Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering various manufactured articles not specified in other chapters, including animal brush-making materials, brooms, brushes, sieves, buttons, zippers, pens, pencils, crayons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, vacuum flasks, etc. These goods typically have multiple materials and uses, making it difficult to classify them into other chapters by material or function, so they are uniformly classified under Chapter 96. Heading 9606 covers buttons, button cores, snap fasteners and parts thereof, and button blanks. Specifically, it includes buttons of various materials (plastic, metal, wood, shell, coconut shell, etc.), button cores (core materials used for covering buttons), snap fasteners (press studs) and parts thereof. However, it excludes zippers (9607), shoelaces (6307), decorative pins (7117), etc. Code 960610 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits 96 = Chapter 96 Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles; digits 3-4, 06 = Heading 9606, representing buttons, button cores, snap fasteners and parts thereof; digits 5-6, 10 = Subheading 960610, specifically referring to buttons and button cores. The subheadings are further differentiated: 960610 covers buttons and button cores, while 960621 to 960629 cover plastic buttons, 960630 covers button cores and button blanks, 960622 covers metal buttons, etc. Therefore, 960610 is a general subheading covering buttons and button cores not made of specifically named materials. The goods are buttons or button cores, falling within the scope of Heading 9606. If they are plastic buttons, they should be classified under 960621; metal buttons under 960622; other materials under 960629. However, 960610 is a basic subheading applicable to buttons and button cores not specifically named. Therefore, when the button material is not listed in a more specific subheading, or when it is a button core, it is classified under 960610.
Chapter
Chapter 96 is the miscellaneous manufactured articles chapter in the HS classification system, covering various manufactured articles not specified in other chapters, including animal brush-making materials, brooms, brushes, sieves, buttons, zippers, pens, pencils, crayons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hairpins, perfume sprayers, vacuum flasks, etc. These goods typically have multiple materials and uses, making it difficult to classify them into other chapters by material or function, so they are uniformly classified under Chapter 96.
Heading
Heading 9606 covers buttons, button cores, snap fasteners and parts thereof, and button blanks. Specifically, it includes buttons of various materials (plastic, metal, wood, shell, coconut shell, etc.), button cores (core materials used for covering buttons), snap fasteners (press studs) and parts thereof. However, it excludes zippers (9607), shoelaces (6307), decorative pins (7117), etc.
Digit Breakdown
Code 960610 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits 96 = Chapter 96 Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles; digits 3-4, 06 = Heading 9606, representing buttons, button cores, snap fasteners and parts thereof; digits 5-6, 10 = Subheading 960610, specifically referring to buttons and button cores. The subheadings are further differentiated: 960610 covers buttons and button cores, while 960621 to 960629 cover plastic buttons, 960630 covers button cores and button blanks, 960622 covers metal buttons, etc. Therefore, 960610 is a general subheading covering buttons and button cores not made of specifically named materials.
Classification Basis
The goods are buttons or button cores, falling within the scope of Heading 9606. If they are plastic buttons, they should be classified under 960621; metal buttons under 960622; other materials under 960629. However, 960610 is a basic subheading applicable to buttons and button cores not specifically named. Therefore, when the button material is not listed in a more specific subheading, or when it is a button core, it is classified under 960610.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'plastic buttons,' 'metal button cores,' etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods. Material: The main material of the button or button core, such as plastic, metal, wood, shell, etc., which affects subheading classification. Use: Describe the use of the buttons, such as for clothing, luggage, footwear, etc., which helps confirm classification. Brand: If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'None.' Specifications/Model: The size, model, etc. of the buttons, such as diameter, thickness, etc. Processing Method: Such as injection molding, stamping, carving, etc., reflecting the production process. Whether Contains Button Core: If it is a button core, it must be clearly declared; if it is a combination button, it must be explained. Product Name: Plastic Button; Material: ABS plastic; Use: For clothing; Brand: None; Specifications/Model: Diameter 10mm; Processing Method: Injection molding; Whether Contains Button Core: No. Incorrect material declaration, such as declaring plastic buttons as metal buttons, may lead to classification errors and penalties. Mistaking a button core for a button; although both belong to 960610, the declaration elements differ, affecting statistics. Neglecting brand declaration; if infringement is involved, customs will detain the goods and pursue liability.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'plastic buttons,' 'metal button cores,' etc., which must be consistent with the actual goods.
⚠️ Only writing 'buttons' without specifying material or type, resulting in ambiguous classification.
Material
The main material of the button or button core, such as plastic, metal, wood, shell, etc., which affects subheading classification.
⚠️ Incorrect material declaration, such as declaring plastic buttons as metal buttons.
Use
Describe the use of the buttons, such as for clothing, luggage, footwear, etc., which helps confirm classification.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as 'for clothing,' without specific details.
Brand
If there is a brand, the brand name must be declared; if no brand, fill in 'None.'
⚠️ Brand does not match the actual goods, or infringes intellectual property rights.
Specifications/Model
The size, model, etc. of the buttons, such as diameter, thickness, etc.
⚠️ Missing or incorrect specifications/model, affecting customs inspection.
Processing Method
Such as injection molding, stamping, carving, etc., reflecting the production process.
⚠️ Processing method description is unclear, such as 'machine-made' being too general.
Whether Contains Button Core
If it is a button core, it must be clearly declared; if it is a combination button, it must be explained.
⚠️ Mistaking a button core for a button, resulting in classification errors.
Incorrect material declaration, such as declaring plastic buttons as metal buttons, may lead to classification errors and penalties.
Mistaking a button core for a button; although both belong to 960610, the declaration elements differ, affecting statistics.
