Product classification
HS code for Hair relaxer: 3305.20
Hair preparations, for permanent waving or straightening.
Classification of hair relaxer under HS 3305.20
Hair relaxers are classified under HS code 3305.20. This subheading is specifically designated for hair preparations intended for permanent waving or straightening. Relaxers function by chemically breaking the disulfide bonds in the hair shaft to alter its natural structure, typically moving from curly to straight. This process is considered "permanent" in the context of the HS nomenclature because the treated hair remains straight until it grows out or is cut. Heading 3305 covers hair preparations, and 3305.20 is the most specific subheading for products that perform this chemical straightening function. This includes both "lye" relaxers (containing sodium hydroxide) and "no-lye" relaxers (containing calcium hydroxide or guanidine carbonate), provided they are prepared for retail sale as hair treatments. The classification is determined by GRI 1, which prioritizes the specific terms of the subheadings. Since 3305.20 explicitly mentions preparations for straightening, it is the correct code for relaxers. This classification also encompasses the neutralizing shampoos and conditioners that are often sold as part of a relaxer kit, as they are essential components of the permanent straightening process and are typically packaged together for retail sale.
- Covers
- Chemical hair relaxer creams
- Permanent hair straightening kits
- Neutralizing lotions for relaxers
- Permanent waving (perm) solutions
- Pre-relaxer protector treatments
- Also under 3305.20
- L'Oréal Professionnel X-Tenso Moisturist
- Wella Professionals Creatine+ Straight
- Schwarzkopf Professional Strait Styling Glatt
- Brazilian Blowout Original Solution
- Olaplex No. 1 Bond Multiplier
Codes often confused with 3305.20
Common mistake. Hair relaxers are sometimes incorrectly classified under 3305.90 (Other hair preparations). However, because 3305.20 specifically mentions straightening, it must be used instead of the residual category. Another misclassification occurs when the active chemical, such as sodium hydroxide, is classified under 2815.11; this is only correct if the chemical is in its pure form and not prepared as a cosmetic product. Finally, temporary straightening balms that wash out are classified under 3305.90, not 3305.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 330520 (the code used for hair relaxer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 330520 (the code used for hair relaxer) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 5.8% 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 330520, not only hair relaxer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $24M 14% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $12M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 Germany $12M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $173M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Tanzania $9.7M 5.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $9.5M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $7.0M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $166M 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 relaxer
Brazil classifies hair relaxer under NCM 3305.20.00: HS 3305.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hair relaxer
What is the HS code for Hair relaxer?
The HS code for Hair relaxer is 330520 (Hair preparations; for permanent waving or straightening). The HS code for hair relaxer is 3305.20, covering preparations for permanent waving or straightening.
How do I classify Hair relaxer for customs?
Hair relaxer is classified under HS code 330520 — Hair preparations; for permanent waving or straightening. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include keratin treatments?
If the keratin treatment is designed to permanently straighten the hair through chemical alteration, it falls under 3305.20. Temporary smoothing treatments fall under 3305.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of hair relaxer (HS 330520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 330520 (the code used for hair relaxer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($24M, 14% of world exports), South Africa ($12M) and Germany ($12M). World exports came to about $173M, 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 relaxer (HS 330520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 330520 (the code used for hair relaxer) in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($9.7M, 5.8% of world imports), the United States ($9.5M) and Saudi Arabia ($7.0M). World imports came to about $166M, 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 relaxer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 330520 for Hair relaxer 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 relaxer in Brazil?
In Brazil, hair relaxer (HS 330520) is classified under NCM 3305.20.00.