Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering various manufactured articles not named in other chapters, including brushes, sieves, buttons, zippers, pens, lighters, smoking articles, combs, hair accessories, perfume sprayers, etc. These goods usually have multiple uses or are made of multiple materials, making it difficult to classify them by material or function into other chapters, so they are concentrated in this chapter. Most goods in this chapter are daily consumer goods, but classification must strictly follow chapter notes and heading texts. Heading 9603 covers various brushes, brooms, mops, dusters, horse brushes and other cleaning tools, as well as hand-operated mechanical floor sweepers, paint brushes, writing brushes, makeup brushes, etc. This heading includes finished brushes and their brush heads, but excludes brushes for certain specific uses (such as machine brushes classified under 8483, and medical brushes classified under 9018). When classifying, attention must be paid to the material, use, and whether the brush is mechanically operated. Code 960321 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 96 indicate Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles); digits 3-4, 03, indicate heading 9603 (brushes, brooms, etc.); digits 5-6, 21, indicate subheading 960321, specifically "brushes," usually referring to toothbrushes, hairbrushes and other personal care brushes. In HS classification, heading 9603 is further subdivided: 960310 for brooms, brushes, etc.; 960321 for brushes; 960329 for other; 960330 for paint brushes, etc. Therefore, 960321 specifically refers to non-mechanical brushes used for personal care or similar purposes, such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, nail brushes, etc. The product is a brush, and it is not a broom, mop, etc. (960310), nor a paint brush, makeup brush, etc. (960330), nor a machine brush (8483) or medical brush (9018). It conforms to the subheading description of 960321 "brushes," usually personal care brushes such as toothbrushes and hairbrushes. Therefore, it is classified under 960321, rather than the adjacent 960329 (other brushes) or 960330 (paint brushes).
Chapter
Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering various manufactured articles not named in other chapters, including brushes, sieves, buttons, zippers, pens, lighters, smoking articles, combs, hair accessories, perfume sprayers, etc. These goods usually have multiple uses or are made of multiple materials, making it difficult to classify them by material or function into other chapters, so they are concentrated in this chapter. Most goods in this chapter are daily consumer goods, but classification must strictly follow chapter notes and heading texts.
Heading
Heading 9603 covers various brushes, brooms, mops, dusters, horse brushes and other cleaning tools, as well as hand-operated mechanical floor sweepers, paint brushes, writing brushes, makeup brushes, etc. This heading includes finished brushes and their brush heads, but excludes brushes for certain specific uses (such as machine brushes classified under 8483, and medical brushes classified under 9018). When classifying, attention must be paid to the material, use, and whether the brush is mechanically operated.
Digit Breakdown
Code 960321 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 96 indicate Chapter 96 (miscellaneous manufactured articles); digits 3-4, 03, indicate heading 9603 (brushes, brooms, etc.); digits 5-6, 21, indicate subheading 960321, specifically "brushes," usually referring to toothbrushes, hairbrushes and other personal care brushes. In HS classification, heading 9603 is further subdivided: 960310 for brooms, brushes, etc.; 960321 for brushes; 960329 for other; 960330 for paint brushes, etc. Therefore, 960321 specifically refers to non-mechanical brushes used for personal care or similar purposes, such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, nail brushes, etc.
Classification Basis
The product is a brush, and it is not a broom, mop, etc. (960310), nor a paint brush, makeup brush, etc. (960330), nor a machine brush (8483) or medical brush (9018). It conforms to the subheading description of 960321 "brushes," usually personal care brushes such as toothbrushes and hairbrushes. Therefore, it is classified under 960321, rather than the adjacent 960329 (other brushes) or 960330 (paint brushes).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared product, such as "toothbrush," "hairbrush," "nail brush," etc., which must be consistent with the actual item. Material: The materials of the bristles and handle, such as nylon bristles, plastic handle, wooden handle, etc. Use: The main use of the brush, such as personal care, cleaning, makeup, etc. Brand: The brand name of the product; if there is no brand, declare "no brand." Model: The model or item number of the product for identification. Packaging specifications: The packaging method and quantity of the product, such as "single blister pack," "12 pieces/box." Whether electric: Declare whether the brush is electric; for example, electric toothbrushes must be classified under 8509. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Toothbrush
Material: Bristles: nylon; Handle: polypropylene
Use: Personal oral cleaning
Brand: CleanSmile
Model: CS-2024
Packaging specifications: Single blister pack, 12 pieces/box
Whether electric: No
HS code: 96032100 Classifying an electric toothbrush under 960321, when it should actually be classified under 8509 (electro-mechanical appliances). Classifying a makeup brush under 960321, when it should actually be classified under 960330 (paint brushes, makeup brushes). Classifying an industrial brush under 960321, when it should actually be classified under 960390 (other brushes) or as a machine part.
Product name
The specific name of the declared product, such as "toothbrush," "hairbrush," "nail brush," etc., which must be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Declaring it generically as "brush" without specifying the type.
Material
The materials of the bristles and handle, such as nylon bristles, plastic handle, wooden handle, etc.
⚠️ Declaring only "plastic" without distinguishing the materials of the bristles and handle.
Use
The main use of the brush, such as personal care, cleaning, makeup, etc.
⚠️ Declaring a makeup brush as a personal care brush, resulting in incorrect classification.
Brand
The brand name of the product; if there is no brand, declare "no brand."
⚠️ Omitting the brand or providing incomplete declaration.
Model
The model or item number of the product for identification.
⚠️ The model is unclear or inconsistent with the actual item.
Packaging specifications
The packaging method and quantity of the product, such as "single blister pack," "12 pieces/box."
⚠️ Not specifying packaging specifications, affecting customs inspection.
