Product classification
HS code for Hairpin: 9615.90
Hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair curlers and the like (not those of heading no. 8516) and parts thereof.
Classification of hairpin under HS 9615.90
Hairpins are classified under HS code 9615.90, a category dedicated to miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9615 specifically encompasses combs, hair-slides, and similar items, as well as hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, and hair curlers. The classification logic for 9615.90 is based on the item being a non-electric hair accessory used for grooming or keeping hair in place. This code is a residual category for hair accessories that are not combs or hair-slides (which are classified under 9615.11 or 9615.19). The material composition is a secondary factor; whether the hairpin is made of base metal, plastic, or other common materials, it remains under this heading unless it qualifies as jewelry. The essential character of the product is its utility in hair management. It is important to note that this code excludes items that incorporate electrical components, which would move the classification to Chapter 85, and items made of precious metals, which fall under Chapter 71.
- Covers
- Bobby pins
- U-shaped metal hairpins
- Plastic hair grips
- Non-electric curling pins
- Hair rollers (non-heated)
- Decorative hairpins not containing precious metal
- Invisible hair pins
- Also under 9615.90
- Goody bobby pins
- Conair hair rollers
- Diane perm rods
- Scunci hair grips
- Topsy Tail (non-electric styling tool)
- Kitsch hair accessories.
Codes often confused with 9615.90
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 7117.19, which covers imitation jewelry. If a hairpin is highly decorative and intended primarily as an ornament rather than a functional tool, it may be classified as imitation jewelry. However, standard functional hairpins remain in 9615.90. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 7319.90, which covers sewing needles and similar steel items like safety pins. While hairpins are often made of steel wire, their specific use for hair styling dictates classification in 9615. Finally, electric hair curlers must not be placed here; they belong under 8516.32.
Top exporters and importers of HS 961590 (the code used for hairpin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 961590 (the code used for hairpin) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 961590, not only hairpin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $235M 64% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $17M 4.7% of world exports
- 3 Germany $15M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $75M 16% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $30M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $28M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $481M 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 hairpin
Brazil classifies hairpin under NCM 9615.90.00: HS 9615.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hairpin
What is the HS code for Hairpin?
The HS code for Hairpin is 961590 (Hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair curlers and the like (not those of heading no. 8516) and parts thereof). The standard HS code for hairpins, including bobby pins and curling grips, is 9615.90.
How do I classify Hairpin for customs?
Hairpin is classified under HS code 961590 — Hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair curlers and the like (not those of heading no. 8516) and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the material change the HS code for hairpins?
Generally, no, as long as the material is a base metal or plastic. However, if the hairpin is made of or plated with precious metal (like gold or silver), it must be classified under Chapter 71 (7113 or 7117).
Which countries are the top exporters of hairpin (HS 961590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 961590 (the code used for hairpin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($235M, 64% of world exports), South Korea ($17M) and Germany ($15M). World exports came to about $367M, 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 hairpin (HS 961590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 961590 (the code used for hairpin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($75M, 16% of world imports), South Korea ($30M) and Thailand ($28M). World imports came to about $481M, 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 Hairpin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 961590 for Hairpin 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 hairpin in Brazil?
In Brazil, hairpin (HS 961590) is classified under NCM 9615.90.00.