Wide tooth comb

💇‍♀️ Wide Tooth Comb (Hair-Combs & Accessories)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy

📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: Are You Using the Right Category?

The "Wide Tooth Comb" is a personal grooming accessory designed to detangle hair without causing breakage. In international trade, it falls under Heading 96.15 (Combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516).

However, not all combs are treated equally. The classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Material: Is it made of Hard Rubber or Plastics (e.g., celluloid, Bakelite, ABS)? 2. Unit Value: Is the value not over $4.50 per gross?

⚠️ Key Distinction: * If the comb is made of Wood, Metal, or Bone → It falls under different subheadings (e.g., 9615.19 or 9615.90) with different tax structures. * If the comb is Plastic/Rubber AND valued >$4.50 per gross → It falls under 9615.19.20.00 (Valued over $4.50). * If the comb is Plastic/Rubber AND valued ≤$4.50 per gross → It falls under 9615.11.10.00 (Valued not over $4.50).

Based on the provided , we are strictly analyzing Plastic/Hard Rubber Combs.

📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)

🔍 Important Clarification on <DATA>: The provided data lists 9615.19.20.00 with a tax structure that differs significantly from 9615.11.10.00. * 9615.11.10.00 is strictly for Plastic/Hard Rubber combs. * 9615.19.20.00 is generally for Other Materials (like wood or metal) under "Other" combs. * If your Wide Tooth Comb is PLASTIC, you MUST use 9615.11.10.10.00 (or 9615.11.10.00 as per data). Do NOT use 9615.19.20.00 for plastic combs, or you risk misclassification penalties.

💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US) ✅ Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on context of "surtax" in data) ✅ Effective Time: Current rates as per provided

🎯 1. 9615.11.10.00 —— Plastic/Rubber Combs (Valued ≤ $4.50/Gross)

📌 Explanation: * This is a highly favorable classification for low-value plastic grooming tools. * Zero Duty: There is no base tariff and no additional surtax applied to this specific subheading in the provided data. * Strategic Advantage: For bulk shipments of inexpensive plastic wide-tooth combs, this code offers maximum cost efficiency.

🎯 2. 9615.19.20.00 —— Other Combs (Non-Plastic) Valued ≤ $4.50/Gross

📌 Explanation: * This code applies to combs made of materials other than hard rubber or plastics (e.g., wood, metal, tortoiseshell) that are valued at $4.50 or less per gross. * Mixed Tax Structure: It combines a specific duty (9.7 cents per gross unit) with an ad valorem duty (1.3%). * No Surtax: Unlike high-tech goods, these traditional materials are not subject to the aggressive 25% or 10% IEEPA/301 surtaxes in this specific data snapshot.

🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)

✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Have Documents)

✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)

🔥 "Material First, Value Second, Name Specific!"

✅ 3. Special Considerations for Wide Tooth Combs

🌍 Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)

📌 Conclusion: The US tariff structure for low-value plastic combs is extremely competitive (0%). However, misclassification (e.g., declaring wood as plastic) can lead to severe penalties.

📌 Six, Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)

❌ Error 1: Declaring a Wooden Comb as 9615.11.10.00 (Plastic) 👉 Consequence: Customs will reclassify, potentially apply higher base rates if applicable, or flag for fraud.

❌ Error 2: Ignoring the Unit Value Limit 👉 Consequence: If your plastic comb is $0.04/piece ($5.76/gross), you cannot use 9615.11.10.00. You must find a subheading for "Valued over $4.50" (e.g., 9615.19.40.00), which may have different tax rates.

❌ Error 3: Using "Hair Clip" or "Accessory" instead of "Comb" 👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code chapter (e.g., 71 for jewelry or 85 for electrical), leading to 100% delay and inspection.

✅ Correct Declaration Example:

"Wide Tooth Hair Comb, Made of ABS Plastic, Unit Value $0.03 per piece, $4.32 per Gross, Model XYZ"

🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Precise Classification for Maximum Savings

🎯 Remember:

🔹 "Plastic Low-Value = 0% Duty" (9615.11.10.00) 🔹 "Other Materials Low-Value = 9.7¢ + 1.3%" (9615.19.20.00) 🔹 "Value Over $4.50 = Different Code!"

📌 Pro Tip: If you are importing Plastic Wide-Tooth Combs at a low volume cost (<$4.50/gross), always declare as 9615.11.10.00 to enjoy 0% duty. For non-plastic combs, prepare for the specific + ad valorem tax.

📣 Immediate Action:

📞 Verify Material & Unit Price before shipment. 📄 Use Exact Description: "Plastic Comb, Wide Tooth, Valued ≤$4.50/Gross". 🚀 Avoid Misclassification: Wrong code = Delayed Cargo + Penalties.

✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification! 💼 Every Cent Saved Counts in Global Trade!