Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous articles under the HS Code, including carving materials, brushes, sieves, buttons, zippers, pens, lighters, and other daily necessities. These goods usually have multiple materials and uses, and classification requires considering both material and function. This chapter does not include buttons made of textile materials (classified under Chapters 61-62 as clothing accessories) or buttons of precious metal (classified under Chapter 71). Heading 9606 specifically covers buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, button moulds, and other parts of buttons, and button blanks. It includes buttons of various materials (plastic, metal, wood, etc.) as well as unfinished button semi-finished products. However, zippers (9607) and snap-fasteners (960610) are listed separately. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by material and use. The first 2 digits 96 = Chapter 96 miscellaneous articles; digits 3-4 06 = heading 9606, specifically buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, button moulds, and other parts of buttons, and button blanks; digits 5-6 22 = subheading 960622, referring to buttons of base metal (whether or not covered with textile material). Note: subheading 960621 is buttons of plastics, 960622 is buttons of base metal, and 960629 is buttons of other materials. Buttons of base metal must have metal as the main material, commonly such as copper, zinc alloy, stainless steel, etc. This commodity is a metal button, with metal as the main material, and it is not of precious metal (otherwise classified under 7117) or of textile material (otherwise classified under Chapters 61-62). At the same time, it is not a snap-fastener (960610) or a zipper (9607), so it is classified under 960622. If the button is made of plastic, it is classified under 960621; if made of other materials (such as wood or bone), it is classified under 960629.
Chapter
Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous articles under the HS Code, including carving materials, brushes, sieves, buttons, zippers, pens, lighters, and other daily necessities. These goods usually have multiple materials and uses, and classification requires considering both material and function. This chapter does not include buttons made of textile materials (classified under Chapters 61-62 as clothing accessories) or buttons of precious metal (classified under Chapter 71).
Heading
Heading 9606 specifically covers buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, button moulds, and other parts of buttons, and button blanks. It includes buttons of various materials (plastic, metal, wood, etc.) as well as unfinished button semi-finished products. However, zippers (9607) and snap-fasteners (960610) are listed separately. Under this heading, subheadings are further divided by material and use.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 96 = Chapter 96 miscellaneous articles; digits 3-4 06 = heading 9606, specifically buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, button moulds, and other parts of buttons, and button blanks; digits 5-6 22 = subheading 960622, referring to buttons of base metal (whether or not covered with textile material). Note: subheading 960621 is buttons of plastics, 960622 is buttons of base metal, and 960629 is buttons of other materials. Buttons of base metal must have metal as the main material, commonly such as copper, zinc alloy, stainless steel, etc.
Classification Basis
This commodity is a metal button, with metal as the main material, and it is not of precious metal (otherwise classified under 7117) or of textile material (otherwise classified under Chapters 61-62). At the same time, it is not a snap-fastener (960610) or a zipper (9607), so it is classified under 960622. If the button is made of plastic, it is classified under 960621; if made of other materials (such as wood or bone), it is classified under 960629.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'metal button' or 'copper button', which must be consistent with the actual item. Material: Specify the main metal composition of the button, such as copper alloy, zinc alloy, stainless steel, etc., and whether it contains other materials. Type: Clearly state whether it is a button, snap-fastener, or button part, such as 'four-hole button' or 'snap button'. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'. Model: Declare the model or item number of the product for easy identification. Use: Explain the use of the button, such as for clothing, luggage, footwear, etc. Specifications: Declare the button's dimensions (such as diameter), weight, packaging specifications, etc. Processing Method: Explain the processing method of the button, such as stamping, die-casting, electroplating, etc. Product Name: Metal button; Material: Copper alloy; Type: Four-hole button; Brand: None; Model: MB-2024; Use: For jeans; Specifications: Diameter 12mm, each piece weighs 2g, 1000 pieces/bag; Processing Method: Stamped and then electroplated. Misclassifying metal buttons as plastic buttons (960621), leading to tax rate differences. Ignoring the metal material of the button and incorrectly classifying as textile material buttons (Chapters 61-62). Confusing snap-fasteners (960610) with ordinary buttons, resulting in false declaration.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'metal button' or 'copper button', which must be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'hardware fittings' or 'clothing accessories', leading to classification disputes.
