HS Code 83.09 – Stoppers, caps, lids (including crown corks, screw caps, pouring stoppers); capsules for bottles, threaded bungs, bung covers, seals and other packaging accessories, of base metal

HS code 8309 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Stoppers, caps, lids (including crown corks, screw caps, pouring stoppers); capsules for bottles, threaded bungs, bung covers, seals and other packaging accessories, of base metal. Heading 8309 covers base metal stoppers, caps, lids, and other packaging accessories. This classification is indispensable for industries in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemicals, as well as for packaging manufacturers and customs professionals. The scope is strictly defined by the 'base metal' material and the function as a sealing or closing device for containers. It encompasses a wide array of items, including crown corks, screw caps, pouring stoppers, capsules for bottles, threaded bungs, bung covers, and various seals. Crucially, this heading excludes similar items made of plastic (Chapter 39), rubber (Chapter 40), or glass (Chapter 70). Key sub-categories include closures for bottles (beer, wine, spirits), jars, cans, and drums. The 'of base metal' criterion is paramount; even if an item performs the same sealing function, its material dictates its classification. This heading is part of Chapter 83, 'Miscellaneous articles of base metal,' and Section XV, 'Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal.' Its placement indicates these are finished industrial consumables rather than raw materials or complete containers. Accurate classification is vital for trade compliance, ensuring correct duty assessment, and adhering to specific regulations related to packaging materials in international trade.

Crown corks, aluminum screw caps for bottles, tinplate can ends, metal jar lids, metal pouring stoppers, metal bottle capsules (e.g., wine capsules), threaded metal bungs for drums, metal bung covers, metal seals for containers, metal tamper-evident bands, metal closure rings for jars, metal twist-off caps, metal child-resistant caps, metal flip-top caps, metal security seals, metal tear-off closures, metal drum closures, metal pharmaceutical caps, metal beverage can tabs, metal aerosol can tops.

Common misclassifications under 8309 primarily occur due to confusion over the material of the closure. Traders frequently classify plastic stoppers, caps, or lids (e.g., plastic screw caps for water bottles) under 8309, when they correctly belong to Chapter 39 (specifically 3923 for articles for the conveyance or packing of goods). Similarly, rubber stoppers (Chapter 40) or glass stoppers (Chapter 70) are distinct. Another error is classifying the empty metal container itself (e.g., a metal can under 7310) as 8309, when 8309 is strictly for the *closure* or *accessory* to the packaging, not the container. The key is the 'base metal' material and its function *as a closure*.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8309 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 17% of world exports), Poland ($1.2B) and Italy ($805M). World exports came to about $10.4B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8309 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 11% of world imports), France ($787M) and Germany ($607M). World imports came to about $10.4B, 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.

HS code 8309 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 83 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (83) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.