HS Code Category

HS Code Candidates for Beauty Products

Use this page to prepare candidate HS headings, product facts, material and function variants, invoice descriptions, ecommerce catalog fields, and risk flags before official review.

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Answer summary
Product facts to verify
  • Main material and fiber or chemical composition
  • Construction: knitted, woven, molded, assembled
  • Function and intended use
  • Whether it includes electronics, battery, magnets, leather, or textile
  • Country of origin and destination market
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Source note

Candidates are preparation aids only. Verify final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or the destination tariff database before filing.

Last reviewed

2026-08-02

Candidate headings table

Review candidates

The table below lists candidate HS headings for beauty products. Each row is a starting point, not a final classification; verify in the destination tariff database before filing.

CodeHeadingUse when
3304.99Beauty or make-up preparations (other)Skin creams, lotions, serums, lip balms, makeup palettes, and most leave-on or rinse-off cosmetic preparations.
3305.10ShampoosHair shampoos, including anti-dandruff, color-protecting, and moisturizing variants.
3305.90Other hair preparationsHair conditioners, masks, sprays, and styling preparations that are not shampoos.
3307.30Perfumed bath salts and other bath preparationsBath salts, bath bombs, and bath foams with perfuming function.
3307.49Other perfuming preparations (deodorants, room sprays)Personal deodorants and room / linen sprays with perfuming function.

National extensions after the 6-digit heading vary by destination market. Verify the full national code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff before filing.

Decision tree

How to classify beauty products

Step 1: Identify function and form

Skin care, hair care, make-up, sun care, fragrance, or bath; cream, lotion, serum, powder, liquid, stick.

Step 2: Pick the heading family

3303 perfume, 3304 skin and make-up, 3305 hair care, 3307 bath and deodorant.

Step 3: Apply the national extension

Open USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff and confirm the 10-digit code.

Step 4: Check for regulated ingredients

Verify restricted ingredients, alcohol content, and destination registration rules.

Step 5: Document on the invoice

Use a strong description: function + form + volume. Avoid generic words such as cosmetic, beauty, accessory.

Step 6: Save the classification note

Write a short note explaining function, form, candidate code, origin, and any registration considered.

Material variants

How material changes the code

MaterialTypical headingNotes
Cream or lotion (oil-in-water emulsion)3304.99Most face and body lotions; verify whether the function is skin care or medicated (medicated shifts toward 3004).
Serum or concentrate (low-viscosity)3304.99Vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid serum, retinol serum; usually classified with skin care.
Pressed or loose powder3304.99Makeup palettes, face powders, blush; classified with beauty or make-up preparations.
Liquid shampoo or body wash3305.10 / 3304.99Shampoo is 3305 family; body wash is 3304 family; both need function-on-invoice.
Lip balm or lipstick3304.99Lip preparations classified with beauty or make-up; verify national extension.
Perfume or cologne (alcohol-based)3303 vs 3307True perfume usually 3303; deodorants and body sprays usually 3307. Alcohol-based formulas may trigger shipping rules.
Function and use-case variants

How function changes the code

FunctionTypical headingNotes
Skin care (cream, lotion, serum)3304.99Most face and body care preparations; verify whether product is cosmetic or medicated.
Make-up (foundation, lip, eye)3304.99Color cosmetics; classification usually stable across face, lip, and eye sub-categories.
Hair care (shampoo, conditioner, mask)3305 familyHair preparations are split into shampoos (3305.10) and other hair care (3305.90).
Sun care (sunscreen, SPF lotion)3304.99Cosmetic sunscreens are usually 3304; therapeutic sunscreens may shift toward 3004.
Perfume or fragrance3303 / 3307True perfume is 3303; deodorants and body sprays are 3307. Alcohol content may trigger shipping rules.
Bath or body wash3304.99 / 3305Body wash and bath salts are 3304 / 3307; shampoo is 3305.
Risk flags

Source-check required

FlagImpact on classificationWhere to verify
Cosmetic ingredient restrictionsSome ingredients are restricted or banned in destination markets (e.g., certain UV filters, preservatives, colorants).Destination cosmetic regulation (FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, Health Canada, NMPA China).
Alcohol-based formulasPerfumes and high-alcohol products may trigger shipping restrictions and dangerous goods review.IATA DGR, carrier alcohol rules, destination postal rules.
Cosmetic product registrationSome destinations require pre-market notification or registration before import.EU CPNP, US MoCRA, destination cosmetic authority.
Animal testing disclosureSome destinations require or restrict animal-testing disclosures on labels and invoices.EU Cosmetics Regulation, destination cosmetic rules.
Allergen and fragrance disclosureSome destinations require disclosure of specific allergens and fragrance ingredients.EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, destination rules.
Medicated vs cosmetic classificationProducts with therapeutic claims (acne treatment, SPF above threshold, antidandruff) may shift toward 3004 (medicaments).FDA OTC monograph, EU Cosmetics vs Medicinal boundary guidance.