Material
Specify the main metal composition of the button, such as copper alloy, zinc alloy, stainless steel, etc., and whether it contains other materials.
⚠️ Writing only 'metal' without specifics, or confusing plastic with metal.
Type
Clearly state whether it is a button, snap-fastener, or button part, such as 'four-hole button' or 'snap button'.
⚠️ Misreporting snap-fasteners (960610) as ordinary buttons.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Ignoring the brand or filling it in incompletely.
Model
Declare the model or item number of the product for easy identification.
⚠️ Model does not match the actual item or is missing.
Use
Explain the use of the button, such as for clothing, luggage, footwear, etc.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as 'for apparel'.
Specifications
Declare the button's dimensions (such as diameter), weight, packaging specifications, etc.
Explain the processing method of the button, such as stamping, die-casting, electroplating, etc.
⚠️ Failure to state the processing method, leading to classification errors.
Example： Product Name: Metal button; Material: Copper alloy; Type: Four-hole button; Brand: None; Model: MB-2024; Use: For jeans; Specifications: Diameter 12mm, each piece weighs 2g, 1000 pieces/bag; Processing Method: Stamped and then electroplated.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying metal buttons as plastic buttons (960621), leading to tax rate differences.
Ignoring the metal material of the button and incorrectly classifying as textile material buttons (Chapters 61-62).
Confusing snap-fasteners (960610) with ordinary buttons, resulting in false declaration.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 96 of the HS Code and the subheading texts. Metal buttons are classified under 960622, requiring: 1) belonging to the category of buttons; 2) main material is metal (not precious metal); 3) not snap-fasteners or zippers. If the button surface is covered with textile material, it is still classified according to the base metal. If the metal part is only decorative and the main material is plastic, it is classified under 960621. 960621 Buttons of plastics: Material is plastic, whereas 960622 is metal. If the main body of the button is plastic with only surface electroplated metal, it is still classified under 960621. 960610 Snap-fasteners and parts thereof: Snap-fasteners are press-type fasteners, usually composed of two parts, whereas 960622 is ordinary buttons that need to be sewn on. 711711 Buttons of precious metal: Material is precious metal (gold, silver, etc.), classified under Chapter 71, whereas 960622 is base metal. 960629 Buttons of other materials: Material is wood, bone, shell, or other non-metal non-plastic materials, whereas 960622 specifically refers to metal. 830890 Base metal fasteners: Includes buckles, hooks, rings, etc., but does not include buttons; buttons have a dedicated tariff number 960622. Is the main material of the button base metal? Does it belong to snap-fasteners or zippers? Does it contain precious metal components? Is it used for conventional purposes such as clothing, luggage, etc.? Is it already formed, rather than a button blank?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 96 of the HS Code and the subheading texts. Metal buttons are classified under 960622, requiring: 1) belonging to the category of buttons; 2) main material is metal (not precious metal); 3) not snap-fasteners or zippers. If the button surface is covered with textile material, it is still classified according to the base metal. If the metal part is only decorative and the main material is plastic, it is classified under 960621.
Confused Codes：
960621 - Buttons of plastics
Material is plastic, whereas 960622 is metal. If the main body of the button is plastic with only surface electroplated metal, it is still classified under 960621.
960610 - Snap-fasteners and parts thereof
Snap-fasteners are press-type fasteners, usually composed of two parts, whereas 960622 is ordinary buttons that need to be sewn on.
711711 - Buttons of precious metal
Material is precious metal (gold, silver, etc.), classified under Chapter 71, whereas 960622 is base metal.
960629 - Buttons of other materials
Material is wood, bone, shell, or other non-metal non-plastic materials, whereas 960622 specifically refers to metal.
830890 - Base metal fasteners
Includes buckles, hooks, rings, etc., but does not include buttons; buttons have a dedicated tariff number 960622.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the main material of the button base metal?
✓ Does it belong to snap-fasteners or zippers?
✓ Does it contain precious metal components?
✓ Is it used for conventional purposes such as clothing, luggage, etc.?
✓ Is it already formed, rather than a button blank?
