HS 960310 Brooms and brushes, consisting of twigs or other vegetable materials bound together, with or without handles
Quick Answer: Brooms and brushes consisting of twigs or other vegetable materials bound together, with or without handles, imported under HS 960310 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.70%, and the US with a range of rates from Free to 20% depending on the country of origin. This classification covers simple, natural fiber brooms and brushes, such as those made from straw, reeds, or palm leaves, often used for basic cleaning. Importers should verify the specific MFN (Most Favored Nation) duty rate for the US based on the product's origin, as preferential rates can significantly impact landed cost. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate customs declarations and duty payments.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9603100000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9603100000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9603100500 | 8% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9603103500 | 14% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9603105000 | 32¢ each | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 9603109000 | 10% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 960310 | — | — | — |
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 9603.10?
Imports of Brooms and brushes, consisting of twigs or other vegetable materials bound together, with or without handles 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 15 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?
What products does HS 960310 cover?
This subheading covers brooms and brushes where the cleaning or sweeping element is composed of twigs or other natural vegetable materials, such as straw, reeds, or palm leaves, bound together. These may be supplied with or without handles. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to Heading 9603 clarify that this category is distinguished by the natural vegetable material construction of the brush head, irrespective of whether a handle is attached. For example, a simple bundle of straw tied together for sweeping falls here.
What falls outside HS 960310?
The following products are excluded from HS 960310: brooms and brushes with bristles made from synthetic or animal hair (e.g., nylon, boar bristle), which are classified under HS 960321 or 960329. Also excluded are industrial brushes, cleaning implements with mechanical action, and decorative items not intended for cleaning. For instance, a paintbrush with synthetic bristles or a toilet brush made of plastic would not be classified here, but rather under their respective specific headings within 9603.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 960310?
A common error is misclassifying brooms and brushes made from synthetic materials or animal hair under this subheading. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If the primary material of the brush head is not natural vegetable matter, it will not meet the criteria for 960310. For example, a broom with plastic bristles, even if it resembles a natural broom, belongs elsewhere.
How should importers classify products under HS 960310?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 960310 involves a thorough examination of the product's construction. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the sweeping or cleaning element is exclusively made from twigs or other natural vegetable materials bound together. If a handle is present, its material is secondary to the composition of the brush head. Consulting the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU TARIC database, is crucial.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 960310?
A bundle of palm leaf brooms weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD would attract a US duty of $1.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is 3.0% × $50.00 = $1.50. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 960310.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 960310?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 960310, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, brooms and brushes of vegetable materials originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for a duty rate of Free, provided they meet the rules of origin. Documentation required to claim this preference typically includes a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate certificate of origin. Specific rules for other agreements like the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement may also offer preferential rates for originating goods.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 960310 (Brooms and brushes, consisting of twigs or other vegetable materials bound together, with or without handles)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 960310 can vary. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the standard MFN rate is 3.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties. For instance, goods from countries with specific trade agreements like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), or South Korea (KR) may enter duty-free (Free).
How is the import duty for HS code 960310 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of brooms made from vegetable materials valued at $10,000 is imported into the US with an MFN duty rate of 3.70%, the calculated duty would be $10,000 \times 0.0370 = $370.00. If the item also has a specific duty component (e.g., per unit), the total duty would be the higher of the ad valorem or specific duty, or a combination, depending on the tariff's structure.
What are the key classification criteria for HS code 960310?
The primary criteria for classifying goods under HS code 960310 are that the broom or brush must be constructed primarily from twigs or other natural vegetable materials. These materials are bound together to form the brush head. The presence or absence of a handle does not affect classification, as long as the brush head itself meets the material and construction requirements. Items made from synthetic fibers or animal hair would fall under different HS codes.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 960310?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 960310. Examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), Mexico (MX), and Singapore (SG), which often result in duty-free entry. Importers should always verify the specific preferential rate applicable based on the country of origin and the relevant trade agreement in effect for the importing country's tariff schedule (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods under HS code 960310?
While specific documentation can vary by importing country and the nature of the goods, standard requirements typically include a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. For goods claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin is usually mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or samples if customs authorities require verification of the vegetable material composition to confirm classification under 960310.