Product classification
HS code for Makeup brushes: 9603.30
Brushes, artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics.
Classification of makeup brushes under HS 9603.30
Makeup brushes are classified under HS code 9603.30. This code is part of Chapter 96, which encompasses miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9603 includes a wide variety of brushes, including brooms, mops, and prepared knots for broom or brush making. Subheading 9603.30 specifically addresses artists' brushes, writing brushes, and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics. The classification is determined by the function of the item—applying cosmetic preparations to the face or body. These brushes consist of a tuft of hair (natural or synthetic) or other fibers attached to a handle, usually by a metal ferrule. Whether the brush is sold individually or as part of a set, it remains under this heading. If sold in a kit with cosmetic products, the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) are applied to determine if the set is classified as a whole or if the components are classified separately. Usually, the brush itself is the defining characteristic of the article under 9603.30. The material of the handle (wood, plastic, or metal) does not change the primary classification, provided the brush is intended for cosmetic use.
- Covers
- Foundation and concealer brushes
- Eyeshadow and eyeliner brushes
- Powder and blush brushes
- Kabuki brushes
- Lip brushes and brow brushes
- Also under 9603.30
- Winsor & Newton Series 7
- da Vinci Maestro
- Real Techniques brushes
- Sigma Beauty brushes
- MAC Cosmetics brushes
Codes often confused with 9603.30
Common mistake. Makeup brushes are often confused with powder puffs or pads, which are classified under HS code 9616.20. While both apply cosmetics, 9603.30 is strictly for brushes with bristles. Another misclassification occurs with electric facial cleansing brushes, which are classified under 8509.80 as electromechanical domestic appliances. Additionally, if a brush is intended for medical application, it might be erroneously placed in Chapter 90, though most cosmetic-style applicators remain in 9603.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960330 (the code used for makeup brushes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960330 (the code used for makeup brushes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 960330, not only makeup brushes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $299M 38% of world exports
- 2 Germany $103M 13% of world exports
- 3 France $67M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $783M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $289M 26% of world imports
- 2 France $100M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $60M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 makeup brushes
Brazil classifies makeup brushes under NCM 9603.30.00: HS 9603.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about makeup brushes
What is the HS code for Makeup brushes?
The HS code for Makeup brushes is 960330 (Brushes; artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics). The HS code for makeup brushes is 9603.30.
How do I classify Makeup brushes for customs?
Makeup brushes is classified under HS code 960330 — Brushes; artists' brushes, writing brushes and similar brushes for the application of cosmetics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are synthetic and natural hair brushes classified differently?
No, both synthetic fiber brushes and natural animal hair brushes used for cosmetic application are classified under HS code 9603.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of makeup brushes (HS 960330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960330 (the code used for makeup brushes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($299M, 38% of world exports), Germany ($103M) and France ($67M). World exports came to about $783M, 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 makeup brushes (HS 960330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960330 (the code used for makeup brushes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($289M, 26% of world imports), France ($100M) and Germany ($60M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Makeup brushes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960330 for Makeup brushes 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 makeup brushes in Brazil?
In Brazil, makeup brushes (HS 960330) is classified under NCM 9603.30.00.