Hair Extension HS Code — Import Classification & Duty Guide 2026
Hair Extension HS Code — 2026 Import Classification and Duty Guide
The HS code for human hair extensions is 6703 (“Human hair, dressed, thinned, bleached or otherwise worked; wool or other animal hair or other textile materials, prepared for use in making wigs or the like”), with most tariff schedules using 6703.00 or 6703.00.00 as the specific sub-heading. Synthetic hair typically falls under HS 6704 (“Wigs, false beards, eyebrows and eyelashes, switches and the like, of human or animal hair or of textile materials”). 2026 import duty rates on HS 6703 from India: USA 0 percent, UK 0 percent, EU 0-3 percent, UAE 5 percent, Saudi Arabia 5 percent, Nigeria 10 percent + 7.5 percent VAT, South Africa 10 percent direct, Australia 0 percent, Canada 0 percent, Japan 0 percent under Asia FTA. Commercial invoice must declare HS code, weight, value, country of origin (India), and buyer/seller details. Customs clearance typically takes 2-5 business days. Total landed cost above FOB India runs 8-18 percent depending on destination country. This guide documents HS 6703 sub-headings, country-by-country duty rates, GSP/FTA implications, and the commercial-invoice documentation importers need.
Hair Extensions By Nature handles HS 6703 declarations and country-specific customs documentation for all 40+ destination countries we export to. Import-compliance pack available on request with pre-filled commercial invoice templates.
Need HS 6703 documentation for import? Request our import-compliance pack with pre-filled commercial invoice, Certificate of Origin template, and country-specific notes.
HS Code Structure — What 6703 Covers
HS 6703 is the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System code for human hair products. Sub-heading structure:
- 6703.00: Human hair, dressed, thinned, bleached or otherwise worked.
- 6703.00.00: Most common country-specific 8-digit classification used in India, USA, EU, UK export/import filings.
- Wool or other animal hair: Included under same sub-heading when prepared for wig-making.
- Not included: Raw unprocessed temple hair exported as biological material may classify under 0501 (human hair, unworked) — rare but possible for processor shipments.
Synthetic hair products classify under HS 6704 with specific sub-headings for full wigs, partial wigs, false eyelashes, etc.
2026 Duty Rates by Destination Country
| Country | Duty on HS 6703 from India | VAT/Sales Tax |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 0 percent | State sales tax at retail only |
| UK | 0 percent | 20 percent VAT |
| EU (Germany, France, Italy) | 0-3 percent | 19-22 percent VAT |
| UAE | 5 percent | 5 percent VAT |
| Saudi Arabia | 5 percent | 15 percent VAT |
| Nigeria | 10 percent | 7.5 percent VAT |
| South Africa | 10 percent direct | 15 percent VAT |
| Ghana | 10 percent | 12.5 percent VAT |
| Australia | 0 percent | 10 percent GST |
| Canada | 0 percent | 5 percent GST + province |
| Japan | 0 percent under Asia FTA | 10 percent consumption tax |
| China | 5 percent | 13 percent VAT |
| Brazil | 12 percent | 18 percent ICMS + federal |
GSP and FTA Implications
- USA GSP withdrawal 2019: India’s GSP benefits were withdrawn in June 2019. However, HS 6703 MFN rate is 0 percent, so no practical duty impact on this product category.
- India-UAE CEPA: Signed 2022. Hair extensions under HS 6703 eligible for preferential tariff reduction — effectively 5 percent today may reduce further in 2026-2027.
- India-Australia ECTA: Signed 2022. HS 6703 duty already at 0 percent.
- India-EU FTA negotiations: Ongoing. Current EU duty on 6703 is already low (0-3 percent); FTA may fully eliminate.
- India-Japan CEPA: Active. HS 6703 duty 0 percent under this framework.
- AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act): US-specific. African-produced extensions get preferential US access but not relevant for Indian-origin export.
Commercial Invoice — Required Fields
A compliant commercial invoice for HS 6703 export from India must include:
- Seller name, address, IEC, GST.
- Buyer name, address, tax ID (VAT/EIN where applicable).
- Invoice number and date.
- HS code 6703.00.00 (8-digit classification).
- Product description — “Human Hair Extensions, Dressed / Thinned / Bleached” with length and weight details.
- Country of origin — India.
- Total weight (net and gross).
- Unit price and total value in USD.
- Payment terms (e.g., 50 percent advance, 50 percent before dispatch).
- Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DAP as agreed).
- Bank wire instructions (if applicable).
Supporting Documents
- Packing list: Per-box weight, piece count, SKU identifiers.
- Certificate of Origin (COO): From Indian Chamber of Commerce or similar issuing body. Required for FTA/CEPA preferential rates; useful even when not strictly required.
- Airway bill (AWB) or bill of lading (B/L): From shipping carrier.
- For EU/UK: Proof of Indian origin; optional lab test reports for medical-adjacent products.
- For UAE/Saudi: Attestation at UAE embassy (one-time supplier setup) for smooth clearance.
- For Nigeria: Form M from Central Bank (importer’s side), PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report).
Customs Clearance Timeline
| Destination | Typical Clearance Time |
|---|---|
| USA (JFK, LAX, ORD) | 1-3 business days |
| UK (Heathrow) | 1-2 business days |
| EU major ports (Frankfurt, Amsterdam) | 2-4 business days |
| UAE (Dubai) | 1-2 business days |
| Nigeria (Lagos) | 5-10 business days |
| South Africa (Johannesburg) | 3-5 business days |
| Australia (Sydney) | 2-4 business days |
Total Landed Cost Calculation Example
Example: 10 kg mixed Remy 22-inch shipment, FOB India USD 8,000, DHL courier to Nigeria:
- FOB India product value: USD 8,000.
- DHL shipping 10 kg: USD 500.
- CIF Nigeria value: USD 8,500.
- Nigeria 10 percent duty on CIF: USD 850.
- Nigeria 7.5 percent VAT on (CIF + duty): USD 701.
- Clearance fee and port handling: USD 150.
- Total landed cost Nigeria: USD 10,201 (27.5 percent above FOB).
Nigeria’s overhead is among the highest due to duty + VAT layering. A comparable shipment to USA or UK would land at USD 8,500-8,700 (6-9 percent above FOB).
Common HS Code Mistakes
- Classifying synthetic under 6703: Synthetic hair products should be 6704. Misclassification can cause customs delays or penalties.
- Using 0501 for worked hair: 0501 is for unworked human hair only. Processed extensions go under 6703.
- Under-declaring value: Customs authorities cross-check against industry benchmarks. Under-declaration triggers audit.
- Missing Certificate of Origin: Without COO, preferential FTA rates don’t apply. Can cost 3-5 percent unnecessarily.
- Wrong country of origin: Country of origin is where the hair was substantially transformed (processed/finished), not where the raw material came from. Indian-processed hair is Indian-origin even if raw material is technically from a temple.
Why Source Compliant Shipments From Hair Extensions By Nature?
Hair Extensions By Nature handles HS 6703 declarations, Certificate of Origin issuance, and country-specific documentation for all 40+ destination markets. Our compliance team maintains templates and pre-filled forms for each major destination. Pre-clearance review service available for first-time importer partners. No surprises at destination customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for hair extensions?
HS 6703 for human hair extensions (“Human hair, dressed, thinned, bleached or otherwise worked…”). Full sub-heading typically 6703.00.00. Synthetic hair products classify under HS 6704.
What is the USA import duty on hair extensions from India?
0 percent MFN duty on HS 6703 from India. India’s GSP benefits were withdrawn in 2019 but since the MFN rate is already 0 percent on 6703, GSP withdrawal has no practical impact on hair extension imports.
What is the UK import duty on hair extensions?
0 percent customs duty on HS 6703. 20 percent VAT applies on CIF value. For B2B imports, VAT is recoverable through registered businesses.
What is the EU import duty on hair extensions?
0-3 percent depending on sub-heading and country. VAT 19-22 percent depending on EU member state. India-EU FTA negotiations ongoing may eliminate remaining duty fully.
What is the UAE import duty on hair extensions?
5 percent on HS 6703 + 5 percent VAT. India-UAE CEPA may reduce this further in 2026-2027 under ongoing tariff cuts.
What is the Nigeria import duty on hair extensions?
10 percent duty + 7.5 percent VAT on CIF value. Total overhead approximately 18-20 percent on product value. Higher than most markets — requires Form M and PAAR documentation for clearance.
What documents do I need to import hair extensions?
Commercial invoice with HS 6703 declaration, packing list, Certificate of Origin from India, airway bill/bill of lading, and country-specific documents (Form M for Nigeria, attestation for UAE). Pre-clearance review by experienced customs broker is recommended for first-time imports.
Ready for Compliant Import?
info@hairextensionsbynature.com or quote request form.
Hair Extensions By Nature — Manufacturer and Exporter of Premium Indian Human Hair Extensions. Factory: Booth No 71, Sector 16 Huda Market, Faridabad, Haryana, India — 121002. Serving salons, distributors, and brands in 40+ countries.
