HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9616.20 – Powder puffs and pads; for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations
HS code 9616.20 is the 6-digit subheading for powder puffs and pads, for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations. It is used for velour powder puffs, cosmetic sponges, makeup applicator pads, foundation sponges and beauty blenders.
What HS 9616.20 covers
This HS code covers the international trade of powder puffs and pads specifically designed for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations. These items are fundamental tools in the beauty industry, ranging from disposable applicators to reusable, high-quality pads made from various materials like velour, foam, or cotton. The market is driven by the vast global cosmetics industry and continuous consumer demand for effective and hygienic application tools for products such as face powder, foundation, and blush. Importers include cosmetic brands, beauty supply distributors, large retail chains, and online beauty retailers. Exporters are typically manufacturers with expertise in textiles, foam, and synthetic materials, often located in Asia, particularly China and South Korea, known for their advanced cosmetic accessory production. Key considerations include material softness, absorbency, durability, and hygienic properties to ensure safe and effective product application.
- Covers
- Velour powder puffs
- Cosmetic sponges
- Makeup applicator pads
- Foundation sponges
- Beauty blenders
- Cotton powder puffs
- Reusable makeup pads
- Silicone makeup applicators.
- Examples
- Beautyblender sponges
- Real Techniques makeup sponges
- Ecotools powder puffs
- Shiseido facial cotton
- generic velour powder puffs
- Fenty Beauty sponges
- Juno & Co. sponges.
Codes often confused with 9616.20
Common mistake. This code is specific to puffs and pads for cosmetic application; it should not be confused with general cleaning cloths (Chapter 63) or medical swabs (300590).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 961620, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 961620 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $249M 61% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $24M 5.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $21M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $407M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $61M 14% of world imports
- 2 Japan $46M 11% of world imports
- 3 France $38M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $433M 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 9616.20
Brazil does not split HS 9616.20: its NCM code is 9616.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 96.16 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9616.20
What is HS code 961620?
HS code 961620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Powder puffs and pads; for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations. This HS code covers the international trade of powder puffs and pads specifically designed for the application of cosmetics or toilet preparations. These items are fundamental tools in the beauty industry, ranging from disposable applicators to reusable, high-quality pads made from various materials like velour, foam, or cotton. The market is driven by the vast global cosmetics industry and continuous consumer demand for effective and hygienic application tools for products such as face powder, foundation, and blush. Importers include cosmetic brands, beauty supply distributors, large retail chains, and online beauty retailers. Exporters are typically manufacturers with expertise in textiles, foam, and synthetic materials, often located in Asia, particularly China and South Korea, known for their advanced cosmetic accessory production. Key considerations include material softness, absorbency, durability, and hygienic properties to ensure safe and effective product application.
What products fall under HS code 961620?
Velour powder puffs, cosmetic sponges, makeup applicator pads, foundation sponges, beauty blenders, cotton powder puffs, reusable makeup pads, silicone makeup applicators.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 961620?
This code is specific to puffs and pads for cosmetic application; it should not be confused with general cleaning cloths (Chapter 63) or medical swabs (300590).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 961620?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 961620 in UN Comtrade data were China ($249M, 61% of world exports), the Netherlands ($24M) and the United States ($21M). World exports came to about $407M, 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 961620?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 961620 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($61M, 14% of world imports), Japan ($46M) and France ($38M). World imports came to about $433M, 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 961620 structured?
HS code 961620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) 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 961620?
In Brazil, HS code 961620 is NCM 9616.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.