About HS Code 67
Chapter 67 of the Harmonized System (HS) is a unique classification that encompasses a diverse range of prepared natural materials and artificial articles, predominantly focusing on decorative, fashion, and personal care items. It covers 'Feathers and down, prepared; and articles made of feather or of down; artificial flowers; articles of human hair'. This chapter serves as a crucial classification for trade compliance professionals, importers, and exporters dealing with products often associated with luxury, fashion, theatrical arts, and beauty industries. The scope of Chapter 67 is clearly defined: it includes feathers and down that have undergone processing beyond simple cleaning—such as dyeing, curling, or assembling—and articles made entirely or primarily of these prepared materials, like feather boas or decorative plumes. It specifically excludes raw feathers and down (classified in Chapter 05) and textile articles where feathers are merely a filling or accessory (found in Section XI, e.g., down jackets in Chapters 61 or 62). A significant portion of this chapter is dedicated to artificial flowers, foliage, fruit, and their parts, crafted from various materials like plastic, textile, or metal, distinguishing them from natural plants of Chapter 06. Furthermore, Chapter 67 is the primary home for articles of human hair, including prepared human hair (dressed, thinned, bleached), wigs, false beards, eyelashes, and hair extensions, as well as articles of animal hair or textile materials resembling human hair articles. This precise classification is vital for accurate tariff application, adherence to sanitary regulations (especially for animal-derived products), and compliance with international trade agreements like CITES, which may regulate certain bird feathers. Historically, these goods have been significant in fashion, ceremonial wear, and personal adornment, maintaining their trade importance today.
Products Under This Code
Prepared ostrich feathers, feather boas, feather dusters, decorative bird feathers, down for stuffing, artificial silk roses, plastic foliage garlands, artificial fruit arrangements, synthetic Christmas tree branches, human hair wigs, human hair extensions, false eyelashes of human hair, theatrical beards, hairnets of human hair, prepared peacock feathers, feather fans, dyed duck feathers, artificial orchids, human hair weaves, synthetic hair braids, feather quills, down-filled decorative cushions, prepared pheasant feathers, artificial berries, human hair toupees.
Real World Examples
A high-end fashion house in Milan, Italy, regularly imports prepared and dyed ostrich feathers from South Africa (HS 6701.00) to adorn its haute couture collections, relying on established air cargo routes between Johannesburg and European fashion hubs. Meanwhile, a large retail chain in the United States sources a vast array of artificial plastic flowers and silk foliage (HS 6702.00) from manufacturers in China, transporting them via ocean freight from major Chinese ports like Shanghai to US West Coast ports such as Los Angeles. In the beauty sector, a prominent distributor in Nigeria imports significant quantities of human hair wigs and extensions (HS 6704.00) from suppliers in India and Vietnam, utilizing air cargo to meet the high consumer demand across West Africa. A specialized theatrical supply company in London, UK, imports custom-made false beards and moustaches crafted from human hair (HS 6704.00) from German artisans, using express courier services for their delicate and time-sensitive orders. Lastly, a souvenir shop in Kyoto, Japan, imports traditional decorative feather fans (HS 6701.00) from craft workshops in Spain, typically shipped via air freight.
Common Misclassification
Misclassification within Chapter 67 often arises from distinguishing between raw and prepared materials, or finished articles versus parts. A common mistake is classifying raw or simply cleaned feathers and down under Chapter 67, when they properly belong in Chapter 05 (e.g., 0505 for raw feathers and down). The key is the degree of processing: if feathers are dyed, curled, or assembled into an article, they fall under 6701. Another frequent error involves textile articles incorporating feathers or down, such as down jackets (Chapter 62) or feather-filled pillows (Chapter 94), which are often mistakenly classified as articles of feather or down (6701) rather than as textile articles. Additionally, wigs made of synthetic fibers are not classified in 6704 with human hair wigs; they typically fall under Chapter 39 if simple or Chapter 65 if complete headwear, leading to significant tariff discrepancies.
