US Cosmetics Suppliers: A Buyer’s Guide
Skin care, makeup, hair care, fragrances and personal hygiene: the bottleneck when importing cosmetics is almost always the health procedure. This guide sums up how it works in several countries.
| Industry | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| Main tariff headings (Harmonized System) | 3303, 3304, 3305, 3306, 3307, 3401 |
| U.S. agencies involved | U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) |
| Official sources cited | 6 |
| Last reviewed | 2026-10-07 |
Tariff headings you should know
- 3303: perfumes and toilet waters.
- 3304: beauty, makeup and skin care preparations (including sunscreen preparations).
- 3305: preparations for use on the hair. 3306: preparations for oral or dental hygiene.
- 3307: shaving preparations, deodorants, bath preparations and depilatories.
- 3401: soap.
Health procedure by country (examples from Latin America)
- Andean Community (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru): Decision 833, in force since March 1, 2019, harmonizes the rules. The cosmetic can be marketed once the Mandatory Health Notification code (NSO, for its name in Spanish) is assigned, which makes its recognition in the other Andean countries easier.
- Chile: health registration with the Public Health Institute (ISP).
- Argentina: since ANMAT Provision 4033/2025 there is no prior import authorization for commercial purposes; the importer files an import notice in TAD within 48 hours after customs clearance.
- Dominican Republic: health registration with DIGEMAPS. Costa Rica: health registration with the Ministry of Health. Paraguay: health registration with DINAVISA.
- In any other country, ask the health authority which procedure applies before you buy.
How to choose and verify the supplier
- Ask for the full qualitative formula, the certificate of analysis and the certificate of free sale, which health procedures usually require.
- If you are going to sell under your own brand, agree in writing who owns the formula and the registration.
- Check that the company exists: business registration in its state, physical address, website and references from other buyers.
- Check that it does not appear on the U.S. restricted-party lists, and ask for a formal quotation with the Incoterm, lead time and payment terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mandatory Health Notification (NSO)?
It is the Andean Community’s health procedure for cosmetics (Decision 833). Once the NSO code is assigned the product can be marketed, and its recognition in the other Andean countries is easier.
Do I need ANMAT authorization to import cosmetics into Argentina?
Since Provision 4033/2025 there is no prior authorization for commercial purposes, but you must file an import notice in TAD within 48 hours after customs clearance.
Official sources
- Andean Community: entry into force of Decision 833 (in Spanish)
- INVIMA (Colombia): Decision 833 (in Spanish)
- ChileAtiende: registration of cosmetic products (in Spanish)
- ANMAT (Argentina): Provision 4033/2025 (in Spanish)
- DIGEMAPS (Dominican Republic): health registration of cosmetics (in Spanish)
- USITC: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States
This page is general information to help you get started. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and regulations change. Confirm current requirements with the official sources above or with a licensed customs broker, freight forwarder or trade compliance professional.