Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous articles in the Harmonized System, including worked animal carving materials, vegetable carving materials, brushes, brooms, sieves, hand sieves, travel sets, buttons, slide fasteners and parts thereof, fountain pens, ballpoint pens, pencils, crayons, chalk, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hair slides, scent sprays and similar sprays, and other miscellaneous articles not elsewhere specified. This chapter is characterized by a wide variety of goods with different functions, but the common point is that they are manufactured articles not belonging to other more specific chapters. Heading 9607 specifically covers slide fasteners and parts thereof. A slide fastener is a fastening device used for clothing, bags, tents, and other items, consisting of two tapes with interlocking elements and a slider. This heading includes: finished slide fasteners (such as closed-end slide fasteners, open-end slide fasteners, two-way open-end slide fasteners, etc.), slide fastener parts (such as interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, pins, sockets, tapes, etc.). However, note that if the textile tape of a slide fastener is presented separately, it should be classified according to the textile material, not under this heading. Code 960720 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous articles); digits 3-4 "07" represent heading 9607 (slide fasteners and parts thereof); digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 960720, specifically slide fastener parts. Therefore, the full meaning of 960720 is: the subheading for slide fastener parts under the heading for slide fasteners and parts thereof in Chapter 96. This subheading covers all dedicated parts of slide fasteners, such as interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, pins, sockets, etc., but does not include slide fastener tapes (if presented separately) or complete slide fasteners (classified under 960711 or 960719). The goods are slide fastener parts, not complete slide fasteners, so they cannot be classified under 960711 (slide fasteners fitted with metal interlocking elements) or 960719 (other slide fasteners). At the same time, slide fastener parts do not belong to Chapter 73 articles of iron or steel or Chapter 83 articles of base metal, because they are manufactured articles dedicated to slide fasteners, and heading 9607 explicitly includes parts. In addition, if the parts are plastic articles, they are not classified under Chapter 39, because Chapter 96 has a more specific listing. Therefore, 960720 is the only correct classification for slide fastener parts.
Chapter
Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous articles in the Harmonized System, including worked animal carving materials, vegetable carving materials, brushes, brooms, sieves, hand sieves, travel sets, buttons, slide fasteners and parts thereof, fountain pens, ballpoint pens, pencils, crayons, chalk, typewriter ribbons, lighters, smoking pipes, combs, hair slides, scent sprays and similar sprays, and other miscellaneous articles not elsewhere specified. This chapter is characterized by a wide variety of goods with different functions, but the common point is that they are manufactured articles not belonging to other more specific chapters.
Heading
Heading 9607 specifically covers slide fasteners and parts thereof. A slide fastener is a fastening device used for clothing, bags, tents, and other items, consisting of two tapes with interlocking elements and a slider. This heading includes: finished slide fasteners (such as closed-end slide fasteners, open-end slide fasteners, two-way open-end slide fasteners, etc.), slide fastener parts (such as interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, pins, sockets, tapes, etc.). However, note that if the textile tape of a slide fastener is presented separately, it should be classified according to the textile material, not under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 960720 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "96" represent Chapter 96 (miscellaneous articles); digits 3-4 "07" represent heading 9607 (slide fasteners and parts thereof); digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 960720, specifically slide fastener parts. Therefore, the full meaning of 960720 is: the subheading for slide fastener parts under the heading for slide fasteners and parts thereof in Chapter 96. This subheading covers all dedicated parts of slide fasteners, such as interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, pins, sockets, etc., but does not include slide fastener tapes (if presented separately) or complete slide fasteners (classified under 960711 or 960719).
Classification Basis
The goods are slide fastener parts, not complete slide fasteners, so they cannot be classified under 960711 (slide fasteners fitted with metal interlocking elements) or 960719 (other slide fasteners). At the same time, slide fastener parts do not belong to Chapter 73 articles of iron or steel or Chapter 83 articles of base metal, because they are manufactured articles dedicated to slide fasteners, and heading 9607 explicitly includes parts. In addition, if the parts are plastic articles, they are not classified under Chapter 39, because Chapter 96 has a more specific listing. Therefore, 960720 is the only correct classification for slide fastener parts.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately describe what kind of slide fastener part it is, such as "metal zipper slider", "nylon interlocking element", etc. Material: The main material of the declared part, such as metal (copper, aluminum, zinc alloy, etc.), plastic (nylon, resin, etc.). Use: Explain what kind of slide fastener or final product the part is used for, such as "used for clothing zippers", "used for bag zippers". Brand: The brand name of the declared part; if no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: The model or specification of the declared part, such as "3#", "5#", etc., indicating the zipper size. Whether in set: Whether the declared part is packaged as a set or presented separately, such as "slider presented separately". Processing method: Briefly describe the processing method of the part, such as "die casting", "injection molding", etc. Product name: metal zipper slider; Material: zinc alloy; Use: used for clothing zippers; Brand: YKK; Model: 5#; Whether in set: presented separately; Processing method: die casting. Declaring the slide fastener tape separately as 960720, but the tape should be classified according to textile material. Incorrectly classifying a complete slide fastener under 960720; complete slide fasteners should be classified under 960711 or 960719. Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only "metal"; it should specify zinc alloy, copper, etc.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately describe what kind of slide fastener part it is, such as "metal zipper slider", "nylon interlocking element", etc.
