About HS Code 9607
Heading 9607 precisely classifies 'Slide fasteners and parts thereof,' universally known as zippers. This category is indispensable for the apparel, luggage, footwear, and outdoor gear industries worldwide. The heading encompasses all types of slide fasteners, regardless of their material composition (e.g., plastic, metal, nylon coils) or specific design (e.g., separating, non-separating, invisible, waterproof). Crucially, it also covers 'parts thereof,' which include individual components like zipper chains, sliders, pull-tabs, stoppers, and elements, provided they are identifiable as parts of slide fasteners. This distinction is important as these parts are often traded separately for assembly in different locations. The scope of 9607 specifically excludes other fastening devices such as buttons, press-fasteners, and snap-fasteners (classified under 9606), or buckles (8308), ensuring a clear separation of these distinct items. Accurate classification under 9607 is vital for trade compliance, directly impacting import duties, customs procedures, and any specific material regulations (e.g., restrictions on certain metals). For global supply chains, precise classification prevents delays and ensures adherence to international trade laws. As part of Chapter 96, 'Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles,' this heading highlights the manufactured nature of zippers as complex, multi-component items that serve a specific functional purpose, distinguishing them from simpler fasteners or raw materials.
Products Under This Code
Nylon coil zippers, metal zippers, plastic molded zippers, invisible zippers, separating zippers, non-separating zippers, waterproof zippers, two-way zippers, zipper chains, zipper sliders, zipper pull-tabs, zipper teeth (elements), zipper stoppers (top and bottom), zipper tapes, heavy-duty zippers, garment zippers, luggage zippers, footwear zippers, marine-grade zippers, reverse coil zippers, decorative zipper pulls, custom logo zipper pullers, continuous zipper chain, zipper repair kits (containing parts), self-repairing zippers
Real World Examples
A large sportswear manufacturer in Vietnam imports millions of various types of nylon coil zippers and metal zippers from a specialized factory in Japan for integration into their athletic apparel and outdoor jackets, which are then exported to markets in North America and Europe. These are all classified under 9607. Similarly, a luggage company in Mexico imports bulk quantities of heavy-duty plastic molded zipper chains and separate sliders from China, which they assemble into finished zippers for their travel bags. In another instance, a boutique fashion designer in France sources unique, high-end metal zippers with custom pull-tabs from an Italian supplier to add a distinctive touch to their luxury handbags and coats.
Common Misclassification
A common misclassification for slide fasteners is to confuse them with other fastening articles. For instance, traders might mistakenly classify zippers under 9606 (buttons, press-fasteners) due to a general understanding of 'fasteners,' despite 9607 being specifically dedicated to slide fasteners. Another error involves classifying individual zipper parts, such as sliders or pull-tabs, under more generic metal or plastic articles chapters (e.g., Chapter 73 for base metal articles or Chapter 39 for plastic articles), rather than as 'parts of slide fasteners' under 9607. It is crucial for customs declarations to clearly identify these items as slide fasteners or their specific parts to ensure correct tariff application and compliance with HS nomenclature.
Subheadings 3
Industry
This code belongs to the Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles industry.
Trade Overview
The global trade in slide fasteners is dominated by East Asian manufacturers, with China being the largest exporter, followed by Japan and Taiwan, known for both mass production and high-quality specialized zippers. Major importers include garment-producing nations such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico, as well as developed economies like the United States and EU member states that have significant apparel, footwear, and luggage manufacturing sectors. Trade agreements, such as those within ASEAN or with the EU, often facilitate reduced tariffs, but robust documentation for rules of origin is essential, especially given the multi-component nature and diverse material sources of slide fasteners and their parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 9607?
HS code 9607 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Slide fasteners and parts thereof. Heading 9607 precisely classifies 'Slide fasteners and parts thereof,' universally known as zippers. This category is indispensable for the apparel, luggage, footwear, and outdoor gear industries worldwide. The heading encompasses all types of slide fasteners, regardless of their material composition (e.g., plastic, metal, nylon coils) or specific design (e.g., separating, non-separating, invisible, waterproof). Crucially, it also covers 'parts thereof,' which include individual components like zipper chains, sliders, pull-tabs, stoppers, and elements, provided they are identifiable as parts of slide fasteners. This distinction is important as these parts are often traded separately for assembly in different locations. The scope of 9607 specifically excludes other fastening devices such as buttons, press-fasteners, and snap-fasteners (classified under 9606), or buckles (8308), ensuring a clear separation of these distinct items. Accurate classification under 9607 is vital for trade compliance, directly impacting import duties, customs procedures, and any specific material regulations (e.g., restrictions on certain metals). For global supply chains, precise classification prevents delays and ensures adherence to international trade laws. As part of Chapter 96, 'Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles,' this heading highlights the manufactured nature of zippers as complex, multi-component items that serve a specific functional purpose, distinguishing them from simpler fasteners or raw materials.
What products fall under HS code 9607?
Nylon coil zippers, metal zippers, plastic molded zippers, invisible zippers, separating zippers, non-separating zippers, waterproof zippers, two-way zippers, zipper chains, zipper sliders, zipper pull-tabs, zipper teeth (elements), zipper stoppers (top and bottom), zipper tapes, heavy-duty zippers, garment zippers, luggage zippers, footwear zippers, marine-grade zippers, reverse coil zippers, decorative zipper pulls, custom logo zipper pullers, continuous zipper chain, zipper repair kits (containing parts), self-repairing zippers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 9607?
A common misclassification for slide fasteners is to confuse them with other fastening articles. For instance, traders might mistakenly classify zippers under 9606 (buttons, press-fasteners) due to a general understanding of 'fasteners,' despite 9607 being specifically dedicated to slide fasteners. Another error involves classifying individual zipper parts, such as sliders or pull-tabs, under more generic metal or plastic articles chapters (e.g., Chapter 73 for base metal articles or Chapter 39 for plastic articles), rather than as 'parts of slide fasteners' under 9607. It is crucial for customs declarations to clearly identify these items as slide fasteners or their specific parts to ensure correct tariff application and compliance with HS nomenclature.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 9607?
The global trade in slide fasteners is dominated by East Asian manufacturers, with China being the largest exporter, followed by Japan and Taiwan, known for both mass production and high-quality specialized zippers. Major importers include garment-producing nations such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Mexico, as well as developed economies like the United States and EU member states that have significant apparel, footwear, and luggage manufacturing sectors. Trade agreements, such as those within ASEAN or with the EU, often facilitate reduced tariffs, but robust documentation for rules of origin is essential, especially given the multi-component nature and diverse material sources of slide fasteners and their parts.
How is HS code 9607 structured?
HS code 9607 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 96 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.