Product classification
HS code for Hair gel: 3305.90
Hair preparations, n.e.c. in heading no. 3305.
Classification of hair gel under HS 3305.90
Hair gel is classified under HS code 3305.90. This code is situated within Chapter 33, which covers essential oils and resinoids, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations. Heading 3305 is specifically dedicated to "preparations for use on the hair." While the heading provides specific sub-codes for shampoos (3305.10), permanent waving or straightening preparations (3305.20), and hair lacquers (3305.30), hair gel does not fit into these specific categories. Therefore, it falls under the residual sub-heading 3305.90, which is for "other" hair preparations. This classification includes a wide variety of styling products that are not lacquers or shampoos, such as pomades, waxes, and creams. The classification is driven by the chemical composition and the intended application of the product. Hair gels are typically aqueous or hydro-alcoholic solutions thickened with polymers to provide hair styling benefits. Because they are not intended for cleaning (shampoo) or permanent structural change (perm solution) and are not classified as lacquers (sprays), the "other" category 3305.90 is the most appropriate. Importers should ensure that the product does not contain medicinal properties that would move it to Chapter 30, though this is rare for standard styling gels.
- Covers
- Styling hair gels
- Hair waxes and pomades
- Hair creams and emulsions
- Leave-in hair conditioners
- Also under 3305.90
- Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector
- Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil
- Garnier Fructis Style Curl Sculpting Cream Gel
- Redken One United Leave-In Conditioner
- Clairol Nice 'n Easy Hair Color
Codes often confused with 3305.90
Common mistake. Hair gel is frequently misclassified under 3305.30 (hair lacquers). However, 3305.30 is strictly for sprays and lacquers that form a film. It is also sometimes confused with 3401.30 if the gel has surfactant properties, but 3305.90 takes precedence for hair-specific styling.
Top exporters and importers of HS 330590 (the code used for hair gel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 330590 (the code used for hair gel) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 330590, not only hair gel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $1.3B 11% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 9.3% of world exports
- 3 United States $991M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $12.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $855M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $685M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $12.2B 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 hair gel
Brazil classifies hair gel under NCM 3305.90.00: HS 3305.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hair gel
What is the HS code for Hair gel?
The HS code for Hair gel is 330590 (Hair preparations; n.e.c. in heading no. 3305). The HS code for hair gel is 3305.90, which covers "other" hair preparations.
How do I classify Hair gel for customs?
Hair gel is classified under HS code 330590 — Hair preparations; n.e.c. in heading no. 3305. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is hair wax under the same code as hair gel?
Yes, hair wax, pomades, and styling creams are all classified under HS code 3305.90 as they are hair preparations not elsewhere specified.
Which countries are the top exporters of hair gel (HS 330590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 330590 (the code used for hair gel) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.3B, 11% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and the United States ($991M). World exports came to about $12.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of hair gel (HS 330590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 330590 (the code used for hair gel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 12% of world imports), Germany ($855M) and the United Kingdom ($685M). World imports came to about $12.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Hair gel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 330590 for Hair gel is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for hair gel in Brazil?
In Brazil, hair gel (HS 330590) is classified under NCM 3305.90.00.