⚠️ Declaring only as "slide fastener parts", which is too general and does not specify the specific type.
Material
The main material of the declared part, such as metal (copper, aluminum, zinc alloy, etc.), plastic (nylon, resin, etc.).
⚠️ Incomplete material declaration, such as writing only "metal" without specifying the specific metal type.
Use
Explain what kind of slide fastener or final product the part is used for, such as "used for clothing zippers", "used for bag zippers".
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as "used for zippers", lacking specific application scenarios.
Brand
The brand name of the declared part; if no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Incorrect brand declaration, such as treating the manufacturer's name as the brand.
Model
The model or specification of the declared part, such as "3#", "5#", etc., indicating the zipper size.
⚠️ Model declaration is unclear, such as writing only "standard type".
Whether in set
Whether the declared part is packaged as a set or presented separately, such as "slider presented separately".
⚠️ Failure to state whether it is in a set, leading to classification errors.
Processing method
Briefly describe the processing method of the part, such as "die casting", "injection molding", etc.
⚠️ Incorrect description of processing method, such as writing "stamping" as "casting".
Example： Product name: metal zipper slider; Material: zinc alloy; Use: used for clothing zippers; Brand: YKK; Model: 5#; Whether in set: presented separately; Processing method: die casting.
Common Mistakes：
Declaring the slide fastener tape separately as 960720, but the tape should be classified according to textile material.
Incorrectly classifying a complete slide fastener under 960720; complete slide fasteners should be classified under 960711 or 960719.
Material declaration is not specific, such as writing only "metal"; it should specify zinc alloy, copper, etc.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the goods are dedicated parts of slide fasteners, rather than complete slide fasteners or other similar fasteners. Second, confirm whether the parts fall within the scope listed under heading 9607, including interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, pins, sockets, etc. If the part is a tape made of textile material, it should not be classified under 960720, but according to the textile material. In addition, if the part is a general hardware item (such as a screw), it is also not classified under this heading. Therefore, a comprehensive determination must be made based on the specificity, material, and function of the part. 960711 Slide fasteners fitted with metal interlocking elements: 960711 is a complete slide fastener, and the interlocking elements are metal; while 960720 is slide fastener parts, which do not constitute a complete slide fastener. 960719 Other slide fasteners: 960719 is a complete slide fastener, but the interlocking elements are non-metal (such as plastic); while 960720 is parts, regardless of material. 580610 Narrow woven fabrics: If the slide fastener tape is presented separately, it should be classified under 580610 (if textile material), not 960720. 830890 Beads and spangles of base metal: If the zipper slider is used as a decorative item, it may be classified under 830890, but sliders dedicated to slide fasteners are still classified under 960720. 392690 Other articles of plastics: If plastic slide fastener parts are dedicated to slide fasteners, they should be classified under 960720; if they are general plastic articles, they are classified under 392690. Are they dedicated parts of slide fasteners? Are they presented separately rather than as complete slide fasteners? Does the material affect classification? Are they textile tapes? Is there a more specific listing under other headings?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the goods are dedicated parts of slide fasteners, rather than complete slide fasteners or other similar fasteners. Second, confirm whether the parts fall within the scope listed under heading 9607, including interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, pins, sockets, etc. If the part is a tape made of textile material, it should not be classified under 960720, but according to the textile material. In addition, if the part is a general hardware item (such as a screw), it is also not classified under this heading. Therefore, a comprehensive determination must be made based on the specificity, material, and function of the part.
Confused Codes：
960711 - Slide fasteners fitted with metal interlocking elements
960711 is a complete slide fastener, and the interlocking elements are metal; while 960720 is slide fastener parts, which do not constitute a complete slide fastener.
960719 - Other slide fasteners
960719 is a complete slide fastener, but the interlocking elements are non-metal (such as plastic); while 960720 is parts, regardless of material.
580610 - Narrow woven fabrics
If the slide fastener tape is presented separately, it should be classified under 580610 (if textile material), not 960720.
830890 - Beads and spangles of base metal
If the zipper slider is used as a decorative item, it may be classified under 830890, but sliders dedicated to slide fasteners are still classified under 960720.
392690 - Other articles of plastics
If plastic slide fastener parts are dedicated to slide fasteners, they should be classified under 960720; if they are general plastic articles, they are classified under 392690.
Self-Check：
✓ Are they dedicated parts of slide fasteners?
✓ Are they presented separately rather than as complete slide fasteners?
✓ Does the material affect classification?
