Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery… (chapter 33): which countries import it
Chapter 33 covers essential oils, perfumes and cosmetic preparations. The global market imported USD 20.8 billion in 2025, led by the United States,…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 33 covers essential oils, perfumes and cosmetic preparations. The global market imported USD 20.8 billion in 2025, led by the United States, China and Germany. As a Spanish exporter, you compete in a regulated sector where labeling, safety data and tariff classification are critical to market access.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 33
- Sector
- Health, Cosmetics and Chemicals
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 20,827,554,822 |
| China | 16,273,965,293 |
| Germany | 11,572,946,747 |
| France | 9,041,453,348 |
| United Kingdom | 8,877,444,439 |
| Spain | 6,262,129,006 |
| Netherlands | 6,000,828,291 |
| Mexico | 5,655,285,286 |
| Hong Kong SAR China | 5,332,093,038 |
| Poland | 5,250,117,930 |
| Canada | 5,148,106,700 |
| Italy | 5,127,813,727 |
| Singapore | 4,670,960,964 |
| Japan | 4,065,338,880 |
| Belgium | 3,111,944,993 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Oils; essential (concretes, absolutes); concentrates thereof in fats, fixed oils, waxes or the like (obtained by enfleurage or maceration); aqueous distillates, solutions and terpenic by-products thereof; resinoids; extracted oleoresinsHeading 3301
- Odoriferous substances and mixtures (including alcoholic solutions) with a basis of one or more of these substances, of a kind used as raw materials in industry; other preparations based on odoriferous substances, of a kind used for beverage manufactureHeading 3302
- Perfumes and toilet watersHeading 3303
- Cosmetic and toilet preparations; beauty, make-up and skin care preparations (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations), manicure or pedicure preparationsHeading 3304
- Hair preparations; for use on the hairHeading 3305
- Oral or dental hygiene preparations; including fixative pastes and powders; yarn used to clean between the teeth (dental floss), in individual retail packagesHeading 3306
- Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations; pre-shave, shaving, after-shave, bath preparations; personal deodorants and depilatories; room deodorisers, perfumed or not with disinfectant properties or notHeading 3307
Trade fairs in this sector
Exporting perfumery and cosmetics from Spain
Labeling is non-negotiable. The US requires ingredient disclosure in English, allergen warnings for fragrances and country of origin marking. The EU requires multilingual labeling with ingredients in INCI nomenclature. Many markets demand that you provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for industrial fragrances and concentrates.
Classification under the correct heading in Chapter 33 determines your tariff rate. Essential oil concentrates (Heading 3301) are taxed differently from finished perfumes (Heading 3303) or cosmetic preparations (Heading 3304). Misclassification can trigger customs delays or disputes. Use the product's intended use and formulation to determine the right heading.
Spain's geographic proximity to North Africa and the Middle East gives you an advantage in markets that prefer nearby suppliers for cosmetics. Your main competition in the US and Asia comes from France, Germany, China and India. Building a certified chain of custody for raw materials strengthens your market position.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a concentrate, an essential oil and a finished perfume for tariff purposes?
Essential oils and concentrates (Heading 3301) are raw materials or intermediate products with high aromatic compound content. Perfumes and toilet waters (Heading 3303) are finished consumer products with specific alcohol content and scent strength. Cosmetic preparations (Heading 3304) include creams, gels and emulsions with fragrance or cosmetic function. Each heading has different tariff rates and regulatory requirements. The intended use and formulation determine classification.
Do I need a cosmetic license to export perfumes or cosmetics from Spain?
You must comply with Spanish and EU regulations if you produce in Spain. All cosmetic manufacturers in the EU must have a responsible person and notify their products to the CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal). If you source finished products and rebrand them, you become the distributor and must ensure compliance with destination country rules, not necessarily obtain a license in Spain.
Which markets are easiest to enter with Spanish cosmetics?
The US market is large but requires FDA registration. France, Germany and the UK are EU neighbors with familiar regulations. Portugal, Italy and other Southern European markets often prefer Spanish and European suppliers. Latin America (Mexico is in the top 10 importers) offers growth with Spanish language advantage. China requires local registration and a distributor partner, which slows entry.
How long does customs clearance take for cosmetics shipments?
Within the EU, shipments move freely with proper documentation. To the US, clearance typically takes 3–7 days after arrival if documentation is complete and the product is pre-registered with the FDA. To other markets, add time for local cosmetic authority review. Delays occur if labeling is incomplete or the product is misclassified. Working with a customs broker familiar with Chapter 33 reduces delays.
What certifications add value to cosmetics exports?
ISO 22716 (Good Manufacturing Practice for cosmetics) is recognized globally and expected by large retailers. ECOCERT, NATRUE or similar certifications for natural and organic products command price premiums in North America and Western Europe. Cruelty-free certifications (Leaping Bunny) are important for US and UK markets. Halal certification opens Middle Eastern markets. Each certification costs money and time; choose based on your target market's demands.
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