HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3305.20 – Hair preparations; for permanent waving or straightening
HS code 3305.20 is the 6-digit subheading for hair preparations, for permanent waving or straightening. It is used for perming lotions, neutralizers for perms, chemical hair relaxers, keratin straightening treatments and thio-based straighteners.
What HS 3305.20 covers
HS code 330520 pertains to hair preparations specifically formulated for permanent waving or straightening. This niche but significant segment of the hair care industry caters primarily to professional salons and consumers seeking long-lasting changes to their hair texture. These products typically involve chemical processes that alter the hair's protein structure, requiring careful application and adherence to safety guidelines. International trade in these goods is influenced by fashion trends, cultural preferences for specific hair textures, and advancements in chemical formulations that minimize damage. Importers often include countries with a strong salon culture or a high demand for specific hair treatments, while exporters are usually nations with advanced chemical and cosmetic manufacturing capabilities. Regulatory oversight regarding chemical ingredients and consumer safety is a critical aspect of trading these specialized preparations.
- Covers
- Perming lotions
- Neutralizers for perms
- Chemical hair relaxers
- Keratin straightening treatments
- Thio-based straighteners
- Permanent wave solutions
- Hair texturizers
- Examples
- L'Oréal Professionnel X-Tenso Moisturist
- Wella Professionals Creatine+ Straight
- Schwarzkopf Professional Strait Styling Glatt
- Brazilian Blowout Original Solution
- Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier
Codes often confused with 3305.20
Common mistake. These preparations are distinct from general hair styling products (330590) or hair dyes (also 330590 if not specifically for coloring), as their primary function is to permanently alter hair structure.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 330520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 330520 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 5.8% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $24M 14% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $12M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 Germany $12M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $173M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Tanzania $9.7M 5.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $9.5M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $7.0M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $166M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 3305.20
Brazil does not split HS 3305.20: its NCM code is 3305.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 33.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3305.20
What is HS code 330520?
HS code 330520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hair preparations; for permanent waving or straightening. HS code 330520 pertains to hair preparations specifically formulated for permanent waving or straightening. This niche but significant segment of the hair care industry caters primarily to professional salons and consumers seeking long-lasting changes to their hair texture. These products typically involve chemical processes that alter the hair's protein structure, requiring careful application and adherence to safety guidelines. International trade in these goods is influenced by fashion trends, cultural preferences for specific hair textures, and advancements in chemical formulations that minimize damage. Importers often include countries with a strong salon culture or a high demand for specific hair treatments, while exporters are usually nations with advanced chemical and cosmetic manufacturing capabilities. Regulatory oversight regarding chemical ingredients and consumer safety is a critical aspect of trading these specialized preparations.
What products fall under HS code 330520?
Perming lotions, neutralizers for perms, chemical hair relaxers, keratin straightening treatments, thio-based straighteners, permanent wave solutions, hair texturizers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 330520?
These preparations are distinct from general hair styling products (330590) or hair dyes (also 330590 if not specifically for coloring), as their primary function is to permanently alter hair structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 330520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 330520 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($24M, 14% of world exports), South Africa ($12M) and Germany ($12M). World exports came to about $173M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 330520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 330520 in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($9.7M, 5.8% of world imports), the United States ($9.5M) and Saudi Arabia ($7.0M). World imports came to about $166M, 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.
How is HS code 330520 structured?
HS code 330520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (33) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 330520?
In Brazil, HS code 330520 is NCM 3305.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.