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33
Tariff Chapter 33
Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, including denture fixative pastes and powders; yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss), in individual retail packages
What does heading 3306 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 3306 covers oral hygiene preparations, toothpaste, dental floss. These products belong to Chapter 33 covering essential oils, odoriferous substances, perfumery, cosmetic and toilet preparations. They are used in the perfumery, cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. Import of products of heading 3306 into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 6.5%. Cosmetic products must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, including notification via the CPNP portal. A responsible person in the EU is required for each cosmetic product. Heading 3306 is part of Chapter 33 (chemical industry products, pharmaceuticals and fertilizers) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 3306 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 3306 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 3306
Import of products of heading 3306 into the EU is subject to duty rates from 0% to 6.5%. A responsible person in the EU is required for each cosmetic product. Cosmetic products require notification via the CPNP portal before being placed on the EU market. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 requires a responsible person in the EU for each cosmetic product. Duty rates on products of heading 3306 range from 0% to 6.5%. Cosmetic ingredients must comply with the lists of permitted, prohibited and restricted substances in the annexes to the Cosmetics Regulation. When importing goods under heading 3306 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 3306 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 3306 are subject to REACH, CLP and GHS controls. Required documentation includes: Safety Data Sheets (SDS), ECHA registration, GMP certificates (for pharmaceuticals). In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 3306 — key considerations
Heading 3306 covers preparations for oral or dental hygiene, including toothpastes, tooth powders, dental floss. Toothpaste: 3306 10. Dental floss: 3306 20. Mouthwash: 3306 90. Toothbrushes: 9603. Consumer tooth whiteners: 3306. Dental cements: 3006. Key distinction: 3306 = oral hygiene (cosmetic), 3006 = dental medical devices.
Frequently asked questions
What customs duty rates apply to oral hygiene preparations under heading 3306?
Duty rates for oral hygiene preparations under heading 3306 range from 0% to 4%. Toothpaste, tooth powders and mouthwash may benefit from a 0% rate, while dental floss and certain other products are subject to rates up to 4%. When classifying, it is important to distinguish between cosmetic preparations (Chapter 33) and medicinal products (Chapter 30), as toothpaste with pharmacologically active substances may require different tariff classification. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and certificates are required for importing toothpaste and oral care products into the EU?
Importing oral hygiene preparations requires product notification through the CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal) under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Each cosmetic product must have a designated responsible person within the EU. A Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), technical documentation, and labelling in the destination country's language are also required. Products containing fluoride are subject to concentration limits specified in the annexes of the Cosmetics Regulation. This applies to goods classified under heading 3306 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing oral hygiene products from outside the EU?
When importing toothpaste and mouthwash, ensure compliance with European cosmetic standards, including permitted and prohibited substance lists. Labels must include full INCI ingredient listing, minimum durability date or PAO indication. Factor in costs for laboratory testing to confirm safety and composition compliance. CPNP notification procedures typically take several weeks, which should be included in logistics planning. Shelf life requirements and storage conditions during transport also need attention. This applies to goods classified under heading 3306 of the Combined Nomenclature. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
Useful tools & resources
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