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish metal buttons from plastic buttons in HS code? Mainly by material. If the main body of the button is metal (such as copper, zinc alloy), even if the surface has a plastic coating, it is still classified under 960622; if the main body is plastic, even if the surface is electroplated with metal, it is classified under 960621. Customs may determine by laboratory testing or observing the cross-section. Which code is for plastic buttons with metal eyelets? If the plastic part is the main material and the metal eyelet is only auxiliary, it is classified as a plastic button under 960621; if the metal part constitutes the main characteristic, it is classified under 960622. It is recommended to judge based on weight ratio and function. How to fill in the material in the declaration elements for metal buttons? Specific metal composition should be filled in, such as 'copper alloy', 'stainless steel', etc., not just 'metal'. If other materials are contained, the proportion should be noted, such as 'copper alloy 90%, plastic 10%'. Do metal buttons require commodity inspection? According to the Commodity Inspection Law, metal buttons are generally not legally inspected commodities, but if used for children's clothing or specific purposes, they may need to comply with safety standards. It is recommended to check the latest catalog of the General Administration of Customs. Is the HS code the same for exporting metal buttons to the EU? The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are the same as China's, both 960622. However, the EU may subdivide into 8-digit or 10-digit codes, and specific tax rates and regulatory conditions need to be queried according to the EU TARIC. How to check the tariff rate for metal buttons? You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use tools such as 'Tongguan.com' and enter HS code 960622 to query the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Rates may change, subject to the latest announcement. How to distinguish metal buttons from metal snap-fasteners? Snap-fasteners (press-fasteners) usually consist of two parts that are fastened by pressing, classified under 960610; metal buttons are generally single pieces that need to be sewn on, classified under 960622. If the snap-fastener is made of metal, it is still classified under 960610. Does the packaging method of metal buttons affect classification? The packaging method does not affect classification; classification depends on the material and function of the commodity itself. However, when declaring, the packaging specifications should be truthfully filled in, such as '1000 pieces/bag', for customs inspection.
Q: How to distinguish metal buttons from plastic buttons in HS code?
A: Mainly by material. If the main body of the button is metal (such as copper, zinc alloy), even if the surface has a plastic coating, it is still classified under 960622; if the main body is plastic, even if the surface is electroplated with metal, it is classified under 960621. Customs may determine by laboratory testing or observing the cross-section.
Q: Which code is for plastic buttons with metal eyelets?
A: If the plastic part is the main material and the metal eyelet is only auxiliary, it is classified as a plastic button under 960621; if the metal part constitutes the main characteristic, it is classified under 960622. It is recommended to judge based on weight ratio and function.
Q: How to fill in the material in the declaration elements for metal buttons?
A: Specific metal composition should be filled in, such as 'copper alloy', 'stainless steel', etc., not just 'metal'. If other materials are contained, the proportion should be noted, such as 'copper alloy 90%, plastic 10%'.
Q: Do metal buttons require commodity inspection?
A: According to the Commodity Inspection Law, metal buttons are generally not legally inspected commodities, but if used for children's clothing or specific purposes, they may need to comply with safety standards. It is recommended to check the latest catalog of the General Administration of Customs.
Q: Is the HS code the same for exporting metal buttons to the EU?
A: The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are the same as China's, both 960622. However, the EU may subdivide into 8-digit or 10-digit codes, and specific tax rates and regulatory conditions need to be queried according to the EU TARIC.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for metal buttons?
A: You can log on to the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use tools such as 'Tongguan.com' and enter HS code 960622 to query the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Rates may change, subject to the latest announcement.
Q: How to distinguish metal buttons from metal snap-fasteners?
A: Snap-fasteners (press-fasteners) usually consist of two parts that are fastened by pressing, classified under 960610; metal buttons are generally single pieces that need to be sewn on, classified under 960622. If the snap-fastener is made of metal, it is still classified under 960610.
Q: Does the packaging method of metal buttons affect classification?
A: The packaging method does not affect classification; classification depends on the material and function of the commodity itself. However, when declaring, the packaging specifications should be truthfully filled in, such as '1000 pieces/bag', for customs inspection.
⚠️ 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.