HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8305.20 – Stationery; staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal
HS code 8305.20 is the 6-digit subheading for stationery, staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal. It is used for office staples, upholstery staples, packaging staples, heavy-duty staples and fine wire staples.
What HS 8305.20 covers
This category covers staples made of base metal, supplied in strips, used across a vast array of applications from office work to heavy-duty industrial tasks like upholstery and packaging. The trade in these items is characterized by high volume and global demand, as staples are fundamental fastening solutions. Exporters are typically large-scale manufacturers of metal wire products, while importers range from stationery distributors to industrial suppliers and retailers worldwide. Key considerations in trade include staple size, material (e.g., galvanized steel, copper-plated), and compatibility with various stapling tools. The global supply chain for these seemingly simple items is robust, reflecting their indispensable role in daily life and various industries.
- Covers
- Office staples
- Upholstery staples
- Packaging staples
- Heavy-duty staples
- Fine wire staples
- Construction staples
- Carton closing staples
- Examples
- Swingline Optima staples
- Rapid staples
- Bostitch heavy-duty staples
- Arrow Fastener staples
- Stanley-Bostitch industrial staples
Codes often confused with 8305.20
Common mistake. This code might be confused with staplers themselves (847290) or other general fastening articles like nails or tacks (731700) if not specifically identified as 'staples in strips' for stapling machines.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 830520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 830520 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 $200M 42% of world exports
- 2 Germany $26M 5.5% of world exports
- 3 Japan $20M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $475M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $109M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $25M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $22M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $468M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 8305.20
Brazil does not split HS 8305.20: its NCM code is 8305.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 83.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8305.20
What is HS code 830520?
HS code 830520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Stationery; staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal. This category covers staples made of base metal, supplied in strips, used across a vast array of applications from office work to heavy-duty industrial tasks like upholstery and packaging. The trade in these items is characterized by high volume and global demand, as staples are fundamental fastening solutions. Exporters are typically large-scale manufacturers of metal wire products, while importers range from stationery distributors to industrial suppliers and retailers worldwide. Key considerations in trade include staple size, material (e.g., galvanized steel, copper-plated), and compatibility with various stapling tools. The global supply chain for these seemingly simple items is robust, reflecting their indispensable role in daily life and various industries.
What products fall under HS code 830520?
Office staples, upholstery staples, packaging staples, heavy-duty staples, fine wire staples, construction staples, carton closing staples
What are common misclassifications for HS code 830520?
This code might be confused with staplers themselves (847290) or other general fastening articles like nails or tacks (731700) if not specifically identified as 'staples in strips' for stapling machines.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 830520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 830520 in UN Comtrade data were China ($200M, 42% of world exports), Germany ($26M) and Japan ($20M). World exports came to about $475M, 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 830520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 830520 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($109M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($25M) and the Netherlands ($22M). World imports came to about $468M, 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 830520 structured?
HS code 830520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (83) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 830520?
In Brazil, HS code 830520 is NCM 8305.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.