HS Code:
The category of 'Combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516, and parts thereof' (HS Code: 9615) encompasses a variety of personal care and grooming accessories primarily used for hair styling and maintenance. This includes plastic, metal, or wooden combs, hairpins, hair-slides, and non-electric hair curlers. These products are typically low-cost, mass-produced items with a wide consumer base across all demographics. They are manufactured using materials like plastics, metals, and sometimes sustainable or biodegradable alternatives in response to environmental concerns. The trade in this category is driven by fashion trends, personal care routines, and the growing demand for eco-friendly products.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.8%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Shift towards sustainable materials
Increased demand for eco-friendly combs and hair accessories made from bamboo, recycled plastics, or biodegradable materials, driven by consumer awareness of environmental impact.
2021-2023
Growth in e-commerce sales
Online platforms have boosted accessibility and sales of hair accessories, especially among younger demographics, leading to a rise in cross-border trade.
2020-2023
Rising influence of beauty and fashion trends
Social media and influencer culture have spurred demand for trendy hair accessories, particularly in markets like South Korea and the United States.
2019-2023
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on single-use plastics, impacting the production and import of plastic combs and hairpins, pushing manufacturers towards sustainable alternatives.
July 2022
Increased production costs for non-compliant manufacturers, but also opened markets for eco-friendly product suppliers.
A revision in tariff structures under the US-China Phase One trade agreement reduced tariffs on certain personal care items, including hair accessories, benefiting Chinese exporters.
January 2023
Boosted export volumes from China to the US, maintaining China's dominance in this category.
South Korean hair accessory brands have gained popularity alongside the global K-Beauty trend, with increased exports of innovative and stylish hairpins and hair-slides.
Mid-2022
Strengthened South Korea's position as a key exporter, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets.