HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 96.16 – Scent sprays and similar toilet sprays and mounts and heads therefor; powder-puffs and pads for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations
What HS 96.16 covers
HS Heading 9616 covers a specialized range of articles for applying cosmetics and toilet preparations, crucial for the beauty and personal care industry. This includes scent sprays and similar toilet sprays, along with their mounts and heads, as well as powder-puffs and pads for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations. The scope encompasses mechanical dispensers designed for perfumes, colognes, and other liquid toilet preparations, whether empty or filled (though the content itself falls under Chapter 33). It also includes the dispensing mechanisms, such as pump spray heads and atomizers. Furthermore, the heading explicitly covers various types of powder-puffs and cosmetic pads, regardless of material (cotton, sponge, velvet, silicone), used for applying foundation, powder, blush, or other cosmetic substances. The boundaries are important: this heading excludes the cosmetic or toilet preparations themselves (Chapter 33), medical sprays or nebulizers (Chapter 90), or electrical devices for applying cosmetics. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to packaging regulations, material safety standards (especially for products in contact with skin), and accurate duty assessment. Historically, these items have evolved from simple applicators to sophisticated dispensing systems, reflecting advancements in cosmetic technology and consumer preferences. As a part of Chapter 96, it ensures these specific manufactured articles are precisely classified, distinguishing them from the cosmetic products they dispense or apply, thereby facilitating clear customs procedures and regulatory adherence in international trade.
- Covers
- Empty glass perfume atomizers
- Plastic scent spray bottles with pump
- Metal perfume spray mounts
- Spray heads for toilet sprays
- Powder-puffs (velvet)
- Cotton powder pads
- Sponge applicator pads
- Silicone cosmetic sponges
- Cosmetic blending puffs
- Refillable perfume sprayers
- Travel-size scent sprays
- Spray nozzles for cosmetic liquids
- Pump mechanisms for toilet sprays
- Compact powder pads
- Liquid foundation applicator sponges
- Body glitter spray pumps
- Makeup setting spray bottles
- Facial mist sprayers.
- Examples
A cosmetic brand in France imports thousands of empty glass perfume atomizers and plastic spray heads from a specialized manufacturer in Germany, which are then filled with their fragrances for global distribution. A major beauty retailer in the United States sources a large volume of cosmetic blending sponges and velvet powder-puffs from factories in China, shipping them via sea freight across the Pacific. A luxury skincare company in Japan imports high-precision spray mounts and pumps from Swiss manufacturers for their premium facial mists, often using air cargo for these delicate components.
Subheadings under 96.16 2
Codes often confused with 96.16
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves the actual cosmetic or toilet preparations (e.g., perfume, face powder) which belong to Chapter 33, not 9616. Traders might incorrectly classify an entire cosmetic product (e.g., a compact powder with an applicator) under 9616 instead of 3304. Another mistake is confusing medical nebulizers or inhalers (Chapter 90) with scent sprays. Furthermore, simple cosmetic brushes, while applicators, fall under 9603, not 9616, as 9616 specifically covers puffs, pads, and sprays. The key is to distinguish between the 'container/applicator' and the 'content' or other 'application tools'.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 9616, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 9616 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 China $1.0B 54% of world exports
- 2 Italy $228M 12% of world exports
- 3 France $180M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $241M 13% of world imports
- 2 France $169M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Spain $145M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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.
Questions about HS 96.16
What is HS code 9616?
HS code 9616 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Scent sprays and similar toilet sprays and mounts and heads therefor; powder-puffs and pads for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations. HS Heading 9616 covers a specialized range of articles for applying cosmetics and toilet preparations, crucial for the beauty and personal care industry. This includes scent sprays and similar toilet sprays, along with their mounts and heads, as well as powder-puffs and pads for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations. The scope encompasses mechanical dispensers designed for perfumes, colognes, and other liquid toilet preparations, whether empty or filled (though the content itself falls under Chapter 33). It also includes the dispensing mechanisms, such as pump spray heads and atomizers. Furthermore, the heading explicitly covers various types of powder-puffs and cosmetic pads, regardless of material (cotton, sponge, velvet, silicone), used for applying foundation, powder, blush, or other cosmetic substances. The boundaries are important: this heading excludes the cosmetic or toilet preparations themselves (Chapter 33), medical sprays or nebulizers (Chapter 90), or electrical devices for applying cosmetics. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to packaging regulations, material safety standards (especially for products in contact with skin), and accurate duty assessment. Historically, these items have evolved from simple applicators to sophisticated dispensing systems, reflecting advancements in cosmetic technology and consumer preferences. As a part of Chapter 96, it ensures these specific manufactured articles are precisely classified, distinguishing them from the cosmetic products they dispense or apply, thereby facilitating clear customs procedures and regulatory adherence in international trade.
What products fall under HS code 9616?
Empty glass perfume atomizers, plastic scent spray bottles with pump, metal perfume spray mounts, spray heads for toilet sprays, powder-puffs (velvet), cotton powder pads, sponge applicator pads, silicone cosmetic sponges, cosmetic blending puffs, refillable perfume sprayers, travel-size scent sprays, spray nozzles for cosmetic liquids, pump mechanisms for toilet sprays, compact powder pads, liquid foundation applicator sponges, body glitter spray pumps, makeup setting spray bottles, facial mist sprayers.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 9616?
A common misclassification involves the actual cosmetic or toilet preparations (e.g., perfume, face powder) which belong to Chapter 33, not 9616. Traders might incorrectly classify an entire cosmetic product (e.g., a compact powder with an applicator) under 9616 instead of 3304. Another mistake is confusing medical nebulizers or inhalers (Chapter 90) with scent sprays. Furthermore, simple cosmetic brushes, while applicators, fall under 9603, not 9616, as 9616 specifically covers puffs, pads, and sprays. The key is to distinguish between the 'container/applicator' and the 'content' or other 'application tools'.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 9616?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9616 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 54% of world exports), Italy ($228M) and France ($180M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 9616?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9616 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($241M, 13% of world imports), France ($169M) and Spain ($145M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 9616 structured?
HS code 9616 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 96 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (16) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.