非洲发梳
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9603294010 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603298010 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🇺🇸 African Hair Combs (Afro Pick Comb / Wig Cap Comb)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is an "African Comb"?
In international trade, "African Hair Combs" (often referred to as Afro Picks, Wig Caps, or Tail Combs) are specialized toiletry items designed specifically for textured, coiled, or curly hair types. They fall under the broad category of Toilet Brushes.
These products are generally categorized based on their unit value. This is the critical factor that determines the HS Code and, consequently, the duty rate.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the comb is valued not over 40¢ each → It falls under 9603.29.40.10
- If the comb is valued over 40¢ each → It falls under 9603.29.80.10📌 Valuation Note:
- "Value" typically refers to the Customs Value (CIF - Cost, Insurance, and Freight) per unit.
- Do not confuse "retail price" with "customs value." Customs value is usually the transaction value (price paid) plus freight and insurance allocated per unit.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Typical Use Case | Unit Value Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
9603.29.40.10 |
Hairbrushes: Valued not over 40¢ each | Economy picks, bulk wholesale items, simple plastic/wire combs, wig caps sold in multi-packs | ✅ ≤ $0.40 |
9603.29.80.10 |
Hairbrushes: Valued over 40¢ each | Premium picks, wooden/antique style, ergonomic designs, branded luxury combs, single high-value units | ✅ > $0.40 |
🔍 Important Reminder:
- Both codes fall under Chapter 96: Articles of apparel, clothing accessories, and parts thereof; brushes, painting pads and rollers, squeegees.
- Specifically, they are classified as Hairbrushes (even if they look like picks).
- Do not classify them as "plastic goods" (Chapter 39) or "metal articles" (Chapter 73/83). The function (toiletry/hair care) dictates the classification.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharge Policies)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN) (Assuming origin is China based on typical manufacturing hubs; adjust if from Vietnam/India)
✅ Effective Time: Current 2025/2026 Trade Policies
🎯 1. 9603.29.40.10 —— Hairbrushes: Valued Not Over 40¢ Each
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ YES (If value ≤ $800 per shipment) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 9603.29.40.10; No Footnotes Applicable |
📌 Explanation:
- This is a duty-free category for hairbrushes valued under $0.40.
- Unlike electronics or steel, brushes do not currently carry significant Section 301 or IEEPA surcharges in this specific subheading.
- Crucial: The low value threshold means bulk importers can import high volumes with zero tariff impact.
🎯 2. 9603.29.80.10 —— Hairbrushes: Valued Over 40¢ Each
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ YES (If value ≤ $800 per shipment) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 9603.29.80.10; No Footnotes Applicable |
📌 Note:
- Even premium, branded, or wooden combs valued over $0.40 are also duty-free in the US.
- This makes African combs a highly favorable product category for importers compared to other beauty tools (e.g., electric shavers or heated brushes).
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly state "Hairbrushes" or "African Hair Comb". Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Toy" or "Household Item." |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Itemize by type if mixing values (e.g., 1000x $0.20, 500x $0.50). |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Show the comb clearly. Ensure no misleading claims (e.g., "Heated" if it's not). |
| ✅ Value Declaration | ✔️ | Explicitly state the Unit Value per comb. This is critical for determining the correct HS subheading. |
| ✅ Material Declaration | ✔️ | Specify if plastic, wood, or metal. Helps customs verify the classification is correct. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 “Correct Name, Clear Value, Zero Duty, Easy Flow!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Approach | Incorrect Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Plastic Picks | Declare as "Hairbrushes, Plastic, Valued <$0.40/ea" | Declaring as "Plastic Toys" → Wrong Chapter, Penalties |
| Wooden Premium Combs | Declare as "Hairbrushes, Wooden, Valued >$0.40/ea" | Declaring as "Wooden Utensils" → Wrong Chapter |
| Mixed Shipment | Split lots if value ranges differ significantly | Mixing values without clear breakdown → Customs Query |
| E-commerce (Dropshipping) | Ensure invoice value per item is ≤ $800 for De Minimis | Over-declaring single-item value → Duty Assessment |
✅ 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Branded Comb | Even if branded, if unit value ≤ $0.40, it’s still 9603.29.40.10. If > $0.40, it’s 9603.29.80.10. Brand doesn’t change HS, only value might. |
| Comb with Accessories | If sold with a case or brush, declare the whole set as the principal item (Hairbrush). |
| Electric Hair Combs | ❌ NOT COVERED HERE. Electric combs fall under Chapter 85 (e.g., 8510.10.00). They have different duties and may require FCC/UL certification. |
| Wooden Comb Origin | If made of wood from restricted species (e.g., Ebony, Rosewood), ensure CITES compliance. Even if duty-free, illegal timber leads to seizure. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 9603.29.40.10 / 9603.29.80.10 |
0.0% | None usually required | Highly favorable; no surcharges. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 9603.29.40.10 / 9603.29.80.10 | Varies (0-10%) | N/A | Import duties may apply. Check latest Chinese HTS. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 9603.29.00 | 3.2% | CE (if plastic additives) | General NDR rate. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 9603.29.00 | 3.2% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 9603.29.00 | 5.0% | None | Standard border levy. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US market is the most advantageous for African hair combs due to the 0% tariff and lack of surcharges.
- Ensure the unit value is accurately declared to avoid classification disputes.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Misclassifying as "Plastic Articles" (Chapter 39)
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code (e.g., 3924.90) may carry different duties or regulatory requirements.
👉 Fix: Always use Chapter 96 for toiletry brushes, regardless of material.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the $0.40 Threshold
👉 Consequence: If you declare $0.50 combs as "< $0.40," customs may reassess and penalize.
👉 Fix: Accurately calculate CIF value per unit. If close to $0.40, consider if you can adjust pricing (legally) or accept the $0.40+ code.
❌ Mistake 3: Calling them "Toys"
👉 Consequence: May trigger CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) review if deemed a children's toy.
👉 Fix: Clearly label as "Toiletry Item" or "Hair Care Tool."
❌ Mistake 4: Forgetting CITES for Wooden Combs
👉 Consequence: Seizure if made from protected wood species.
👉 Fix: Provide proof of legal sourcing or use synthetic/alternative woods.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"Hairbrushes, African Style Pick, Plastic, Unit Value $0.25, Model ABC, For Personal Use Only"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Zero Duty, Fast Clearance!
🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:
🔹 "Under 40 Cents, Over 40 Cents, Both Zero Percent!"
🔹 "Call it a Brush, Not a Toy, Keep Your Paperwork Cool!"
🔹 "Electric? Go Chapter 85. Plain? Stay in Chapter 96!"
📌 Pro Tip:
- If importing electric African combs (e.g., heated styling combs), the HS Code changes to 8510.10.00 (Shavers). These may require UL/FCC certification and have different duties.
- For standard wooden/plastic picks, enjoy the 0% duty advantage in the US market.
- Pre-clearance Strategy: If shipping via e-commerce (De Minimis), ensure each package value is under $800 to avoid formal entry requirements.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify Unit Value Calculation: (Total CIF Value / Total Quantity)
🚀 Ensure Invoice Says "Hairbrushes", not "Comb" or "Pick" (to align with HTSUS description).
💼 Your clearance will be smooth, your costs low, and your profits high!
✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every cent saved in duty 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) — 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.