9603.40 - Paint, distemper, varnish or similar brushes (other than brushes of subheading 9603.30); paint pads and rollers:

HTS subheading 9603.40 encompasses brushes specifically designed for applying paints, varnishes, distempers, and similar coatings. This includes paint rollers, paint pads, and the brushes themselves, provided they are not classified under the more specialized category of artists' brushes or cosmetic brushes found in subheading 9603.30. The key differentiator here is the intended use for surface coating applications, distinguishing them from personal grooming brushes (e.g., toothbrushes, hairbrushes) or cleaning implements like brooms.

This category broadly covers implements used in the painting and decorating trades. While sibling categories address items like basic brooms made from natural materials (9603.10), personal care brushes (implied by the blank sibling entry), artists' and cosmetic brushes (9603.30), and component brushes for machinery (9603.50), 9603.40 focuses on the tools employed for applying coatings. It is important to note that "paint pads" and "rollers" are explicitly included here.

The subcategories within 9603.40 provide further refinement. 9603.40.20.00 specifically addresses paint rollers, which are distinct from traditional brushes in their application mechanism. The remaining items fall under the "Other" category (9603.40.40), which would encompass various paint brushes, pads, and other coating application tools not otherwise specified, ensuring comprehensive coverage for this functional grouping.