Whether electric
Declare whether the brush is electric; for example, electric toothbrushes must be classified under 8509.
⚠️ Mistakenly classifying an electric toothbrush under 960321.
Classifying an electric toothbrush under 960321, when it should actually be classified under 8509 (electro-mechanical appliances).
Classifying a makeup brush under 960321, when it should actually be classified under 960330 (paint brushes, makeup brushes).
Classifying an industrial brush under 960321, when it should actually be classified under 960390 (other brushes) or as a machine part.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the product is a brush, i.e., having bristles and a handle, used for cleaning, applying, etc. Second, determine whether it falls under heading 9603. Then, distinguish according to subheading texts: 960321 is "brushes," usually referring to personal care brushes (such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes); 960329 is "other"; 960330 is "paint brushes, makeup brushes." If it is an electric brush, classify under 8509. If it is a machine brush, classify under 8483. If it is a medical brush, classify under 9018. Therefore, 960321 applies to non-electric personal care brushes. 960329 Other brushes: 960329 covers other brushes not elsewhere specified, such as industrial brushes, cleaning brushes, etc., while 960321 specifically refers to personal care brushes. 960330 Paint brushes, makeup brushes: 960330 includes paint brushes, makeup brushes, writing brushes, etc., used for painting or makeup, while 960321 is for personal care brushes. 850980 Electric toothbrushes: Electric toothbrushes have an electric device and are classified under 8509, not 960321. 848340 Machine brushes: Machine brushes, as machine parts, are classified under 8483, not 960321. Is it non-electric? Is it used for personal care? Is it not a paint brush or makeup brush? Is it not a machine brush? Is it not a medical brush?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the product is a brush, i.e., having bristles and a handle, used for cleaning, applying, etc. Second, determine whether it falls under heading 9603. Then, distinguish according to subheading texts: 960321 is "brushes," usually referring to personal care brushes (such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes); 960329 is "other"; 960330 is "paint brushes, makeup brushes." If it is an electric brush, classify under 8509. If it is a machine brush, classify under 8483. If it is a medical brush, classify under 9018. Therefore, 960321 applies to non-electric personal care brushes.
Confused Codes：
960329 - Other brushes
960329 covers other brushes not elsewhere specified, such as industrial brushes, cleaning brushes, etc., while 960321 specifically refers to personal care brushes.
960330 - Paint brushes, makeup brushes
960330 includes paint brushes, makeup brushes, writing brushes, etc., used for painting or makeup, while 960321 is for personal care brushes.
850980 - Electric toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have an electric device and are classified under 8509, not 960321.
848340 - Machine brushes
Machine brushes, as machine parts, are classified under 8483, not 960321.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it non-electric?
✓ Is it used for personal care?
✓ Is it not a paint brush or makeup brush?
✓ Is it not a machine brush?
✓ Is it not a medical brush?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 960321? You can check the latest import tariff rate by entering HS code 960321 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and official publications should prevail. What is the difference in HS codes between toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes? Ordinary toothbrushes are classified under 960321, while electric toothbrushes, because they have an electric device, are classified under 8509 (electro-mechanical appliances). When classifying, it is necessary to confirm whether it is electric. Which HS code should makeup brushes be classified under? Makeup brushes should be classified under 960330, not 960321. 960330 specifically includes paint brushes, makeup brushes, etc. If the makeup brush is electric, it may be classified under 8509. Can industrial brushes be classified under 960321? No. 960321 specifically refers to personal care brushes. Industrial brushes are usually classified under 960329 (other brushes) or as machine parts under 8483. What declaration elements are required when declaring 960321? Product name, material, use, brand, model, packaging specifications, whether electric, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and the information must be true and accurate. If the brush material is plastic and nylon, how should it be declared? The materials of the handle and bristles should be declared separately, such as "Handle: plastic; Bristles: nylon." It cannot be declared generically as "plastic." What is the main difference between 960321 and 960329? 960321 is for personal care brushes (such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes), and 960329 is for other brushes (such as industrial brushes, cleaning brushes). Classification should be determined according to use. What additional regulatory conditions are required for importing toothbrushes? Toothbrushes may involve food-contact material or hygiene quarantine requirements, and relevant certificates must be provided according to customs regulations. It is recommended to check the latest regulatory conditions.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for HS code 960321?
A: You can check the latest import tariff rate by entering HS code 960321 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and official publications should prevail.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes?
A: Ordinary toothbrushes are classified under 960321, while electric toothbrushes, because they have an electric device, are classified under 8509 (electro-mechanical appliances). When classifying, it is necessary to confirm whether it is electric.
Q: Which HS code should makeup brushes be classified under?
A: Makeup brushes should be classified under 960330, not 960321. 960330 specifically includes paint brushes, makeup brushes, etc. If the makeup brush is electric, it may be classified under 8509.
Q: Can industrial brushes be classified under 960321?
A: No. 960321 specifically refers to personal care brushes. Industrial brushes are usually classified under 960329 (other brushes) or as machine parts under 8483.
Q: What declaration elements are required when declaring 960321?
A: Product name, material, use, brand, model, packaging specifications, whether electric, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs requirements, and the information must be true and accurate.
Q: If the brush material is plastic and nylon, how should it be declared?
A: The materials of the handle and bristles should be declared separately, such as "Handle: plastic; Bristles: nylon." It cannot be declared generically as "plastic."
Q: What is the main difference between 960321 and 960329?
A: 960321 is for personal care brushes (such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes), and 960329 is for other brushes (such as industrial brushes, cleaning brushes). Classification should be determined according to use.
Q: What additional regulatory conditions are required for importing toothbrushes?
A: Toothbrushes may involve food-contact material or hygiene quarantine requirements, and relevant certificates must be provided according to customs regulations. It is recommended to check the latest regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.