In the United States, the importation and sale of cosmetics are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The FDA has established specific guidelines for the safety and labeling of cosmetics, and it is important to ensure that your imported cosmetics comply with these regulations.
To import cosmetics into the U.S., you will need to classify the products using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), which is a comprehensive list of duties and taxes applied to imported items. The HTS code for cosmetics will depend on the specific type and ingredients of the product, and it is important to ensure that you classify the products accurately to avoid any issues with customs.
In addition to the HTS classification, you will also need to ensure that your imported cosmetics are properly labeled and meet the safety requirements set by the FDA. This includes providing ingredient lists on the product packaging and ensuring that the cosmetics do not contain any harmful or prohibited substances.
It is also important to note that the FDA has specific requirements for the testing and safety of cosmetics that are intended for use on or near the eye area, such as mascara and eye shadow. These products must meet additional safety and labeling requirements before they can be imported and sold in the U.S.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) defines makeup as any product used to color or beautify the face or other parts of the body. This includes products such as lipstick, eyeshadow, nail polish, and non-medicinal skin care lotions.
Excluded items include products that are intended to treat medical conditions, such as medicated lip balm or skin lotion, colored contact lenses, and makeup application tools such as brushes.
For customs duties and classification purposes, cosmetics generally fall under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code 3304 heading. Most cosmetics are duty-free, but if a product is considered a drug or medicine, there may be a duty applicable.
We can help importers navigate the requirements for importing cosmetics into the U.S., including classification, labeling, and safety requirements. It is important to ensure that your cosmetics comply with all applicable laws and regulations to ensure smooth importation and sale in the U.S.
Documents and Labeling
The FDA requires that cosmetics be labeled with a display label, which must be placed on both the inside and outside wrapper and container of the product. The display label must include the name of the product, identification of the type of product, the name of the manufacturer and distributor of the product, and an accurate statement of the amount of product contained.
The declaration of ingredients must be easy to find on the container and be listed in descending order of predominance. Ingredients that are added for color or that make up less than one percent of the product can be listed in any order.
In addition to the labeling requirements, it is also important to ensure that your cosmetics meet the safety requirements set by the FDA. This includes avoiding the use of any harmful or prohibited substances in the products.
To import cosmetics into the U.S., you may also need to obtain a customs bond, which is required for items valued at over $2500. Beeontrade can help you navigate the requirements for importing cosmetics into the U.S. and ensure that your products comply with all applicable laws and regulations.