Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
The HS code for a metal shank button that is not covered with textile is subheading 9606 22 of the Harmonized System (HS): "buttons of base metal, not covered with textile material". In the EU Combined Nomenclature the corresponding eight-digit code is 9606 22 00. Snap buttons fall under 9606 10, button parts under 9606 30, and metal rivets and eyelets under heading 8308. Always confirm the final classification of a specific product with your customs broker.
What an HS code is and why you need it
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System is maintained by the World Customs Organization and used by almost every country. The first six digits are the same everywhere. Each country or union adds its own digits: in the EU these are the eight-digit Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes and the ten-digit TARIC codes; in the United States, the ten-digit HTS codes.
The code determines the duty, trade policy measures and statistics. It goes on the customs declaration, often on the invoice too, and it is needed for Intrastat declarations in trade between EU countries.
Metal shank button HS code
Heading 9606 covers buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button moulds and other parts of these articles, and button blanks. A metal shank button for a jacket, coat or blazer, made of brass, zinc alloy, steel or aluminium, is a button of base metal. If it is not covered with fabric, the code is 9606 22. If the metal base is covered with textile, the button leaves 9606 22 and falls into the residual subheading 9606 29.
| Product | HS (6 digits) | EU CN (8 digits) | Subheading description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snap buttons and parts | 9606 10 | 9606 10 00 | Press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs and parts therefor |
| Plastic buttons not covered with textile | 9606 21 | 9606 21 00 | Buttons of plastics, not covered with textile material |
| Metal buttons not covered with textile (shank, holes, jeans) | 9606 22 | 9606 22 00 | Buttons of base metal, not covered with textile material |
| Other buttons (textile-covered, corozo, horn, mother-of-pearl, wood, etc.) | 9606 29 | 9606 29 00 | Other buttons |
| Button moulds, other parts, blanks | 9606 30 | 9606 30 00 | Button moulds and other parts of buttons; button blanks |
| Eyelets | 8308 10 | 8308 10 00 | Hooks, eyes and eyelets |
| Tubular or bifurcated rivets | 8308 20 | 8308 20 00 | Tubular or bifurcated rivets |
The descriptions in the table are shortened. The official nomenclature texts in force in the year of import are what counts. Subheadings 9606 21 and 9606 22 expressly exclude press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, press-studs and cuff links.
How the code is decided for different buttons
Jeans buttons
A jeans button with a cap and tack is a button of base metal, so it is normally declared under 9606 22. If the tacks are imported separately as parts, 9606 30 may apply to them. The names of the parts of a jeans button are explained in what are metal buttons on jeans called.
Snap buttons
All snap buttons, metal or plastic, spring or prong, and their parts are classified under 9606 10 regardless of material.
Combination buttons
For a metal button with enamel, a polyester insert or a stone, the deciding factor is the material that gives the product its essential character, usually the metal body. This follows the general interpretative rules of the nomenclature, but in borderline cases it is worth asking for an opinion.
Plating and precious metals
Gold- or silver-colour electroplating does not change the material; the button is still base metal. Buttons of precious metal and cuff links, however, are classified differently, usually in Chapter 71, so check them separately.
Rivets and eyelets
Metal rivets for jeans and bags are not buttons but rivets, normally 8308 20. Eyelets go under 8308 10, and buckles under the residual subheading 8308 90.
What to state on the invoice and declaration
- an exact commercial description, for example "metal shank buttons, brass, 20 mm";
- the body material and whether there is a textile covering;
- quantity in pieces and net weight;
- the proposed CN or HTS code;
- country of origin.
The more precise the description, the fewer questions at customs.
Trade within the EU and imports from outside
When you buy from a manufacturer in the EU for delivery to another EU country, no customs duty is due, because the EU is a customs union. You still need the CN code for Intrastat statistical declarations if your company is required to file them. For imports from outside the EU, duties and measures are set by TARIC in the EU or by the national tariff of the importing country. Rates change, so check them in the official databases at the date of import.
Important: confirm the classification
This article gives general guidance on the nomenclature and is not legal advice. The classification of a specific item can depend on details such as material, finish and how it is packed as a set. Before importing, confirm the code with your customs broker. In the EU you can also apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the customs authorities, a decision that is binding for the classification of that product.
Common mistakes when declaring buttons
- a vague description such as "accessories" or "haberdashery" with no type, material or size;
- one code for a whole shipment of buttons, snap buttons, rivets and eyelets, which belong to different headings;
- fabric-covered buttons declared as metal buttons under 9606 22;
- using a code from another country's national tariff without checking the local digits after the sixth.
Metal buttons from an EU manufacturer
Polkom is a manufacturer of metal buttons, snap buttons, jeans buttons and rivets, based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience. We deliver across the EU and, on request, provide the product data you need for your documents: material, size and description. All our metal accessories are nickel free. For a quote, contact us.
