Pigs' — HTS 0502

HTS heading 0502 is a broad product category for certain animal bristles and hair used in brushmaking, including pigs’, hogs’, or boars’ bristles; badger hair; other brushmaking hair; and waste or sweepings of those materials. The heading groups the materials by their general source and intended use, rather than describing a finished brush or other completed product.

To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, start with the material’s animal source and whether it is brushmaking hair or waste. Then read the subheadings and statistical provisions beneath heading 0502, which may distinguish types of hair, processed or unprocessed material, and waste. The product’s physical condition, preparation, and commercial description can matter, so confirm the wording in the current HTSUS and any applicable classification notes. A customs broker or other qualified classification professional may be needed when the material or processing is unusual.

What to check

• Identify the animal source and record it using supplier specifications, purchase documents, or laboratory information when necessary.
• Determine whether the goods are raw, cleaned, sorted, prepared for brushmaking, mixed, or waste; do not assume similar-looking materials use the same code.
• Check whether the item is loose bristles or hair rather than a finished brush, brush component, or article made with the material.
• Read every indentation, punctuation mark, and subheading description under heading 0502 before selecting the 8-digit provision.
• Compare the proposed classification with the product’s invoice description, packaging, and technical documents, and seek broker or ruling guidance if the facts do not clearly match.