Headings in This Chapter 4
Industry
This code belongs to the Footwear & Headgear industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of goods in Chapter 67 include China, dominating the market for artificial flowers, foliage, and human hair products due to its manufacturing capabilities. South Africa is a significant exporter of prepared ostrich feathers, while India and Vietnam are key players in the human hair wig and extension market. Leading importers include the United States and various European Union countries, driven by strong consumer demand in fashion, home decor, and beauty industries. Nigeria also stands out as a major importer of human hair products. Trade agreements can offer preferential tariffs, but specific goods, particularly those derived from animals, may be subject to CITES regulations, requiring permits for import/export. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures are also critical for natural materials like feathers and human hair, necessitating careful compliance to avoid trade delays or rejections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 67?
HS code 67 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Feathers and down, prepared; and articles made of feather or of down; artificial flowers; articles of human hair. Chapter 67 of the Harmonized System (HS) is a unique classification that encompasses a diverse range of prepared natural materials and artificial articles, predominantly focusing on decorative, fashion, and personal care items. It covers 'Feathers and down, prepared; and articles made of feather or of down; artificial flowers; articles of human hair'. This chapter serves as a crucial classification for trade compliance professionals, importers, and exporters dealing with products often associated with luxury, fashion, theatrical arts, and beauty industries. The scope of Chapter 67 is clearly defined: it includes feathers and down that have undergone processing beyond simple cleaning—such as dyeing, curling, or assembling—and articles made entirely or primarily of these prepared materials, like feather boas or decorative plumes. It specifically excludes raw feathers and down (classified in Chapter 05) and textile articles where feathers are merely a filling or accessory (found in Section XI, e.g., down jackets in Chapters 61 or 62). A significant portion of this chapter is dedicated to artificial flowers, foliage, fruit, and their parts, crafted from various materials like plastic, textile, or metal, distinguishing them from natural plants of Chapter 06. Furthermore, Chapter 67 is the primary home for articles of human hair, including prepared human hair (dressed, thinned, bleached), wigs, false beards, eyelashes, and hair extensions, as well as articles of animal hair or textile materials resembling human hair articles. This precise classification is vital for accurate tariff application, adherence to sanitary regulations (especially for animal-derived products), and compliance with international trade agreements like CITES, which may regulate certain bird feathers. Historically, these goods have been significant in fashion, ceremonial wear, and personal adornment, maintaining their trade importance today.
What products fall under HS code 67?
Prepared ostrich feathers, feather boas, feather dusters, decorative bird feathers, down for stuffing, artificial silk roses, plastic foliage garlands, artificial fruit arrangements, synthetic Christmas tree branches, human hair wigs, human hair extensions, false eyelashes of human hair, theatrical beards, hairnets of human hair, prepared peacock feathers, feather fans, dyed duck feathers, artificial orchids, human hair weaves, synthetic hair braids, feather quills, down-filled decorative cushions, prepared pheasant feathers, artificial berries, human hair toupees.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 67?
Misclassification within Chapter 67 often arises from distinguishing between raw and prepared materials, or finished articles versus parts. A common mistake is classifying raw or simply cleaned feathers and down under Chapter 67, when they properly belong in Chapter 05 (e.g., 0505 for raw feathers and down). The key is the degree of processing: if feathers are dyed, curled, or assembled into an article, they fall under 6701. Another frequent error involves textile articles incorporating feathers or down, such as down jackets (Chapter 62) or feather-filled pillows (Chapter 94), which are often mistakenly classified as articles of feather or down (6701) rather than as textile articles. Additionally, wigs made of synthetic fibers are not classified in 6704 with human hair wigs; they typically fall under Chapter 39 if simple or Chapter 65 if complete headwear, leading to significant tariff discrepancies.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 67?
Major exporters of goods in Chapter 67 include China, dominating the market for artificial flowers, foliage, and human hair products due to its manufacturing capabilities. South Africa is a significant exporter of prepared ostrich feathers, while India and Vietnam are key players in the human hair wig and extension market. Leading importers include the United States and various European Union countries, driven by strong consumer demand in fashion, home decor, and beauty industries. Nigeria also stands out as a major importer of human hair products. Trade agreements can offer preferential tariffs, but specific goods, particularly those derived from animals, may be subject to CITES regulations, requiring permits for import/export. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures are also critical for natural materials like feathers and human hair, necessitating careful compliance to avoid trade delays or rejections.
How is HS code 67 structured?
HS code 67 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.