Skip to main content
96151900
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLESCombs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516, and parts thereof

Other

Standard EU duty
2.7%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
9 docs
C400Y900Y922N954U045U078+3
Standard rates
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNESThird country duty2.7%-R2261/98
Preferences
AD 0%AL 0%BA 0%CA 0%CAMER 0%CARI 0%CH 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%DZ 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EEA 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%EUCA 0%FJ 0%FO 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP 0%GSP+ 0%IL 0%JO 0%JP 0%KE 0%KR 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%ME 0%MK 0%MX 0%NZ 0%PE 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SG 0%SM 0%SWITZ 0%SY 0%TN 0%TR 0%UA 0%VN 0%WS 0%XC 0%XK 0%XL 0%XS 0%ZA 0%
Notes
CD303The relief from or reduction of customs duties shall be subject to the specific request expressed by the declarant in box 44 "Additional information/Documents produced/Certificates and authorisations", of the Single Administrative Document (SAD)
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD727Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of an origin declaration stating the European Union origin of the goods, in the context of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
CD500Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of a proof of origin stating the community origin of the goods, in the context of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation.
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

DEgold710/23-6

Two metal hair clips with plastic animal heads

base metalGRI 1GRI 2bGRI 3bGRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold391/23-8

35-piece hair accessory set (not a set for classification)

tekstyl (gumki do włosów)GRI 1GRI 3bGRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold778/24-1

Christmas hair clip with fake fur and moose head

tekstyl (Spinnstoff/plusz)GRI 1GRI 2bGRI 3bGRI 5bGRI 6
FRgold24-02264

Hair clip with polyester bow

ironGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold572/24-1

Girl's advent calendar - hair accessory set

metalGRI 1GRI 2bGRI 3bGRI 5bGRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

Scope and product characteristics

Subheading 961519 of the Combined Nomenclature covers combs, hair-slides and similar articles made of materials other than hard rubber and plastics. In commercial practice, this group primarily includes wooden, metal, and horn products, as well as articles of tortoiseshell, ivory, and other natural materials. Wooden combs are attracting growing interest as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic products, especially among environmentally conscious consumers seeking sustainable personal care options. Metal hair clips and ornaments are widely used both as functional styling accessories and as decorative jewellery items. Horn and bone articles are subject to specific requirements under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which must be carefully observed during import procedures.

Customs classification and distinction from similar goods

Correct classification of combs and hair-slides requires determining the material from which they are made. Products of hard rubber or plastics are classified under subheading 961511, while articles of other materials including wood, metal, and horn are covered by subheading 961519. Metal hair ornaments of a jewellery character may be classified in Chapter 71 if their primary function is decoration rather than hairdressing. When classifying composite goods made of several materials, the essential material or predominant character rule applies. The General Rules for Interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature provide the legal basis for resolving classification uncertainties and should be consulted alongside the explanatory notes.

Regulations on natural materials and environmental protection

The import of combs and hair-slides of natural materials, particularly horn, ivory, and tortoiseshell, is subject to specific regulations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Trade in products derived from species listed under CITES requires appropriate export and import permits, which must be obtained before shipment. Wooden combs are subject to phytosanitary import requirements, and certain timber species may require compliance documents under the EU Timber Regulation. Importers must carefully verify that the materials used in production are not subject to any trade restrictions before finalising orders and arranging shipment to avoid serious delays or confiscation at the border.

Classification and import of combs hair-slides wood metal horn - subheading CN 9

Subheading CN 9615 19 covers combs hair-slides wood metal horn. When importing into the EU, verify applicable duty rates in TARIC, check CE marking requirements (if applicable), and prepare the required customs documentation. Tariff classification should be based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GIR) of the Combined Nomenclature. If classification is uncertain, applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority is recommended. Also verify whether the product is subject to import restrictions, sanctions, or licensing requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between subheadings 961519 and 961511 for combs?
The key difference lies in the material composition. Subheading 961511 covers combs and hair-slides exclusively of hard rubber or plastics, while subheading 961519 applies to all other materials such as wood, metal, horn, bone, and other natural or synthetic materials that are not plastics. When there is doubt about material classification, it is advisable to obtain Binding Tariff Information ruling from the relevant customs authority.
Do wooden combs require special permits when imported into the EU?
Wooden combs may require phytosanitary import documents confirming that the wood does not harbour plant pests or diseases. If the product is made from wood species listed under CITES or covered by the EU Timber Regulation, additional permits or a due diligence declaration by the importer may be required before the goods can be cleared through customs.
How should metal hair clips with decorative stones be classified?
Metal hair clips with decorative stones may be classified under subheading 961519 as metal hair-slides or alternatively under Chapter 71 as jewellery articles, depending on their primary function. The decisive factor is the essential character of the product and its predominant intended use. In case of doubt, importers should apply for Binding Tariff Information decision from the national customs authority.
How to correctly classify combs hair-slides wood metal horn under CN 9615 19?
Combs hair-slides wood metal horn are classified under subheading CN 9615 19 based on the GIR of the Combined Nomenclature. Key criteria are the material, intended use, and functional characteristics of the product. If in doubt, applying for a BTI ru