Risk flags signal the need for official review before the candidate code is used on customs documents.

Invoice description examples

Strong descriptions

Strong invoice descriptions include material, function, product type, and key components (battery, electronics, magnet, leather, textile). Avoid generic words such as gift, sample, accessory, or product. The descriptions below are examples only, not final classifications.

  • Moisturizing face cream, 50 ml jar, cosmetic preparation
  • Vitamin C face serum, 30 ml dropper bottle, cosmetic preparation
  • Scented shampoo, 250 ml bottle, hair shampoo
  • Pressed powder makeup palette, 12 shades, cosmetic preparation
  • Lip balm, matte finish, 4.5 g tube, cosmetic preparation
  • Eau de parfum, 50 ml spray bottle, alcohol-based fragrance

Use these descriptions on the commercial invoice line item, with the candidate HS code and country of origin declared per line.

Ecommerce catalog fields

Shopify, WooCommerce, and CSV fields to check

Before labels and invoices are generated, prepare these fields in your ecommerce catalog. The CSV Catalog Checker scans Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or custom CSV exports for missing customs fields locally in your browser.

FieldWhy it matters
SKUStable identifier; survives product title edits; maps catalog row to invoice line.
Product titleMarketing label; should match but not replace the customs description.
Function (skin care, hair care, make-up, sun care, fragrance, bath)Drives the 3303 / 3304 / 3305 / 3307 family; function must be on the invoice.
Form (cream, lotion, serum, powder, liquid, stick)Helps the customs reviewer confirm classification; some forms shift the heading.
Volume or weightCustoms description input; supports the unit value and shipping paperwork.
Alcohol-based?Boolean flag; gates dangerous goods review for perfumes and high-alcohol formulas.
Medicated or therapeutic claim?Boolean flag; shifts the heading toward 3004 if the claim is therapeutic.
Country of originDrives any additional tariff or cosmetic registration requirement.
Candidate HS codeWorking candidate from the AI HS Code Finder; never a final classification.
Customs descriptionStrong description (function + form + volume) used on the commercial invoice.
Unit value and currencyCustoms value input; affects duty base and de minimis treatment.
Quantity per inner pack / caseSupports packing list cross-check and weight validation.
Destination marketPick the correct national tariff database for verification (USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).

Pair this with the Commercial Invoice Generator, the HS Code Finder, and the CSV Catalog Checker.

Worked example

Worked example: classifying a 50 ml vitamin C face serum

Scenario: A skincare merchant lists a 50 ml vitamin C face serum at a unit value of $18, FOB Shenzhen, MOQ 500 units, sold to US buyers. The merchant needs a candidate HS code and a commercial invoice draft.

  1. Step 1: identify the product facts. Function is skin care serum; form is low-viscosity liquid in dropper bottle; volume is 50 ml; main ingredient is vitamin C; no therapeutic or SPF claim.
  2. Step 2: pick the closest candidate heading. Skin care serums and lotions fall under 3304.99 (beauty or make-up preparations, other). The merchant uses 3304.99 as a working candidate.
  3. Step 3: confirm the form and volume. The description "face serum, 50 ml dropper bottle" matches the candidate; no national extension shift is expected.
  4. Step 4: confirm origin and additional tariff. Origin is China; the merchant checks the USTR Section 301 list for the current rate on 3304.99.
  5. Step 5: write the invoice description. Use "vitamin C face serum, 30 ml dropper bottle, cosmetic preparation" so the description matches the candidate.
  6. Step 6: document the basis. Keep a short note: function skin care, form serum, candidate 3304.99, country of origin China, no medicated claim.

