3306 - Preparations for oral or dental hygiene, including denture fixative pastes and powders; yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss), in individual retail packages:
Sub-classifications
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3306 1000 00
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3306 2000 00
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3306 9000 00
Overview
Category 3306 encompasses a range of products specifically formulated for oral and dental hygiene. This includes items designed to clean, protect, and maintain the health of the teeth and gums, such as toothpastes, powders, and mouthwashes. Notably, it also covers denture fixative pastes and powders, which aid in securing dentures, and dental floss, a crucial tool for interdental cleaning. The common thread uniting these diverse products is their direct application to the oral cavity for hygiene purposes.
When distinguishing this category from its siblings, it's important to note that Chapter 33 broadly covers essential oils, perfumery, cosmetics, and toilet preparations. While some overlap may exist in terms of "toilet preparations," 3306 is specifically dedicated to *oral* hygiene. For example, other cosmetic preparations (e.g., lip balm or face creams) would fall under different HTS codes within Chapter 33 or other chapters, as their primary function is not oral care. Products for general cleaning of the body or personal grooming do not belong here.
Within 3306, further subdivisions clarify the specific types of oral hygiene preparations. Subcategory 3306.10.00.00 is reserved for dentifrices, which primarily refers to toothpastes and tooth powders used for cleaning teeth. Subcategory 3306.20.00.00 specifically addresses yarn used to clean between teeth, commonly known as dental floss. The residual category, 3306.90.00.00, is for "Other" preparations for oral or dental hygiene that do not fit into the more specific subcategories, providing a catch-all for items like mouthwashes or specialized gum treatments, as long as their principal use is for oral hygiene.