HS Code for Dental floss

Dental floss is classified under HS code 3306.20. This code is part of Chapter 33, which covers essential oils and resinoids, perfumery, cosmetic, or toilet preparations. Specifically, heading 3306 is dedicated to preparations for oral or dental hygiene. While one might assume dental floss belongs in a textile category due to its yarn-like structure, the Harmonized System explicitly places \"yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss)\" within the oral hygiene preparations heading. This classification applies regardless of whether the floss is flavored, waxed, or packaged for retail sale. The logic behind this placement is that the primary use of the product is for the maintenance of dental health and hygiene rather than for general textile applications. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (ENHS) for heading 3306 clarify that this subheading includes yarn used to clean between the teeth, provided it is in packages of a kind sold by retail for such use. If the yarn is not prepared for retail sale as dental floss, it might be classified elsewhere, but for the vast majority of commercial dental floss products, 3306.20 is the mandatory code. This classification reflects the transition of a raw material (yarn) into a specialized health product through specific processing and packaging. The inclusion of dental floss in this chapter highlights the importance of oral care products within the global cosmetic and toilet preparation market.

Products Included

• Waxed dental floss
• Unwaxed dental floss
• Flavored dental floss (e.g., mint, cinnamon)
• Dental tape
• Individual dental floss picks (pre-strung)

Common Misclassification

Dental floss is often misclassified under Chapter 54 (Man-made filaments) or Chapter 55 (Man-made staple fibers), specifically codes like 5402.11, because it is essentially a high-tenacity yarn. However, Note 4 to Chapter 33 and the specific wording of 3306.20 clarify that dental floss is excluded from textile chapters and must be classified here. Another confusion arises with 3306.10, which is for dentifrices (toothpaste); while both are oral hygiene products, floss has its own dedicated subheading that must be used to ensure accurate customs declarations.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Dental floss?

The HS code for dental floss, specifically yarn used to clean between the teeth, is 3306.20.

Does this code include interdental brushes?

No, interdental brushes are generally classified under heading 9603 as brushes, specifically 9603.21 for toothbrushes and similar brushes, as they are considered mechanical cleaning tools rather than yarn.