HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 9603.30 – Brushes; artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics

HS code 9603.30 is the 6-digit subheading for brushes, artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics. It is used for artist paint brushes, watercolor brushes, oil painting brushes, calligraphy brushes and makeup foundation brushes.

What HS 9603.30 covers

This HS code encompasses a specialized range of brushes primarily used in artistic endeavors, calligraphy, and the application of cosmetics. Unlike general cleaning tools, these brushes are characterized by their fine bristles, ergonomic designs, and specific functionalities tailored for precision and delicate work. The international trade in these items is driven by the global beauty industry, art supply markets, and educational institutions. Major importers include beauty retailers, art supply stores, and distributors catering to professional artists and consumers. Exporters are typically manufacturers specializing in brush-making, often from regions with strong manufacturing capabilities in personal care items and art materials. Key considerations in this market include the quality of bristles (synthetic vs. natural hair), handle materials, and the specific application for which the brush is designed, influencing both pricing and market demand.

Covers
  • Artist paint brushes
  • Watercolor brushes
  • Oil painting brushes
  • Calligraphy brushes
  • Makeup foundation brushes
  • Eyeshadow brushes
  • Blush brushes
  • Lip brushes
Examples
  • Winsor & Newton Series 7
  • da Vinci Maestro
  • Real Techniques brushes
  • Sigma Beauty brushes
  • MAC Cosmetics brushes

Codes often confused with 9603.30

Common mistake. Can be confused with general cleaning brushes (960390) or industrial brushes (960350), but the key differentiator is their specific use for art, writing, or cosmetic application, often requiring finer bristles and ergonomic design.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 960330, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960330 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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. 1 China $299M
  2. 2 Germany $103M
  3. 3 France $67M

World total: $783M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $289M
  2. 2 France $100M
  3. 3 Germany $60M

World total: $1.1B 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 9603.30

Brazil does not split HS 9603.30: its NCM code is 9603.30.00.

  1. 9603.30.00 Artists' brushes, writing and cosmetic brushesPincéis e escovas, para artistas, pincéis de escrever e pincéis semelhantes para aplicação de produtos cosméticos

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 96.03 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 9603.30

What is HS code 960330?

HS code 960330 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Brushes; artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics. This HS code encompasses a specialized range of brushes primarily used in artistic endeavors, calligraphy, and the application of cosmetics. Unlike general cleaning tools, these brushes are characterized by their fine bristles, ergonomic designs, and specific functionalities tailored for precision and delicate work. The international trade in these items is driven by the global beauty industry, art supply markets, and educational institutions. Major importers include beauty retailers, art supply stores, and distributors catering to professional artists and consumers. Exporters are typically manufacturers specializing in brush-making, often from regions with strong manufacturing capabilities in personal care items and art materials. Key considerations in this market include the quality of bristles (synthetic vs. natural hair), handle materials, and the specific application for which the brush is designed, influencing both pricing and market demand.

What products fall under HS code 960330?

Artist paint brushes, watercolor brushes, oil painting brushes, calligraphy brushes, makeup foundation brushes, eyeshadow brushes, blush brushes, lip brushes

What are common misclassifications for HS code 960330?

Can be confused with general cleaning brushes (960390) or industrial brushes (960350), but the key differentiator is their specific use for art, writing, or cosmetic application, often requiring finer bristles and ergonomic design.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960330?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960330 in UN Comtrade data were China ($299M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($103M) and France ($67M). World exports came to about $783M, 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 960330?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960330 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($289M, 26% of world imports), France ($100M) and Germany ($60M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 960330 structured?

HS code 960330 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960330?

In Brazil, HS code 960330 is NCM 9603.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.