Cosmetics|HTS Code

Cosmetics harmonized system code

Product Overview Cosmetics classified under HTS 3304.99 are finished, non‑medicated preparations intended primarily for beautifying, cleansing or caring for the skin and related epithelial surfaces that are not otherwise specified in the tariff schedule. Typical physical specifications include creams, lotions, gels, serums, balms, sticks and powders produced as oil‑in‑water or water‑in‑oil emulsions, anhydrous oils or aqueous surfactant systems. Commercial fill sizes commonly range from 5–500 mL (sample to retail) with bulk intermediate containers of 1–5 L; typical formulation pH ranges from ~4.0–7.5 and viscosities span ~100–200,000 mPa·s depending on rheology modifiers. Processing is industrial blending, homogenization and aseptic or controlled filling under GMP; quality attributes include validated preservative efficacy (challenge testing), stability (thermal and freeze/thaw), defined microbial limits (absence of key pathogens) and complete INCI ingredient declarations. Subcategories recorded within 3304.99 commonly comprise facial/body creams and lotions, makeup removers, masks, serums and other skin‑care preparations not specifically enumerated elsewhere. Commercial applications include retail consumer sale, professional salon/spa use, contract manufacturing and bulk supply for secondary processing. HTS Code Classification & Trade Specifications Complete HTSUS 6‑digit code structure: Chapter 33 — Perfumery, cosmetics and toilet preparations; Heading 3304 — Beauty or make‑up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin (other than medicaments); Subheading 3304.99 — Other (six‑digit level) for finished cosmetic preparations not specifically enumerated under the other 3304 subheadings. Classification rationale: products fall under 3304.99 when presented as finished non‑medicated cosmetic preparations (non‑soap, non‑pharmaceutical) serving cleansing, beautifying or skin‑care functions and not covered elsewhere in Chapter 33 or other chapters. Trade considerations: common packaging formats are 5–15 mL ampoules, 30–250 mL retail bottles/tubes and 1–5 L drums; primary materials include glass, HDPE/PET, laminate tubes and airless pump systems; preservation and stability controls include validated preservative systems, inert headspace or nitrogen blanketing for bulk and batch/lot identification plus expiry dating. Shipping is generally ambient and palletized, but aerosols or low‑flash‑point solvent formulations may trigger IMDG/ICAO/49CFR hazardous‑goods requirements. Quality standards referenced: FDA labeling and INCI, ISO 22716 GMP, documented stability protocols and microbiological specifications. Text is intended to support HTSUS classification and common customs documentation (country of origin, commercial invoice, bill of lading and SDS).

Cosmetics Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Natural oleoresins or vegetable extracts of heading 13.01 or 13.02; (b) Soap or other products of heading 34.01; or (c) Gum, wood or sulphate turpentine or other products of heading 38.05. 2.- The expression “odoriferous substances” in heading 33.02 refers only to the substances of heading 33.01, to odoriferous constituents isolated from those substances or to synthetic aromatics. 3.- Headings 33.03 to 33.07 apply, inter alia, to products, whether or not mixed (other than aqueous distillates and aqueous solutions of essential oils), suitable for use as goods of these headings and put up in packings of a kind sold by retail for such use. 4.- The expression “perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations” in heading 33.07 applies, inter alia, to the following products : scented sachets; odoriferous preparations which operate by burning; perfumed papers and papers impregnated or coated with cosmetics; contact lens or artificial eye solutions; wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with perfume or cosmetics; animal toilet preparations.