HS 960321 Toothbrushes, shaving brushes, hairbrushes, nail brushes, eyelash brushes and other toilet brushes for use on the person, including such brushes constituting parts of appliances
Quick Answer: Toothbrushes, shaving brushes, hairbrushes, nail brushes, eyelash brushes, and other personal toilet brushes, including those that are parts of appliances, imported under HS 960321 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.70%, and the US at a rate of Free, 2¢ each + 50%. This classification covers a range of brushes designed for personal grooming and hygiene. Importers should be aware of the specific duty rates and potential additional charges, particularly in the United States. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying the exact tariff for each importing country to ensure accurate declaration and duty payment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9603210000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9603210000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9603210000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 960321 cover?
This subheading covers toothbrushes, including electric toothbrushes and their replacement heads, as well as shaving brushes, hairbrushes, nail brushes, eyelash brushes, and other toilet brushes specifically designed for personal grooming. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these brushes are characterized by their bristles or similar material and are intended for direct application to the person. This also includes brushes that are integral parts of appliances, such as the brush head of a vacuum cleaner designed for personal grooming tasks.
What falls outside HS 960321?
The following products are excluded from HS 960321: brushes not intended for personal use, such as industrial cleaning brushes, paint brushes, or brushes for cleaning machinery. Also excluded are articles that, while having bristles, are not primarily considered brushes for personal toilet purposes, like scrubbing brushes for household cleaning or pet grooming brushes. For instance, a dishwashing brush, even if used in a domestic setting, would not fall under this code and would likely be classified elsewhere in Chapter 96 based on its specific function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 960321?
A common error is misclassifying brushes based solely on their material composition rather than their intended use. For example, a brush with synthetic bristles intended for cleaning a car's interior might be mistakenly classified under 960321 if its primary function is not personal grooming. Additionally, confusion can arise with brushes that are part of a larger appliance but are not specifically for personal toilet use; these should be classified according to the principal function of the appliance or under a more specific heading if applicable, following General Interpretative Rule 3.
How should importers classify products under HS 960321?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 960321 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, materials, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU's TARIC database, and refer to the WCO's Explanatory Notes for Chapter 96. Key considerations include whether the brush is designed for direct application to the person for cleaning or grooming purposes, and if it constitutes a part of an appliance that fulfills this specific function.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 960321?
A set of 10 electric toothbrush replacement heads, declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $5.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheadings under 9603.21. The calculation is: 10% of $50.00 USD = $5.00 USD. It is crucial to verify the specific duty rate applicable to the country of importation and the origin of the goods.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 960321?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 960321, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible products from designated developing countries. To claim preferential treatment under USMCA, a compliant origin declaration is required, while GSP often necessitates a GSP Form A or a self-certified origin statement, depending on the importing country's regulations.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 960321 (toothbrushes, shaving brushes, etc.) into the United States?
For HS code 960321, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate into the United States is 2.00% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply. For example, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US, such as Australia, may have a Free duty rate, provided they meet the rules of origin. Always consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (USHTS) for the most current and specific rates based on the country of origin.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 960321 if the rate is a combination of ad valorem and specific duty, like '2¢ each + 50%'?
When a duty rate is a combination (e.g., specific duty plus ad valorem duty), both components are calculated and then summed to determine the total duty. For instance, if 100 toothbrushes, each valued at $1.00, are imported and subject to a rate of '2¢ each + 50% ad valorem': The specific duty would be 100 brushes * $0.02/brush = $2.00. The ad valorem duty would be (100 brushes * $1.00/brush) * 50% = $100.00 * 0.50 = $50.00. The total duty would be $2.00 + $50.00 = $52.00. This calculation method is common for certain goods to balance revenue generation with trade policy. Always verify the exact rate structure in the relevant tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 960321?
HS code 960321 covers 'Toothbrushes, shaving brushes, hairbrushes, nail brushes, eyelash brushes and other toilet brushes for use on the person, including such brushes constituting parts of appliances.' The primary criterion is that the brush must be designed for personal toilet use. This includes brushes with bristles or other material, whether or not mounted on a handle. Items like electric toothbrushes where the brush head is the primary component for cleaning the person would also fall here. Brushes for industrial cleaning or for cleaning machinery are excluded.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods classified under HS code 960321?
While specific documentation can vary by importing country and the value/nature of the shipment, importers and customs brokers should generally be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. For HS code 960321, a declaration of origin is crucial to determine applicable duty rates, especially if preferential treatment is claimed under an FTA. Some countries may also require product safety certifications or declarations, particularly for items intended for personal use. It is advisable to consult the importing country's customs authority or a licensed customs broker for precise requirements.
How do trade agreements, such as USMCA or EU trade deals, affect the duty rates for HS code 960321?
Trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for goods classified under HS code 960321 if they originate from a member country and meet the agreement's rules of origin. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), goods originating from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for preferential duty rates, potentially Free, upon proper declaration and proof of origin. Similarly, the European Union has numerous trade agreements that could offer reduced duties for imports from partner countries. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these benefits. Always refer to the specific text of the relevant trade agreement and the importing country's tariff schedule for confirmation.