
👉 Consequence: Customs delays, potential penalty for incorrect classification.

❌ Error 2: Misdeclaring wooden comb as plastic
👉 Consequence: If checked, misdeclaration penalty + back taxes.

❌ Error 3: Importing tortoiseshell comb without CITES permit
👉 Consequence: Seizure, fines, and criminal charges in US/EU.

❌ Error 4: Combining electric hair tools with manual combs in one package without clear breakdown
👉 Consequence: Misclassification risk. Declare separately.

✅ Correct Practice:

“Plastic Hair Comb, 20cm, 50 teeth, PP Material, No Electric Components, Model ABC”

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Effective!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 “Material Dictates HS, Shape is Secondary. Plastic 35%, Wood 35%, Ivory is Illegal!”
🔹 “HS Code is Life, 35% Tariff is Pain, Declaration is Key, Penalty is Gain (for Customs)!”

📌 Tips:
- If your combs are originated from Vietnam, India, Indonesia, you may avoid US IEEPA/301 surtaxes, reducing tariff to 0%~5%.
- For children’s combs, ensure compliance with CPSIA (US) or EN71 (EU) for safety.
- Consider Advance Ruling if unsure about classification.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Let your combs clear customs smoothly, export efficiently, and boost profits!

✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Penny of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!