HS Code for Body Cream: Guide for Skincare Trade

Body cream is a cosmetic or body care product that is essential for our daily lives. Meeting consumer demand for a variety of brands, leveraging global production efficiencies, and sourcing specialized ingredients are other reasons why countries engage in international trade involving body cream. Then, as part of the process of selling in markets around the world, knowing the Harmonized System (HS) code for each product traded is essential. Let’s check our classification of the HS code for body cream through the article below.

HS Code Classification: How To Read

To make it easier to understand how to read HS codes, we will use the HS code for pineapples as an example: 0804.30.10. The first six (6) digits constitute the international code.

• The first two (2) digits represent the Chapter (edible fruits or nuts)
• The next two (2) digits represent the Heading (covering various types of fruit).
• The third pair of HS digits represents the Subheading (indicating the specific fruit type, in this case, pineapple).

For example, the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) or the Tariff Post under the Indonesian Import Duty Tariff Book (BTBMI).

HS Code Classification: Body Cream

The ability to understand the correct Harmonized System (HS) code in international trade is not only useful but also very important. Why is that? Because these codes determine applicable import duties, VAT, Luxury Goods Sales Tax, excise taxes, and trade regulations.

So, it is crucial to double-check the HS code.

If we are new to international trade, we need to consult our freight forwarder or ”undername” service provider (if we are partnering with one) to verify whether our HS code is correct.

To be specific, the HS code classification for body cream is distinguished by the composition, function, and claims. These aspects help consumers to understand the primary usage of the body cream.

The standard HS code for body cream traded internationally is HS 3304.99.xx

• The first two (2) digits represent the broad product category, or what we call a Chapter. Chapter 33 is essential oils and resinoids, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations.
• The next two (2) digits represent the Heading (covering more specifically types of body cream). Heading 3304 covers cosmetics and skincare products, excluding medicines.
• The third pair of digits represents the Subheading. 3304.99 covers other products in that group, including many types of ordinary body creams–those not in powder form.

Brief explanation of the HS code for body cream based on composition, function, and product claims :

HS Code Classification	Category	Function /Intended Use	Composition	Product Claims
HS 3304.99	Moisturizing body cream, body lotion, body butter, body cream with plant extracts, body cream with fragrance, sunscreen body cream, anti-aging body cream, brightening body cream,anti-acne cosmetic preparation.	Softens skin, general skin care, protective skin care, conditioning, skin care + perfuming, UV protection, cosmetic skin conditioning, cosmetic skin care, cleansing.	water, oil, fats, waxes, glycerin, emollients, water, oils/fats/waxes +emulsifiers, shea butter, cocoa butter, vegetable oils, waxes, aloe vera, botanical extracts, oils, glycerin, etc., cosmetic cream base + fragrance, UV filters + cream base, moisturizers + cosmetic active ingredients, niacinamide, botanical extracts, moisturizers, etc., cosmetic ingredients with acne-related claims.	These nine categories of body creams generally share similar claims, promising cosmetic benefits for skin care, such as moisturizing, protecting, soothing, brightening, and maintaining the skin’s appearance.
HS 3304.91	Body powder, rather than cream.	Absorbs moisture or cosmetic care.	Talc, starch, etc.	Keeps skin dry.
HS 3305	Cream for hair/scalp	Hair care.	Hair care formulation.	Conditions hair, treats scalp.

5 Countries: The Top Leaders in Body Cream Trade

We often find the United States and European nations among the top five exporters, but based on the latest data from the UN Comtrade Database for 2025, body cream reveals that Asian countries, such as South Korea (East Asia) and Singapore (Southeast Asia), also rank among the top five exporters of the product.

HS 3304.99

Country	Total Export Value (USD)
France	10,063,866,308
Republic of Korea (South Korea)	8,521,512,921
United States	4,388,437,054
Germany	3,732,693,409
Singapore	3,605,673,334

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed September 10, 2026

Based on the latest data from the UN Comtrade Database for 2025, we can observe several facts.

• In addition to being known as a global fashion hub, this data demonstrates that France also possesses the most mature beauty industry ecosystem. This status is underpinned by a historic reputation, scientific innovation, and the strength of its global brands.
• South Korea is in second place. This data indirectly demonstrates that the success of Korean beauty products (also known as K-Beauty) is inseparable from the popularity of Korean dramas (known as K-Dramas), K-Pop music, and their film trends.
• The third through fifth positions, held by the United States, Germany, and Singapore, show relatively small differences in their total export values.

HS 3304.99

Country	Total Import Value (USD)
United States	5,147,275,886
Hong Kong	3,608,913,370
Germany	2,951,997,798
United Kingdom	2,447,549,747
France	2,107,999,800

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed September 10, 2026

All of the above data imply the following things.

