What is the HS code for cosmetics?

There’s no single code — it depends on the product. Lipstick is 330410, eye makeup is 330420, manicure products are 330430, and general skin care (creams, lotions, sunscreen) falls under the catch-all 330499.

Is sunscreen classified as a cosmetic?

Yes — sunscreen and sun tan preparations are explicitly included in Heading 3304, generally under 330499, as long as they’re not marketed with a specific medicinal/drug claim.

What if my product has both cosmetic and medicinal claims?

Products with genuine pharmaceutical activity (not just marketing claims) are classified in Chapter 30 instead of 3304. This is a common misclassification point — if your product makes any therapeutic claim, get a specific ruling rather than assuming 3304 applies.

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HS Code for Cosmetics

Here is the official Harmonized System classification, tariffs, and duty rates for shipping cosmetics internationally.

Primary HS6 Subheading

3304

WCO HS 2022 Verified

Official Description

“Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin (other than medicaments), including sunscreen or sun tan preparations; manicure or pedicure preparations.”

Cosmetics fall under Heading 3304 — the specific HS6 code depends on the product type (lip, eye, skin care, etc.).

Tariff Classification Hierarchy

Chapter 33Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations

Heading 3304Beauty or make-up preparations and preparations for the care of the skin

Last verified: July 2026Source: WCO Harmonized System 2022

Classification Reasoning

Heading 3304 is specifically for non-medicinal beauty and skin care preparations — the moment a product makes a therapeutic claim backed by active pharmaceutical ingredients (for example, certain acne treatments or wrinkle-reduction injectables), it can fall under Chapter 30 (pharmaceutical products) instead, even if it’s marketed alongside cosmetics. Within 3304, the split is mostly by product function: lip products, eye products, and manicure/pedicure preparations each get their own subheading, while everything else — face creams, lotions, serums, sunscreen, general skin care — falls into the catch-all 330499. This is why ‘cosmetics’ doesn’t reduce to one code any more than ‘apparel’ does; the correct answer depends on what the specific product is and does.

Related HS Codes for Cosmetics Variants

Variant	HS Code	Why It Differs
Lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner	330410
Eye make-up (mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner)	330420
Manicure/pedicure preparations (nail polish, cuticle products)	330430
Cosmetic powders (pressed or loose)	330491	Excludes lip, eye, manicure products
Face creams, lotions, serums, sunscreen, general skin care	330499	The broadest catch-all subheading
Products with therapeutic/medicinal claims	Chapter 30 (not 3304)	Requires pharmaceutical-level classification review

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Import Duty Rates for Cosmetics

Verified • July 2026

Country	Duty Rate	VAT / GST	De Minimis
🇺🇸United States	0–6.5%	–	Abolished / suspended
🇬🇧United Kingdom	0–6.5%	20%	£135 (ending October 1, 2028)
🇨🇦Canada	0–6.5%	5% GST	CA$150 (courier) / CA$20 (post)
🇺🇸Australia	0–5%	10% GST	AU$1,000
🇪🇺Germany (EU)	0–6.5%	19%	Replaced

United States Notice: Most skincare and makeup preparations have low MFN base rates (often 0% or ~1–4.8%, some lip/eye makeups at 6.5%). The $800 de minimis is entirely gone; all shipments require full entry clearance.

United Kingdom Notice: Aligned largely with EU baseline parameters — 0% for many skincare lines, up to 6.5% for specific makeup types. Legally scheduled for full wind-down by October 1, 2028.

Canada Notice: Baseline duties are mostly 0% for perfumes, makeup, and skincare under MFN, though specific subheadings hit up to 6.5%. Local sales tax (GST/PST/HST) triggers on courier packages exceeding $40 CAD.

Australia Notice: Maximum general tariff on cosmetic products is capped at 5%, though many qualify for 0% under trade programs. International vendors must collect the 10% GST at checkout if they cross local revenue boundaries.

Germany (EU) Notice: Baseline MFN duties vary — lip/eye makeup is 0%, beauty/skincare creams are 0%, powder is 6.5%. For B2C parcels (< €150), the €150 exemption was eliminated on July 1, 2026 and replaced by €3 flat duty per tariff category. A €2 handling fee takes effect from November 2026. 19% VAT applies from the first cent.

Important Regulatory Note: EU line-item rule: The €3 flat fee applies per tariff category, not per package. A lip makeup item (3304.10) and face powder (3304.91) in the same parcel triggers €6 total flat duty. | Classification nuance: A basic moisturizing cream is standard skincare (often 0% base duty), but if it includes active acne treatments or sunscreen, it may be cross-classified under pharmaceutical Chapter 30 with different entry requirements.

Landed Cost Calculation Example

Here is a breakdown of estimated import costs for shipping a $25 product to Germany:

Landed Cost Receipt

Product Value:$25.00

Duty (~4%):$1.00

VAT/GST (19%):$4.75

Est. Landed Cost:$30.75

* Illustrative — confirm exact rate before publishing. Does not include €3 flat duty or €2 handling fee which may apply to low-value consignments.

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