Find the right HS tariff code for perfumes, skincare, makeup, hair care and beauty products — with EU, UK and USA import duty rates.
Cosmetics and beauty products are classified primarily under HS Chapter 33 (essential oils, perfumes, cosmetics and toilet preparations). EU import duties on cosmetics from non-EU countries typically range from 3.7% to 6.5%. The EU also has strict cosmetic ingredient regulations under Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 — products sold in the EU must comply with EU cosmetic ingredient restrictions, which ban over 1,000 ingredients permitted elsewhere. Post-Brexit, the UK has its own cosmetics regulations (UK Cosmetics Regulation), broadly mirroring EU rules. The USA regulates cosmetics through the FDA under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) from 2024.
Import duty rates shown for the EU (from non-EU), UK (from non-UK), and USA (from non-USA). Intra-EU shipments have 0% duty.
| HS Code | Product description | EU duty | UK duty | USA duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3303.00 | Perfumes and eau de toilette (EDT) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | EU: highest rate in Chapter 33 |
| 3304.10 | Lip make-up preparations (lipstick, lip gloss) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | All lipstick and lip colours |
| 3304.20 | Eye make-up preparations (mascara, eyeshadow) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | Eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow |
| 3304.30 | Manicure and pedicure preparations (nail polish) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | All nail polishes and nail care |
| 3304.91 | Powders (face powder, body powder, pressed powder) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | Foundation in powder form |
| 3304.99 | Other beauty preparations — foundation, blush, BB cream | 6.5% | 0% | Free | Liquid foundation, concealer, tinted moisturiser |
| 3305.10 | Shampoos (hair care) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | All shampoo types |
| 3305.20 | Preparations for permanent waving or straightening | 6.5% | 0% | Free | Keratin treatments, relaxers |
| 3305.30 | Hair lacquers (hairspray) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | Aerosol hairspray — note DG classification |
| 3305.90 | Other hair preparations — conditioners, serums, oils | 6.5% | 0% | Free | Hair oils, masks, leave-in treatments |
| 3307.10 | Pre-shave and shaving preparations (shaving cream) | 6.5% | 0% | Free | Shaving foam, gel, cream |
| 3307.41 | Agarbatti and other odoriferous preparations for burning | 3.7% | 0% | Free | Incense sticks and cones |
Duty rates are indicative based on standard MFN (Most Favoured Nation) tariffs. Actual rates may vary by country of origin and applicable trade agreements. Always verify with the official tariff database of the destination country.
Cosmetics from non-EU countries typically attract 6.5% import duty under the EU Common Customs Tariff. Countries with EU trade agreements (e.g., South Korea, Canada, Japan, Vietnam) may have 0% or reduced rates. EU cosmetics must comply with Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 including ingredient safety assessment and product information file. Some ingredients permitted in USA or Asia are banned in EU cosmetics.
UK import duty on cosmetics has been reduced to 0% on most Chapter 33 products under the UK Global Tariff. This is a significant difference from the EU's 6.5%. The UK follows the UK Cosmetics Regulation (broadly equivalent to EU Cosmetics Regulation). A UK Responsible Person address is required for cosmetics placed on the UK market.
The US imposes 0% import duty (free) on most Chapter 33 cosmetics. However, from 2024, the FDA Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) requires cosmetic product listing with the FDA, facility registration, and more rigorous safety substantiation. Products with drug-cosmetic crossover (SPF sunscreen, anti-dandruff) are regulated as drugs with stricter requirements.
Aerosol cosmetics (hairspray, deodorant sprays, shaving foam in aerosol cans) are classified as Class 2.1 (flammable) or Class 2.2 (non-flammable) dangerous goods. Standard courier services have quantity limits — typically up to 4 aerosols per parcel for DHL/UPS standard. Larger shipments require DG booking. Nail polish is also a flammable liquid (Class 3) with shipping restrictions.
Cosmetics imported into Brazil must be registered with ANVISA (National Health Surveillance Agency) before import. This is a lengthy process. Without ANVISA registration, cosmetics will be detained at Brazilian customs. Many brands operate Brazil-specific product lines reformulated to meet ANVISA requirements.