Final classification depends on product facts, destination tariff rules, and official review. The candidate is preparation aid only.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

  • Classifying all beauty products under one heading without checking function.
  • Treating medicated or therapeutic products as cosmetic without verifying the boundary.
  • Forgetting alcohol-based perfume shipping rules for high-volume shipments.
  • Treating the heading number as final without verifying the national extension.
  • Missing Section 301 additional tariff for China-origin cosmetics.
  • Reusing one HS code across skin care, hair care, and fragrance.
  • Ignoring destination registration rules for cosmetics.
Related Tools

Continue the workflow

HS Code FinderCSV Catalog CheckerClassification CasesPaid Catalog ReviewCommercial InvoiceImport DutyMethodologySourcesCorrections
Editorial

About this category page

Written by the TariffCatalog Editorial Team. Maintained by Ryan Cole and reviewed for candidate-only customs-data workflow clarity.

This page follows TariffCatalog's methodology for candidate-only classification, estimate-only calculators, and document draft workflows. Candidates are preparation aids, not binding classifications.

MethodologySourcesReport an error
Maintainer

Reviewed by Ryan Cole

Ryan Cole maintains TariffCatalog from the perspective of a long-time ecommerce operator with 15+ years of experience in product catalog, international shipping, and pre-shipment data workflows. This page is reviewed for candidate-only HS code preparation, source-check clarity, and estimate-only or candidate-only wording.

TariffCatalog is a preparation aid, not a customs broker, legal, tax, or freight-forwarding service. Verify final classifications, rates, documents, and filing treatment with official sources or qualified professionals.

Last reviewed: · Maintainer entity: Ryan Cole · Source policy: verified against official customs and tariff sources

Official Source Note

Check final codes

USITC HTS

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

CBP

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

EU TARIC

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

UK Trade Tariff

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

FAQ

Common questions

Are these HS code candidates binding?

No. The headings on this page are candidates, preparation aids based on common product facts. Final classification depends on function, form, ingredients, destination tariff rules, and any binding ruling in effect. Verify the final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff, or the destination tariff database before filing.

Why does function change the HS code for a beauty product?

HS classification for beauty products is driven by function. Skin care and make-up fall under 3304. Hair care falls under 3305. Perfume falls under 3303. Bath and deodorant fall under 3307. Within each family the form and ingredient mix drive the 6-digit subheading.

What changes when a beauty product is medicated or therapeutic?

A beauty product with a therapeutic claim (acne treatment, SPF above the cosmetic threshold, antidandruff) may shift toward heading 3004 (medicaments). The boundary depends on the destination rule and the specific claim. Verify with the destination cosmetic authority before filing.

Why does alcohol content matter for shipping?

Alcohol-based perfumes and high-alcohol formulas may be classified as dangerous goods for air shipping under IATA DGR. Carrier acceptance depends on flash point, volume, and packaging. Always check the carrier alcohol rules before air-shipping a perfume shipment.

Do beauty products need HS codes on the commercial invoice?

Most courier, freight, and broker channels expect an HS code candidate on the commercial invoice. Postal channels may clear on a CN22 or CN23 without a full code. Even when the channel does not require a code, including a candidate speeds up clearance and supports duty and tax review.

Should perfume be classified separately from skin care?

Yes. True perfume usually falls under 3303, while skin care and make-up fall under 3304. The classification is driven by the function, not by the brand positioning. Verify the heading in the destination tariff database before quoting.

Can I bulk-assign one HS code to my beauty catalog?

It depends on the variants. Products that share function, form, and origin can share one candidate. Products that change function (skin care vs hair care vs fragrance) usually need a different candidate. The CSV Catalog Checker flags these patterns in bulk.

When should I ask a broker or regulatory specialist?

Ask a licensed broker, regulatory affairs specialist, or local legal counsel when the product is regulated (medicated, SPF above threshold, restricted ingredients), high-value, repeatedly shipped, or destined for a market with strict pre-market rules. A one-time consultation can pay back many times over for a catalog that ships the same family across many orders.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-02

Disclaimer

TariffCatalog provides candidate HS code suggestions, estimate-only calculators, and document drafts. Verify final classifications, duty rates, document requirements, and filing obligations with official sources, carriers, brokers, or destination authorities before filing or shipping.

Candidate headings on this page are preparation aids, not binding classifications. Final classification depends on exact product facts and the destination tariff rules in effect on the entry date.