The beauty industry sources globally, from Korean skincare to French fragrances. Understand current US tariff rates for cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care products across all sourcing countries.
The global beauty market relies on diverse sourcing: Korean skincare innovations, French fragrances and luxury cosmetics, Japanese beauty technology, and Chinese contract manufacturing for mass-market products. Each origin country carries different tariff implications. While base MFN rates for cosmetics are among the lowest in the HTS schedule (0-6.5%), the additional tariff layers for certain countries can transform cosmetics from a low-duty import into a significant cost consideration, particularly for brands sourcing from China.
Several free trade agreements provide duty advantages for cosmetics importers. The KORUS agreement with South Korea eliminates duties on most beauty products. The US-Australia FTA similarly reduces or eliminates duties on Australian cosmetics. USMCA provides duty-free access for qualifying beauty products from Mexico and Canada. Brands that strategically source from FTA partner countries can significantly reduce their tariff burden versus sourcing from non-FTA countries.
Cosmetics importers face regulatory costs that go beyond tariffs. All cosmetic products must comply with FDA labeling requirements, ingredient restrictions, and the new MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act) requirements including facility registration, product listing, and adverse event reporting. These compliance costs, combined with duties, freight, and insurance, make up the true landed cost that determines your product's profitability.
US import duties on cosmetics and skincare range from 0% to 6.5% for base MFN rates, making them relatively low-tariff products. However, goods from China face additional Section 301 tariffs (25%) and reciprocal surcharges, pushing total rates to 30-35%. Products from South Korea benefit from the KORUS free trade agreement with reduced or 0% rates.
Korean beauty products benefit from the KORUS (Korea-US) Free Trade Agreement, which has eliminated tariffs on most cosmetics and skincare products since its full implementation. This makes South Korea one of the most tariff-advantaged sourcing countries for beauty products entering the US market.
Yes. Beyond tariffs, imported cosmetics must comply with FDA regulations including proper labeling, ingredient safety substantiation, and facility registration. Products making drug claims (like sunscreen or anti-acne) face additional requirements including New Drug Applications. These compliance costs should be factored into your total landed cost.
Perfumes and eau de toilette (HTS 3303) face a base MFN rate of 0-5.4%. Most French fragrances face the base MFN rate plus the EU reciprocal surcharge of approximately 20%, bringing the total to around 20-25%. Products from KORUS-eligible suppliers in Korea enter at 0%.
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