Neglecting brand declaration; if infringement is involved, customs will detain the goods and pursue liability.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are the material, use, and structure of the goods. According to the General Rules for HS Classification, buttons and button cores are classified under 960610. If the material is plastic, they are preferentially classified under 960621; metal under 960622; other materials under 960629. However, 960610 as a basic subheading applies to buttons and button cores not specifically named. Therefore, it is necessary to first determine the material, then judge whether it belongs to a more specific subheading. 960621 Plastic buttons: 960621 specifically refers to plastic buttons, while 960610 covers buttons and button cores of unnamed materials. If the material is plastic, it should be classified under 960621. 960622 Metal buttons: 960622 specifically refers to metal buttons, including base metal ones. If the material is metal, it should be classified under 960622. 960629 Buttons of other materials: 960629 covers buttons of materials other than plastic and metal, such as wood, shell, etc. If the material is not plastic or metal, classify under 960629. 960630 Button cores and button blanks: 960630 specifically refers to button cores and button blanks, while 960610 includes buttons and button cores. However, if it is a button core, it can also be classified under 960610, depending on the specific subheading structure. 960711 Snap fasteners: 960711 covers snap fasteners (press studs), belonging to Heading 9607, which are different from buttons and must be distinguished during classification. Has the material been confirmed? Is it made of plastic or metal? Does it contain a button core? Is it confused with snap fasteners? Has the brand been declared?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are the material, use, and structure of the goods. According to the General Rules for HS Classification, buttons and button cores are classified under 960610. If the material is plastic, they are preferentially classified under 960621; metal under 960622; other materials under 960629. However, 960610 as a basic subheading applies to buttons and button cores not specifically named. Therefore, it is necessary to first determine the material, then judge whether it belongs to a more specific subheading.
Confused Codes：
960621 - Plastic buttons
960621 specifically refers to plastic buttons, while 960610 covers buttons and button cores of unnamed materials. If the material is plastic, it should be classified under 960621.
960622 - Metal buttons
960622 specifically refers to metal buttons, including base metal ones. If the material is metal, it should be classified under 960622.
960629 - Buttons of other materials
960629 covers buttons of materials other than plastic and metal, such as wood, shell, etc. If the material is not plastic or metal, classify under 960629.
960630 - Button cores and button blanks
960630 specifically refers to button cores and button blanks, while 960610 includes buttons and button cores. However, if it is a button core, it can also be classified under 960610, depending on the specific subheading structure.
960711 - Snap fasteners
960711 covers snap fasteners (press studs), belonging to Heading 9607, which are different from buttons and must be distinguished during classification.
Self-Check：
✓ Has the material been confirmed?
✓ Is it made of plastic or metal?
✓ Does it contain a button core?
✓ Is it confused with snap fasteners?
✓ Has the brand been declared?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between HS code 960610 and 960621? 960610 is the basic subheading for buttons and button cores, covering buttons and button cores not specifically named; while 960621 specifically refers to plastic buttons. If the button material is plastic, it should be preferentially classified under 960621. How to determine the material of buttons to determine the HS code? It can be determined by appearance, feel, density testing, or chemical analysis. Plastic buttons are usually lighter, while metal buttons are heavier and have a metallic luster. If necessary, they can be sent to a laboratory for testing. Which HS code should button cores be classified under? Button cores are classified under 960610, because subheading 960610 explicitly includes button cores. However, if they are button blanks, they are classified under 960630. When declaring buttons, does the brand need to be declared? Yes, if the buttons have a brand, the brand name must be declared. If there is no brand, fill in 'None.' Brand declaration helps customs protect intellectual property rights. Does the use of buttons affect the HS code? Usually not, because the HS code is mainly classified by material and structure. However, use can serve as a declaration element to assist customs in judgment. If a button is a combination of plastic and metal, how should it be classified? According to the General Rules for Classification, it should be classified by the main material. If plastic is the main material, classify under 960621; if metal is the main material, classify under 960622. What is the export tax rebate rate for HS code 960610? The export tax rebate rate is subject to national policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult the local customs. How are buttons and snap fasteners distinguished in HS codes? Buttons are classified under 9606, and snap fasteners under 9607. Snap fasteners usually consist of two parts that fasten by pressing, while buttons are usually single pieces fixed through buttonholes.
Q: What is the difference between HS code 960610 and 960621?
A: 960610 is the basic subheading for buttons and button cores, covering buttons and button cores not specifically named; while 960621 specifically refers to plastic buttons. If the button material is plastic, it should be preferentially classified under 960621.
Q: How to determine the material of buttons to determine the HS code?
A: It can be determined by appearance, feel, density testing, or chemical analysis. Plastic buttons are usually lighter, while metal buttons are heavier and have a metallic luster. If necessary, they can be sent to a laboratory for testing.
Q: Which HS code should button cores be classified under?
A: Button cores are classified under 960610, because subheading 960610 explicitly includes button cores. However, if they are button blanks, they are classified under 960630.
Q: When declaring buttons, does the brand need to be declared?
A: Yes, if the buttons have a brand, the brand name must be declared. If there is no brand, fill in 'None.' Brand declaration helps customs protect intellectual property rights.
Q: Does the use of buttons affect the HS code?
A: Usually not, because the HS code is mainly classified by material and structure. However, use can serve as a declaration element to assist customs in judgment.
Q: If a button is a combination of plastic and metal, how should it be classified?
A: According to the General Rules for Classification, it should be classified by the main material. If plastic is the main material, classify under 960621; if metal is the main material, classify under 960622.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for HS code 960610?
A: The export tax rebate rate is subject to national policy adjustments. It is recommended to check the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult the local customs.
Q: How are buttons and snap fasteners distinguished in HS codes?
A: Buttons are classified under 9606, and snap fasteners under 9607. Snap fasteners usually consist of two parts that fasten by pressing, while buttons are usually single pieces fixed through buttonholes.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.