• In addition to being among the top five (5) exporters of body cream, France, Germany, and the United States also rank among the top five importers.
• The United States holds the top spot in terms of total import value. This figure is the highest and differs significantly from the total import values of the countries ranked second through fifth.
• There is no significant difference in the total import values among the countries ranked second through fifth for the body cream commodity.

The How: Determine HS code for body cream with HS Code Match

Now, we will show you how to classify the accurate HS code for body cream to streamline the customs process and avoid legal friction. Then, we can follow an approach to pinpoint the classification of body cream using HSCodeMatch below.

• First: We can access a specialized trade platform, like hscodematch.com or an official government database.

• Second: We just input the correct keyword for our product. In this case, it is body cream.

Remember that the HS code classification for body cream is not based only on the product name. Classification is also determined by considering the product’s composition, function, and claims. Once the product is defined, finalize the parameters by specifying the originating nation and the target market. Hit the search button. The example below refers to body butter from the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to France.

• Third: We will see various HS codes related to body cream, in particular body butter. We need to review the results, then select the code with a high compatibility percentage for body butter.

• Fourth: Once we’ve locked in the correct code (the code with a high compatibility percentage: HS 3304.99.00.00). Next step, we scroll down into the details to reveal the fiscal reality of your shipment.

• Fifth: We can use the AI Assistant to navigate the complexities of global commerce. Particularly to get clarity about the tariffs and regulations for the export and import of body cream in the EU.

We will present three examples of questions and answers from the AI Chatbot Assistant regarding the export of body butter from Korea to France to provide a clear overview of the HSCodeMatch Chatbot.

What EU cosmetic regulations must South Korean body butter meet before entering France?

The applicable regulations for body butter, or cosmetics in general, in the EU primarily cover safety standards, labeling requirements, ingredients, registration, appointing responsible parties, and manufacturing practices. Please check the detailed regulations below.

EU Cosmetics Regulations	It Means (About)
Safety Assessment	We must evaluate product safety before the product is marketed.
PIF	We must prepare documents regarding product composition and safety information.
Labeling	We must include product information on the product label.
Ingredients	We must ensure that our product materials comply with European Union regulations.
CPNP Notification	We must register or report our products via the CPNP system before they are sold on the European Union market.
EU Responsible Person	We must designate a party or company located in the EU to be officially responsible for ensuring our cosmetic products comply with EU regulations before they are marketed in the EU.
GMP	We must ensure that our products are manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards to guarantee product quality and safety.

What is the tariff rate for exporting body butter from South Korea to France?

Body butter from South Korea entering France is 0% import duty. Even with the South Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in place, the rate is still 0%, similar to the EU’s general tariff.

Tariff Type	Rate	Applicable Country	Legal Basis
Most Favoured Nation (MFN)	0%	All WTO members, including South Korea.	EU Common Customs Tariff
FTA – EU – South Korea	0%	South Korea	EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement

What are the key opportunities and challenges for Korean body butter entering the French market?
The key opportunities are that interest in Korean beauty products in France is steadily increasing. This is because Korean products offer innovative, sustainable, and natural ingredients, qualities that appeal to French consumers. Then, market entry costs for the EU are 0% (based on the EU-South Korea FTA). The challenges are strict EU cosmetic regulations (in reference to the first question above); established local brands; and significant shipping, customs, and other costs that impact profitability.

Conclusion

For international body cream traders, a deep command of HS Code classification is a strategic necessity. These codes are the primary engine for determining global tariff obligations. Modern digital tools, such as HS Code Match and specialized AI assistants, have revolutionized this process by providing an intuitive, conversational gateway to complex regulatory data. By leveraging AI-driven chatbots, traders can now cross-reference evolving import mandates and duty policies in real-time, ensuring their operations remain compliant and fiscally optimized.

FAQ on Body Cream HS Code

1. Does the product name or label of a body cream affect HS code?

No. HS code for body cream is determined by considering the product’s composition, function, and claims.

2. Are the 5 countries exporting and importing body cream the same? Why is that?

No. Only three (3) countries- France, the United States, and Germany that appear in the top five rankings for both body cream exports and imports. Surprisingly, Asian countries, such as South Korea (East Asia) and Singapore (Southeast Asia), rank among the top five exporters of body cream.

3. What is the HS code for body butter that is exported to France?

Body butter is included in Chapter 33 as part of essential oils and resinoids, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations. Body butter also falls under the category of cosmetics or skincare products that are not in powder form, so it’s classified under Heading 3304 and Subheading 3304.99; thus, the full country variation of the HS code for body butter is 3304.99.00.00.

4. What is the tariff rate to body butter imports from South Korea to France?

It is 0% import duty. Even with the South Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in place, the rate remains 0% because the EU’s general tariff (Most Favoured Nation – MFN) is already 0%.

5. Are body cream, body powder, and hair care under the same HS code? 

No, the HS code for body cream is mentioned under code 3304.99. Meanwhile, the HS code for body powder is covered under code 3304.91 and hair care is mentioned under HS Heading 3305.