HS Code 96.15 – Combs, hair-slides and similar; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips and hair curlers and the like, other than those of heading no. 8516 and parts thereof

HS code 9615 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Combs, hair-slides and similar; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips and hair curlers and the like, other than those of heading no. 8516 and parts thereof. HS Heading 9615 covers a broad array of non-electrical articles used for hair grooming and styling. This classification is vital for businesses dealing with personal care products, fashion accessories, and salon supplies. The heading specifically includes combs, hair-slides and similar articles, hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, and hair curlers and the like. The scope is comprehensive, encompassing items made from various materials like plastic, metal, wood, bone, and rubber. A critical boundary condition is the explicit exclusion of electrical hair appliances, which fall under heading 8516 (e.g., electric hair curlers, curling irons). This ensures a clear distinction between mechanical and electrical devices. Key sub-categories include different types of combs (dressing combs, pocket combs, detangling combs), various styles of hairpins (bobby pins, U-pins, decorative pins), and a multitude of hair curler designs (rollers, foam curlers, velcro curlers). This classification is crucial for trade compliance as it impacts applicable duties, consumer safety regulations (especially for products that contact skin or hair), and potential restrictions on certain materials (e.g., ivory, certain plastics). Historically, these items have been essential personal care tools, with designs and materials evolving with fashion trends and technological advancements. As part of Chapter 96, it groups these miscellaneous manufactured articles, ensuring they are not overlooked or misclassified into broader categories like plastics or metal articles, thereby providing clarity for global trade.

Plastic combs, wooden combs, metal combs, bone combs, rubber combs, hair-slides, barrettes, hair clips, decorative hairpins, bobby pins, U-shaped hairpins, curling pins, hair grips, hair curlers (non-electrical), foam hair rollers, velcro hair rollers, perm rods, hair bun makers, hair nets (if designed for styling), parts of combs, parts of hair-slides, parts of hair curlers, hair sticks, hair forks.

A common error is classifying electrical hair appliances, such as electric curling irons or heated rollers, under 9615; these correctly belong to heading 8516. Another mistake involves decorative hair accessories made of precious metals or incorporating significant amounts of precious stones, which might be better classified as jewelry (Chapter 71), especially if their primary value is as an adornment rather than a hair tool. Simple hair bands or ties made primarily of textile materials might be confused, but generally fall under Chapter 62 or 63. Traders must always consider the 'other than those of heading no. 8516' clause carefully to avoid misclassification.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9615 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 81% of world exports), Germany ($77M) and France ($46M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 9615 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($333M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($118M) and Japan ($107M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 9615 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 96 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.