Folding Comb

🧳 Folding Comb (Portable Personal Care Tool)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know a "Folding Comb"?

A Folding Comb is a portable personal grooming accessory, typically designed for travel or compact storage. It consists of a handle and teeth, hinged or telescopic to allow folding. In international trade, classification depends heavily on material composition (wood/bamboo vs. plastic) and specific design (hair styling vs. general use).

⚠️ Key Distinction Points:
- If the material is Wood/Bamboo (natural or processed) → Classified under Chapter 44 (Wood).
- If the material is Plastic/Hard Rubber → Classified under Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles).
- Crucial Note: Do not assume all combs are the same. The duty rate varies significantly (10% vs. 38.3%) based on this single factor.

📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authorized Comparison)

Based on the provided data, here are the four potential classifications for "Folding Combs":

🔍 Important Reminder:
- Wood/Bamboo Combs (4421 series) attract higher tariffs due to trade restrictions (Section 301 + Section 122).
- Plastic/Hard Rubber Combs (9615 series) generally enjoy lower tariffs (0% base), but still face Section 122 tariffs.
- Do not misdeclare a plastic comb as wood to avoid penalties, or vice versa.

💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Current policies apply (Section 301 & Section 122)

🎯 1. 4421.91.98.80 — Wood/Bamboo Articles (Folding Comb)

📌 Explanation:
- This classification assumes the comb is made of wood or bamboo.
- It suffers from multiple layers of tariffs: Base (3.3%) + Trade War (25%) + New Section 122 (10%).
- Result: A high-cost item for importers.

🎯 2. 4421.99.98.80 — Other Wood Articles (Non-Specific)

📌 Note:
- Similar to 4421.91, this code applies to "other" wood articles not elsewhere specified.
- The 38.3% total duty remains the same. Misclassification here can lead to audits if material evidence is lacking.

🎯 3. 9615.11.50.00 — Hair Combs (Plastic/Hard Rubber)

📌 Explanation:
- Significant Cost Savings: Base and Section 301 tariffs are 0%.
- Only the Section 122 10% tariff applies.
- Ideal for plastic folding combs. Ensure material is clearly plastic.

🎯 4. 9615.11.40.00 — Other Hair Combs (Plastic/Hard Rubber)

📌 Note:
- Slightly higher base duty (5.3%) than 9615.11.50.
- Still much cheaper than wood/bamboo options.
- Use this if 9615.11.50 is deemed inapplicable to your specific design.

🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice

✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)

✅ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)

🔥 "Material First, Code Second, Avoid 38%, Aim for 10%!"

✅ 3. Special Considerations

🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for folding combs due to Section 301 & 122.
- Plastic combs are 3x cheaper to import than bamboo ones in the US.
- If you are importing bamboo combs, the 38.3% tariff is unavoidable for Chinese origin.

📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring a plastic comb as wood to avoid Section 301?
👉 Consequence: False declaration → Fines, Seizure, Blacklist.

❌ Mistake 2: Declaring a wood comb as plastic?
👉 Consequence: Customs inspection reveals wood grain → Retroactive Taxes (38.3% - 10% = 28.3% difference) + Penalties.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122.
👉 Consequence: Even if Base + 301 are 0% (for plastic), forgetting Section 122 means you underpay 10%.

✅ Correct Practice:

"Folding Pocket Comb, Material: 100% ABS Plastic, Origin: China, HS Code: 9615.11.50.00"

🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Lower Costs!

🎯 Remember the Mantra:

🔹 "Plastic = 10% Total (Save Big!)"
🔹 "Bamboo/Wood = 38.3% Total (Prepare Cash!)"
🔹 "Section 122 Hits Everyone!"

📌 Pro Tip:
- If you are a dropshipper or small importer, choose plastic folding combs to minimize duty costs.
- If your product is luxury bamboo, factor in the 38.3% duty in your pricing model.
- Always match the physical material to the HS Code.

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Verify material with supplier → Choose 9615 for plastic → Declare accurately → Clear customs smoothly!
🚀 Don’t let 28% tax difference eat your profit!

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every dollar saved in duty is pure profit!