Import duties on industrial brushes can range from zero to over ten percent, depending on a single six-digit code. Get the HS classification right and you pay the correct rate — sometimes zero under a free-trade agreement. Get it wrong and customs can back-bill you for the difference plus penalties. This guide walks through how duties are determined for brush and cleaning-equipment imports, with the HS codes most relevant to Pamin’s product range and the destination markets our customers ship to.
How HS codes determine your duty rate
The Harmonized System (HS) is a global classification maintained by the World Customs Organization. The first six digits are universal; countries add additional digits for their own tariff schedules. An industrial brush typically falls under HS heading 9603 (“Brooms, brushes…”), with the specific subheading depending on the brush type and material. The duty rate applied to that code depends on the destination country’s tariff schedule and on any free-trade agreements it has with China.
HS codes for common industrial brush imports
| Product | HS Code (6-digit) | Typical EU Duty | Typical US Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial disk brushes (nylon) | 9603.50 | 2.7% | 0-2.5% |
| Strip brushes (metal channel) | 9603.50 | 2.7% | 0-2.5% |
| Cylinder/roller brushes | 9603.50 | 2.7% | 0-2.5% |
| Steel wire brushes | 9603.50 | 2.7% | 0-5.7% |
| Road sweeper brushes (mounted) | 9603.50 | 2.7% | Free-2.5% |
| Cleaning brush sets (retail) | 9603.90 | 3.7% | 0-5% |
Important: the above are indicative 6-digit rates. Your customs broker must classify to the full 8-10 digit national tariff line for your specific destination country. Duty rates change periodically; always confirm the current rate with your broker before quoting a customer. The key takeaway is that most industrial brushes fall under 9603.50 with modest duty rates, but misclassification can push you into a higher bracket — 9603.90, for example, often carries a slightly higher rate.
How free-trade agreements can reduce your duty to zero
If your destination country has a free-trade agreement (FTA) with China — or with the ASEAN bloc, of which China is a dialogue partner — you may qualify for a reduced or zero duty rate. The catch: you need a Certificate of Origin (Form E for ASEAN, Form A for GSP, or the specific FTA form) issued by the Chinese exporter. Without that certificate, customs applies the standard MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rate. Ask your supplier whether they can provide the certificate before you assume the lower rate.
How to handle duties on your order
Three practical rules: (1) Confirm the HS code with your customs broker before you finalise the order — the supplier’s suggested code is a starting point, not a guarantee. (2) If you order DDP, the supplier’s broker handles classification, duty payment, and clearance; ask for the HS code and duty breakdown on the invoice as a learning reference. (3) Build a 3-5% duty buffer into your landed-cost model on a first order; you can reduce it once you have a confirmed rate from an actual cleared shipment. For how duties fit into the total landed-cost picture, see our landed-cost calculation guide and our Incoterms explained guide.
Related products
- Disk brushes — HS 9603.50, confirm with your broker
- Strip brushes — duty-inclusive DDP shipping
- China sourcing services — HS classification support included
Get a landed DDP quote with duties included
Pamin ships DDP as standard to most major markets, so your quote includes duties, clearance, and delivery in a single figure. Send your specification and destination country; we return the full breakdown, usually within one business day. Request a quote today.