EU B2C e-commerce sales of cosmetics from outside EU under €150 can use IOSS to collect VAT at point of sale. Without IOSS, EU customers face customs charges on delivery which causes high parcel return rates. Cosmetics brands selling to EU consumers should register for IOSS to offer a seamless customer experience.
List every product's full INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name on the commercial invoice where possible — many customs authorities for cosmetics require this, especially Brazil (ANVISA) and South Korea (MFDS). 'Face cream' is not sufficient — 'Aqua, Glycerin, Niacinamide...' is required.
Declare aerosol cosmetics as dangerous goods at booking — hairspray, deodorant sprays and nail polish are regulated under IATA DGR / ADR. Standard courier booking will be refused or delayed if aerosols are not pre-declared. Pack aerosols per IATA PI 958/ICN 956.
For EU imports, the Responsible Person must be established in an EU member state. If you are a non-EU brand selling cosmetics to EU consumers, you need an EU Responsible Person (a company established in the EU that holds your product safety files and complies with Regulation 1223/2009) before your products can be legally sold.
Check your cosmetic ingredients against the EU banned ingredients list (Annex II of Regulation 1223/2009 — over 1,300 banned substances). Common US ingredients banned in EU include: formaldehyde-releasing preservatives above certain concentrations, mercury compounds, certain hair dye chemicals. Products containing banned ingredients will be seized at EU customs.
Samples and testers sent to buyers, press or influencers still require commercial invoice with HS code and declared value. Mark clearly as 'Cosmetic Sample — Not for Sale' but declare a realistic value (production cost). Major fashion and beauty brands are regularly audited on sample shipment values.
For UK post-Brexit cosmetic sales: register your cosmetics with OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards) via the UK Cosmetic Product Notification Portal. Appoint a UK Responsible Person if you are not UK-established. UK regulations mirror EU requirements but are now independently enforced.
What is the HS code for perfume?
Perfumes and eau de toilette are classified under HS code 3303.00. This covers all fine fragrances regardless of concentration (parfum, EDP, EDT, EDC) or gender. EU import duty: 6.5% from non-EU countries. UK: 0%. USA: Free (0%). Perfumes are also regulated as flammable liquids (Class 3 dangerous goods) for shipping — quantity limits apply per carrier.
What is the HS code for skincare — moisturisers and serums?
Skincare preparations (moisturisers, serums, creams) that are purely cosmetic (not medicated) fall under 3304.99 (other beauty preparations). SPF moisturisers that make sun protection claims may be classified differently — as sunscreen under 3307.90 or even as a cosmetic-drug depending on the market. EU duty: 6.5%. UK: 0%. USA: Free.
Can I ship aerosol deodorant by courier internationally?
Yes, but aerosol deodorant is classified as a dangerous good (Class 2.2 or 2.1 under IATA DGR). You must declare it as DG at booking. Most major carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx) accept aerosols within quantity limits — typically a maximum of 4 cans per parcel for personal quantities under their consumer electronics exception. Commercial quantities require full DG booking and may only ship by road.
What EU regulations apply to cosmetics imported from outside the EU?
EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 governs all cosmetics placed on the EU market. Key requirements: (1) EU Responsible Person — a company established in the EU must be named on the label. (2) Ingredient compliance — no banned substances. (3) Product Information File (PIF) — safety assessment must be held by the Responsible Person. (4) CPNP notification — cosmetics must be notified to the EU Cosmetic Product Notification Portal before placing on market.
What is the HS code for lipstick?
Lipstick and all lip make-up preparations (lip gloss, lip liner, lip balm with colour) are classified under HS code 3304.10. Clear/uncoloured lip balm may fall under 3304.99. EU import duty: 6.5%. UK: 0%. USA: Free. Always check the 8-digit EU TARIC code or 10-digit US HTS code for your specific product using the official tariff databases.
Do cosmetics require FDA registration for import to the USA?
From 2024, under MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act), cosmetic facilities and products must be registered with the FDA. This applies to both US manufacturers and foreign manufacturers exporting to the USA. Additionally, SPF products (sunscreen) and anti-dandruff shampoos are regulated as OTC drugs in the USA — requiring a separate drug approval process and FDA-compliant labelling (Active Ingredients listed).
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