✓ Are they textile tapes?
✓ Is there a more specific listing under other headings?
❓ FAQ
When a slide fastener tape is imported separately, which HS code should it be classified under? If the slide fastener tape is presented separately, it should be classified according to its material. If it is textile material, it is usually classified under Chapter 58 (such as 580610 narrow woven fabrics); if it is plastic, it is classified under Chapter 39. It cannot be classified under 960720, because 960720 only covers dedicated parts of slide fasteners and does not include tapes. Should a zipper slider (slider) be classified under 960720 or 960711? A zipper slider is a part of a slide fastener. If presented separately, it should be classified under 960720. 960711 is a complete slide fastener (fitted with metal interlocking elements) and does not include separate sliders. Therefore, a separately imported slider should be declared under 960720. How to distinguish slide fastener parts from complete slide fasteners? A complete slide fastener consists of two tapes, interlocking elements, and a slider, and can be used directly; while slide fastener parts are components, such as separate interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, etc. If the goods have been assembled into a complete slide fastener, they are classified under 960711 or 960719; if they are unassembled parts, they are classified under 960720. Are plastic slide fastener parts and metal slide fastener parts classified the same? Yes, 960720 covers slide fastener parts of all materials, including plastic, metal, etc. However, note that if the plastic parts are general-purpose parts, they may be classified under Chapter 39. Parts dedicated to slide fasteners are still classified under 960720. What are common errors in declaration elements when importing slide fastener parts? Common errors include: product name too general (such as writing only "slide fastener parts"), material declaration not specific (such as writing only "metal"), use description unclear, model not indicated, etc. It is recommended to declare the specific part name, material, model, and use in detail. Do slide fastener parts involve tariff quotas or licenses? Usually slide fastener parts do not involve tariff quotas, but they may be affected by anti-dumping or specific trade measures. For details, consult the latest announcements of the General Administration of Customs. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or check the customs tariff before import. If slide fastener parts are mixed with other goods, how should they be declared? Different goods should be declared separately and cannot be lumped together. If slide fastener parts are imported together with other goods, the product name, HS code, and quantity must be listed separately. If mixed packaging makes it difficult to distinguish, they may be classified as a whole, but separate declaration is recommended to avoid risks. How to check the tax rate for HS code 960720? Tax rates change with national policies and trade agreements. It is recommended to obtain the latest tax rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements, which require a certificate of origin.
Q: When a slide fastener tape is imported separately, which HS code should it be classified under?
A: If the slide fastener tape is presented separately, it should be classified according to its material. If it is textile material, it is usually classified under Chapter 58 (such as 580610 narrow woven fabrics); if it is plastic, it is classified under Chapter 39. It cannot be classified under 960720, because 960720 only covers dedicated parts of slide fasteners and does not include tapes.
Q: Should a zipper slider (slider) be classified under 960720 or 960711?
A: A zipper slider is a part of a slide fastener. If presented separately, it should be classified under 960720. 960711 is a complete slide fastener (fitted with metal interlocking elements) and does not include separate sliders. Therefore, a separately imported slider should be declared under 960720.
Q: How to distinguish slide fastener parts from complete slide fasteners?
A: A complete slide fastener consists of two tapes, interlocking elements, and a slider, and can be used directly; while slide fastener parts are components, such as separate interlocking elements, sliders, end stops, etc. If the goods have been assembled into a complete slide fastener, they are classified under 960711 or 960719; if they are unassembled parts, they are classified under 960720.
Q: Are plastic slide fastener parts and metal slide fastener parts classified the same?
A: Yes, 960720 covers slide fastener parts of all materials, including plastic, metal, etc. However, note that if the plastic parts are general-purpose parts, they may be classified under Chapter 39. Parts dedicated to slide fasteners are still classified under 960720.
Q: What are common errors in declaration elements when importing slide fastener parts?
A: Common errors include: product name too general (such as writing only "slide fastener parts"), material declaration not specific (such as writing only "metal"), use description unclear, model not indicated, etc. It is recommended to declare the specific part name, material, model, and use in detail.
Q: Do slide fastener parts involve tariff quotas or licenses?
A: Usually slide fastener parts do not involve tariff quotas, but they may be affected by anti-dumping or specific trade measures. For details, consult the latest announcements of the General Administration of Customs. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or check the customs tariff before import.
Q: If slide fastener parts are mixed with other goods, how should they be declared?
A: Different goods should be declared separately and cannot be lumped together. If slide fastener parts are imported together with other goods, the product name, HS code, and quantity must be listed separately. If mixed packaging makes it difficult to distinguish, they may be classified as a whole, but separate declaration is recommended to avoid risks.
Q: How to check the tax rate for HS code 960720?
A: Tax rates change with national policies and trade agreements. It is recommended to obtain the latest tax rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff query tools. Also pay attention to preferential rates under free trade agreements, which require a certificate of origin.
⚠️ 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.