HS Code 33.04 – Cosmetic and toilet preparations; beauty, make-up and skin care preparations (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations), manicure or pedicure preparations

HS code 3304 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cosmetic and toilet preparations; beauty, make-up and skin care preparations (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations), manicure or pedicure preparations. HS heading 3304 covers a broad and economically significant category: 'Cosmetic and toilet preparations; beauty, make-up and skin care preparations (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations), manicure or pedicure preparations.' This expansive heading encompasses a vast array of products designed for personal beautification, cleansing, or protecting the skin and nails. Its scope is defined by the primary function of enhancing appearance or maintaining skin health, explicitly excluding medicaments (Chapter 30), which are preparations with therapeutic or prophylactic properties. However, it specifically includes sunscreen and suntan preparations, highlighting their cosmetic rather than medicinal role within this classification. Key sub-categories within 3304 include facial care (moisturizers, serums), make-up (foundation, lipstick, mascara), body care (lotions, creams), sun care (sunscreen, self-tanners), and nail care (polish, removers). Accurate classification under 3304 is paramount for trade compliance due to diverse tariffs, regulatory requirements concerning ingredients, labeling, and product safety across different markets. The global beauty industry, a multi-billion dollar sector, relies heavily on this classification for its vast product range, driven by continuous innovation and evolving consumer trends. As part of Chapter 33, this heading groups preparations based on their final use as cosmetics, irrespective of the chemical origin of their ingredients, reinforcing its role as a 'preparations' chapter.

Facial moisturizers, anti-aging creams, serums, cleansers, toners, eye creams, sunscreens (SPF lotions), self-tanning lotions, foundation, concealer, lipstick, mascara, eyeshadow, blush, nail polish, nail polish remover, cuticle creams, foot creams, hand creams, make-up primers, setting sprays, make-up removers, BB/CC creams, face masks (non-medicinal), body lotions, lip balms (non-medicinal), skin brighteners, exfoliants, pore strips.

The most common misclassification for products under 3304 is confusing them with medicaments (HS 3004). If a skin preparation makes specific therapeutic claims (e.g., treating severe acne with active pharmaceutical ingredients, prescription-strength eczema cream), it belongs in 3004. Products primarily for cleansing the skin, such as bar soaps or liquid hand soaps, are classified under HS 3401, even if they contain moisturizing agents. While some bath preparations might have skin-benefiting ingredients, if their primary function is for bathing rather than direct skin care application, they could potentially fall under HS 3307. The key distinction for 3304 is cosmetic or protective function without a primary therapeutic claim.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3304 in UN Comtrade data were France ($12.5B, 16% of world exports), South Korea ($9.4B) and the United States ($5.9B). World exports came to about $76.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3304 in UN Comtrade data were China ($12.7B, 16% of world imports), the United States ($7.5B) and Germany ($4.0B). World imports came to about $79.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 3304 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 33 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (33) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.