Import duty on nail clipper sets from China
Rates checked
Importing nail clipper sets from China into the US costs about 16.6% in duty and tariffs in total: 4.1% base duty under HTS 8214.20.90.00 plus 12.5% under the Section 301 forced-labor trade action. It can reach 20% if a different code applies.
HTS code for nail clipper sets
8214.20.90.00
Other articles of cutlery (for example, hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, chopping or mincing knives, paper knives); manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files); base metal parts thereof: Manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files), and parts thereof: Manicure and pedicure sets, and combinations thereof: Other
Medium confidence
Duty and tariff breakdown
| Line | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base customs dutyHTS 8214.20.90.00 | 4.1% |
| Section 301 — product-specific China tariffnone in force for this code | 0% |
| Section 301 — forced-labor trade actionheading 9903.05.31A Section 301 trade action on countries whose import-ban policies on forced-labor goods the U.S. considers inadequate. It applies to applicable Chinese-origin goods, subject to exemptions. | 12.5% |
| Total estimated duty | 16.6% |
| Merchandise processing fee (MPF)FY2027 per entry, minimum $34.58, maximum $670.86 | 0.3464% |
| Harbor maintenance fee (HMF)ocean freight only | 0.125% |
Range if a different code applies: 16.6%–20% (8214.20.60.00)
- PU / faux-leather case (reviewed): 8214.20.90.00, 16.6% — CBP rulings N353931 (2025), N342049 (2024)
- Fitted genuine-leather case: 8214.20.60.00, 20% — CBP ruling J85017 (2003)
What decides it: the case material — 20% if it's a set in a genuine-leather case (J85017); 16.6% if it's a set in a plastic (PU faux-leather) case.
Rates checked 10 Nov 2026
Worked example
- Per $1,000 of goods: $166.00 in duty and tariffs, plus about $4.71 in MPF and HMF (a small entry pays the MPF minimum instead).
- Per unit at an example $3.00 factory price: $0.50 in duty and tariffs.
Why the code might be different
The code depends on what the product is made of and what it is mainly used for. Nail clipper sets are usually made of stainless steel in a leather case. If customs reads it differently, 8214.20.60.00 (Other articles of cutlery (for example, hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, chopping or mincing knives, paper knives); manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files); base metal parts thereof: Manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files), and parts thereof: Manicure and pedicure sets, and combinations thereof: In leather containers, 20% total) could apply instead. A different material, a different power source or a different main use can move a product to another heading.
Compliance and paperwork
- Prop 65 warning (California) — may applyCalifornia OEHHA
- Country-of-origin label — appliesCBP
What else goes into landed cost
Duty is one line. Freight from the factory to the Amazon warehouse, customs brokerage, inspection, and Amazon's fulfilment and referral fees usually cost more than the duty does.
Duty on nail clipper sets is about 16.6%, but it's rarely the biggest cost.
A free Cap Engine scan of the Amazon listing adds freight from China, Amazon's FBA and referral fees, ad spend and the cash your first order ties up, so you know whether it actually makes money before you order.
- Landed cost per unit
- Profit after Amazon fees and ads
- Cash needed for the first order
3 free scans · no credit card
Questions about importing nail clipper sets
What HTS code are nail clipper sets?
Nail clipper sets from China usually fall under HTS 8214.20.90.00 (Other articles of cutlery (for example, hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, chopping or mincing knives, paper knives); manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files); base metal parts thereof: Manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files), and parts thereof: Manicure and pedicure sets, and combinations thereof: Other). The match has medium confidence. If customs reads the product differently, 8214.20.60.00 could apply.
Is there a Section 301 tariff on nail clipper sets?
Yes. Nail clipper sets from China pay the 12.5% forced-labor trade action (heading 9903.05.31) under Section 301, on top of the 4.1% base duty, 16.6% in total.
How much duty do I pay on nail clipper sets from China?
About 16.6% of the goods' value: $166.00 per $1,000 of goods, or $0.50 per unit at a $3.00 factory price. The MPF and HMF customs fees come on top, about 0.4714% together.
What paperwork do nail clipper sets need?
Usually: Country-of-origin label on the product. Check the compliance section above for what each involves.