Where do 70% of the world's false eyelashes come from?

Pingdu city in Qingdao, Shandong province. This single city produces 70%+ of the world's false eyelashes — both synthetic (PBT fiber) and mink/faux-mink varieties. The local supply chain includes fiber manufacturing, hand-knotting workshops, and automated production lines.

What is the FDA status of eyelash adhesive?

Eyelash adhesive is an FDA-regulated cosmetic. Adhesives containing formaldehyde above 0.2% require a cancer warning label. Cyanoacrylate-based adhesives (most professional types) are acceptable but must be formaldehyde-free and latex-free for hypoallergenic claims. Register your establishment with FDA before importing adhesive.

Mink vs synthetic eyelashes — which should I import?

Synthetic PBT fiber lashes are trending upward — they're cruelty-free, consistent in quality, and cheaper ($0.30–0.80/tray). 'Mink' lashes from China are often mislabeled faux-mink. True mink costs $2–5/tray wholesale. The market is shifting toward synthetic — import PBT unless targeting the luxury segment.

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Importing Eyelash Extensions from China — Cost Calculator

Calculate landed cost, 0% duty + 7.5% Section 301, freight, and compliance costs for importing eyelash extensions from China. Includes Pingdu,...

Updated: 2026-04-18

Planning Reference

Reviewed April 2026

Reference Basis

Based on published official rules and benchmark market inputs relevant to this page.

Planning Note

Use these numbers for planning and quote-checking, then confirm final charges with the official tariff database, your broker, or your freight provider.

Deprioritize

importing eyelash extensions from china
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Unit FOB Price USD

Order Quantity

Est. Freight Cost USD

Basic Duty Rate (HTS 6704) %

Section 301 Tariffs %

Customs/Broker Fee USD

Local Delivery USD

The Economics of Importing Eyelash Extensions

Sourcing eyelash extensions from China puts you in the middle of one of the most competitive global supply chains. At HTS 6704, the combined duty burden is 7.5% (0% basic duty + 7.5% Section 301 tariff), which must be factored into every unit-cost calculation before you commit to an order.

The typical FOB price range is $0.5 per unit at a minimum order quantity of 10000 units, with ocean freight running approximately $150 for a shipment of this size. Use the calculator above to model your specific scenario — the difference between a viable product and a money-losing import often comes down to these details.

Compliance Requirements for Eyelash Extensions

FDA cosmetic registration. FTC labeling (synthetic vs mink vs silk designation). California Prop 65 for adhesive chemicals. Eyelash adhesive containing formaldehyde or cyanoacrylate: additional FDA scrutiny. Prop 65 warning required for most adhesives.

Before importing, budget for the full compliance cost upfront. Testing, certification, and documentation are non-negotiable expenses — they protect you from customs seizures, Amazon listing suspensions, and product liability lawsuits.

Shipping Considerations

Extremely lightweight, extremely high margin. Air freight viable and often preferred for speed. Minimal DG concerns. Customs classification can erroneously flag as 'human hair' — have HTS documentation ready. Temperature stable.

Where to Source Eyelash Extensions in China

The primary manufacturing hub for eyelash extensions is Pingdu, Qingdao (world's largest false eyelash production base — 70% global market share).

When sourcing, verify that the factory actually manufactures eyelash extensions rather than operating as a trading company adding a margin layer. Request a factory tour video, check export records via third-party databases, and always order samples from at least three suppliers before selecting a production partner.

Margin Analysis

Retail $8–25 per tray for professional-grade lashes. Gross margin 85–95%. The adhesive is often more profitable than the lashes. B2B sales to salons yield larger orders but tighter margins (50–70%). D2C via Instagram/TikTok is the growth channel.

Factor every cost component — FOB price, freight, duties (7.5%), customs broker fees, and compliance testing — into your landed cost calculation. The goal is a realistic per-unit margin after all expenses, not an optimistic estimate based on FOB price alone.

Tips for China Importers

Every niche has specific duties and compliance. A toy might have a 0% duty but high compliance costs (CPSC testing), whereas furniture might have low testing costs but a 25% Section 301 tariff.
Freight impacts products differently. Heavy or bulky items (furniture, steel) are often crippled by shipping costs, whereas high-value electronics cost pennies to ship per unit.
Use specialized suppliers. Sourcing electronics from Yiwu or apparel from Shenzhen often leads to poor quality. Stick to the specialized manufacturing clusters for your specific product niche.
Check target market regulations. Product requirements change drasticly depending on where you import to. A charger legal in the US requires a different plug and CE certification in the EU.
Always calculate landed cost first. Never decide to source a product based on FOB price. Run the complete landed cost calculation to ensure the margins are viable in your product sector.