HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 83.01 – Padlocks and locks (key, combination, electrically operated) of base metal; clasps and frames with clasps incorporating locks, of base metal, keys for any or the foregoing articles, of base metal
What HS 83.01 covers
Heading 8301 encompasses a broad spectrum of security devices, specifically padlocks and various types of locks, all predominantly made of base metal. This includes traditional key-operated locks, modern combination locks, and increasingly sophisticated electrically operated locks, which might integrate biometric or smart technology. The scope extends to related components such as clasps and frames that incorporate locking mechanisms, and crucially, keys made of base metal designed for any of these articles. The classification is material-specific, focusing on "base metal" as the primary component, which distinguishes it from locks made of other materials or those that are part of a larger, different article (e.g., a lock integrated into a safe, which would be classified with the safe). Accurate classification under 8301 is essential for determining applicable duties, ensuring compliance with safety and security standards, and navigating import/export restrictions that may apply to security-sensitive goods. Historically, locks have been fundamental to property protection and trade security, evolving from simple mechanical devices to complex electronic systems. Its placement in Section XV highlights its identity as an article of base metal, separate from machinery or electrical apparatus, even if electrically operated, as the core function remains mechanical security. This heading is critical for manufacturers, distributors, and security professionals involved in the global trade of these essential safeguarding products.
- Covers
- Brass padlocks
- Steel combination locks
- Zinc alloy door cylinder locks
- Electronic deadbolt locks
- Magnetic cabinet locks
- Mortise locks for commercial doors
- Cam locks for lockers
- Luggage locks
- Vehicle ignition locks
- Base metal keys for door locks
- Base metal keys for padlocks
- Key blanks of base metal
- Window locks (base metal)
- Gate latches with built-in locks
- Hasps with integrated locking mechanisms
- Safe deposit box locks
- Electronic access control locks (base metal housing)
- Switch locks
- Utility cabinet locks
- Disc detainer locks
- Smart locks (base metal components)
- Bicycle chain locks (with base metal lock)
- Trigger locks for firearms (base metal)
- Examples
A major hardware chain in Canada imports thousands of steel padlocks and brass door cylinder locks from manufacturers in Taiwan and China, typically shipped via ocean containers through the Pacific, arriving at ports like Vancouver. An automotive parts distributor in Mexico sources vehicle ignition locks and matching base metal key sets from factories in South Korea, utilizing both ocean and air freight depending on the urgency and volume of the order. A security solutions provider in the United Kingdom imports advanced electrically operated smart locks with base metal housings from Germany and the Netherlands, often via road freight within the EU or air freight for specialized orders. A luggage manufacturer in Vietnam procures base metal clasps with integrated combination locks from suppliers in India, incorporating these into their travel bags before exporting the finished goods globally. A government agency in Australia imports high-security mortise locks and specialized keys for public buildings from a renowned lock manufacturer in Switzerland, usually through air cargo due to the value and security requirements.
Subheadings under 83.01 7
Codes often confused with 83.01
Common mistake. Misclassification under 8301 often occurs when the article's primary function or material is misunderstood. For example, locks that are integral components of a larger article, such as a lock built into a safe (Heading 8303) or a lock that is part of furniture (Heading 9403), should be classified with the article they secure, not separately under 8301. Another common error is classifying non-base metal locks, such as plastic child safety locks, which would fall under Chapter 39 (plastics). Additionally, key-making machinery or specialized tools for lock installation are not covered here; they would typically be found in Chapter 84 or 82, respectively. The crucial distinction for 8301 is that the article must be a standalone lock or padlock, or a base metal key for such, and made primarily of base metal, serving a general security function rather than being an integrated part of another product.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8301, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8301 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $5.4B 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.6B 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $1.4B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $16.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.8B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $831M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $14.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 83.01
What is HS code 8301?
HS code 8301 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Padlocks and locks (key, combination, electrically operated) of base metal; clasps and frames with clasps incorporating locks, of base metal, keys for any or the foregoing articles, of base metal. Heading 8301 encompasses a broad spectrum of security devices, specifically padlocks and various types of locks, all predominantly made of base metal. This includes traditional key-operated locks, modern combination locks, and increasingly sophisticated electrically operated locks, which might integrate biometric or smart technology. The scope extends to related components such as clasps and frames that incorporate locking mechanisms, and crucially, keys made of base metal designed for any of these articles. The classification is material-specific, focusing on "base metal" as the primary component, which distinguishes it from locks made of other materials or those that are part of a larger, different article (e.g., a lock integrated into a safe, which would be classified with the safe). Accurate classification under 8301 is essential for determining applicable duties, ensuring compliance with safety and security standards, and navigating import/export restrictions that may apply to security-sensitive goods. Historically, locks have been fundamental to property protection and trade security, evolving from simple mechanical devices to complex electronic systems. Its placement in Section XV highlights its identity as an article of base metal, separate from machinery or electrical apparatus, even if electrically operated, as the core function remains mechanical security. This heading is critical for manufacturers, distributors, and security professionals involved in the global trade of these essential safeguarding products.
What products fall under HS code 8301?
Brass padlocks, steel combination locks, zinc alloy door cylinder locks, electronic deadbolt locks, magnetic cabinet locks, mortise locks for commercial doors, cam locks for lockers, luggage locks, vehicle ignition locks, base metal keys for door locks, base metal keys for padlocks, key blanks of base metal, window locks (base metal), gate latches with built-in locks, hasps with integrated locking mechanisms, safe deposit box locks, electronic access control locks (base metal housing), switch locks, utility cabinet locks, disc detainer locks, smart locks (base metal components), bicycle chain locks (with base metal lock), trigger locks for firearms (base metal)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8301?
Misclassification under 8301 often occurs when the article's primary function or material is misunderstood. For example, locks that are integral components of a larger article, such as a lock built into a safe (Heading 8303) or a lock that is part of furniture (Heading 9403), should be classified with the article they secure, not separately under 8301. Another common error is classifying non-base metal locks, such as plastic child safety locks, which would fall under Chapter 39 (plastics). Additionally, key-making machinery or specialized tools for lock installation are not covered here; they would typically be found in Chapter 84 or 82, respectively. The crucial distinction for 8301 is that the article must be a standalone lock or padlock, or a base metal key for such, and made primarily of base metal, serving a general security function rather than being an integrated part of another product.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8301?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8301 in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.4B, 34% of world exports), Germany ($1.6B) and Mexico ($1.4B). World exports came to about $16.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 8301?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8301 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.8B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($1.2B) and Mexico ($831M). World imports came to about $14.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 8301 structured?
HS code 8301 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 83 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (83) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.