HS code for hair straightener
The U.S. HS code for a hair straightener is usually 8516.32.00.40 (flat iron), with a 3.9% general duty and an estimated total of 16.4% from China and 16.4% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 41.4% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat iron | 8516.32.00.40 | 3.9% | 16.4% |
- 8516.32.00.40: Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus / Other
What decides the code
A hair straightener is an electrothermic hairdressing apparatus of heading 8516, classified under 8516.32.00.40 as other hairdressing apparatus.
- The product is an electrothermic hairdressing appliance, which places it in heading 8516.
- It is a flat iron, so it falls under 8516.32.00.40, other hairdressing apparatus.
- A change to a hair dryer or hand dryer would move it to a different subheading within heading 8516.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a hair straightener under 8516.31 as hair dryers is wrong because the product straightens hair and does not dry it.
- Classifying it under 8516.40 as electric space heating apparatus is wrong because the appliance is used on hair, not for room heating.
- Classifying it under 8516.60 as other electrothermic domestic appliances is wrong because hairdressing apparatus has its own subheading.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 16.4% = 3.9% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 41.4%.
- Vietnam
- 16.4% = 3.9% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8516.32.00.40, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Flat iron
- CN 8516 32 00, 2.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a hair straightener?
The U.S. HTS code for a hair straightener is usually 8516.32.00.40 (flat iron). The first six digits, 8516.32, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a hair straightener from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8516.32.00.40 is 3.9%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 16.4% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 16.4%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 8516.32.00.40Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus / Other
- Heading 8516Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electrothermic hairdressing apparatus (for example, hair dryers, hair curlers, curling tong heaters) and hand dryers; electric flatirons; other electrothermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; electric heating resistors, other than those of heading 8545; parts thereof
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.