Product classification
HS code for Shoe shine kits: 9605.00
Travel sets, for personal toilet, sewing, shoe or clothes cleaning.
Classification of shoe shine kits under HS 9605.00
Shoe shine kits are classified under HS code 9605.00 because they are defined as travel sets for personal toilet, sewing, or shoe or clothes cleaning. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), specifically Rule 3(b), goods put up in sets for retail sale, which consist of different components used together to carry out a specific activity, are classified under the heading that covers the set as a whole. Heading 9605 specifically identifies sets for shoe cleaning. These kits typically contain brushes, polishes, and cloths packaged together in a case or pouch. The classification remains here even if the individual components, like a brush (9603) or polish (3405), would fall elsewhere if imported separately. The essential character of the set is the maintenance and cleaning of footwear while traveling or for personal use. The inclusion of a container or case is a requirement for this heading, as it must be "put up" as a set for retail sale to be considered a travel set under the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Complete shoe cleaning sets in pouches
- Travel kits containing polish and applicators
- Boot cleaning sets with specialized brushes
- Portable leather care kits for retail sale
- Also under 9605.00
- Sephora travel sets
- TSA-approved toiletry kits
- Marriott hotel amenity kits
- Kiwi travel shoe shine kits
- Tide To Go travel kits
Codes often confused with 9605.00
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying the individual components of the kit separately. For instance, the shoe polish might be incorrectly assigned to HS code 3405.10, or the brushes to 9603.90. However, when these items are packaged together for retail sale as a kit, General Interpretative Rule 3(b) mandates classification as a set. Another common mistake is using HS code 6406, which covers parts of footwear; however, cleaning kits are not considered parts of the shoes themselves. Furthermore, if the kit is contained in a high-quality leather case, some importers might look toward heading 4202, but 9605 takes precedence as it specifically describes the intended use of the set as a cleaning kit.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960500 (the code used for shoe shine kits), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960500 (the code used for shoe shine kits) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 960500, not only shoe shine kits.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $196M 58% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $24M 7.1% of world exports
- 3 Cambodia* ~$20M 5.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $339M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $44M 13% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $32M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $30M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $331M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 shoe shine kits
Brazil classifies shoe shine kits under NCM 9605.00.00: HS 9605.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shoe shine kits
What is the HS code for Shoe shine kits?
The HS code for Shoe shine kits is 960500 (Travel sets; for personal toilet, sewing, shoe or clothes cleaning). The primary HS code for shoe shine kits is 9605.00, which covers travel sets for personal cleaning.
How do I classify Shoe shine kits for customs?
Shoe shine kits is classified under HS code 960500 — Travel sets; for personal toilet, sewing, shoe or clothes cleaning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can I classify a kit under 9605 if it only contains brushes?
No, a kit must generally contain a variety of items (e.g., polish and a cloth) to be considered a set under 9605.00; otherwise, it may be classified by the single item's code.
Which countries are the top exporters of shoe shine kits (HS 960500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960500 (the code used for shoe shine kits) in UN Comtrade data were China ($196M, 58% of world exports), Türkiye ($24M) and Cambodia (about $20M). World exports came to about $339M, 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 shoe shine kits (HS 960500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960500 (the code used for shoe shine kits) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($44M, 13% of world imports), Türkiye ($32M) and the United Kingdom ($30M). World imports came to about $331M, 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 Shoe shine kits the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960500 for Shoe shine kits 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 shoe shine kits in Brazil?
In Brazil, shoe shine kits (HS 960500) is classified under NCM 9605.00.00.