HS 851020 Hair clippers

Quick Answer: Hair clippers imported under HS 851020 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.20%, and the US at 4% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This HS code specifically covers electric or battery-operated hair clippers, including those for professional use and personal grooming. Importers should be aware that the US also offers duty-free entry for hair clippers from certain Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partner countries, as detailed in USITC tariff data. According to CustomTariffs, understanding these varying rates and preferential treatments is crucial for optimizing import costs and ensuring compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8510200000 2.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8510200000 2.20 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
851020 — — —
8510209000 4% Free (17 programs) ["No."]
8510201000 4% Free (17 programs) ["No."]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8510.20?

Imports of Hair clippers may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 851020 cover?

This subheading covers electric hair clippers, designed for cutting hair. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these are typically handheld appliances with oscillating blades, powered by an electric motor, and are primarily used for personal grooming. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to devices specifically manufactured for the purpose of clipping human hair, distinguishing them from other cutting implements.

What falls outside HS 851020?

The following products are excluded from HS 851020: electric shavers (HS 851010), which are designed for shaving facial hair, and electric grooming tools for animals (often classified under HS 851090 or other headings depending on specific features). Also excluded are non-electric hair clippers, manual scissors, and industrial cutting machinery. Devices that combine hair clipping with other functions, such as vacuuming, may also be classified elsewhere based on their principal function.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 851020?

A common error is misclassifying electric shavers under HS 851020, or vice versa. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) for the interpretation of the Harmonized System states that goods consisting of different materials or components which cannot be classified by reference to GRI 3(a) shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. Importers may also incorrectly classify professional barber clippers, which might have different duty rates or specific subheadings depending on the jurisdiction.

How should importers classify products under HS 851020?

The correct procedure for classifying hair clippers under HS 851020 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and power source. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Explanatory Notes of the WCO. Verifying that the appliance is specifically designed for cutting human hair and is electrically powered is crucial for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851020?

A Philips Series 3000 Hair Clipper, weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $25.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 4.0% ad valorem, applied to the customs value: 4.0% × $25.00 = $1.00. This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 851020.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851020?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851020, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free duty for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from certain developing countries, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's requirements.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 851010 HS 851030 HS 851632 HS 851631 HS 854520 HS 851310

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 851020 (Hair clippers)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 851020, 'Hair clippers, other than for professional use', can vary by country. For example, the U.S. MFN rate is 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For instance, imports from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) may benefit from duty-free entry (Free).

How is the import duty for HS 851020 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS code 851020 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the U.S. MFN duty rate is 2.00% and you import hair clippers valued at $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.02 (duty rate) = $200. Some countries may also have specific excise duties or taxes applied in addition to the customs duty.

What are the key classification criteria for HS code 851020 (Hair clippers)?

HS code 851020 specifically covers 'Hair clippers, other than for professional use'. The primary distinction is between clippers intended for domestic/personal use versus those designed for professional barbers or groomers (which may fall under a different subheading or be classified based on their specific features and power). Key criteria include the motor power, blade size and adjustability, and intended market. Professional clippers often feature more powerful motors, wider blades, and features for continuous operation.

Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 851020?

Several trade agreements can impact the duty rates for HS code 851020. For example, the United States has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG) that often provide duty-free access for goods classified under this code. Importers should always verify the specific preferential status and origin requirements under the relevant trade agreement for their country of import and export.

What documentation is typically required when importing goods under HS code 851020?

When importing hair clippers under HS code 851020, standard import documentation is usually required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation; and a customs declaration. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under a free trade agreement. Safety certifications or compliance marks (e.g., CE marking for the EU, FCC for the US) might also be required to ensure the product meets local safety and electrical standards.