HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 96.07 – Slide fasteners and parts thereof
What HS 96.07 covers
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.
- Covers
- 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
- 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.
Subheadings under 96.07 3
Codes often confused with 96.07
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 9607, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 9607 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 52% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 14% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($119M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 18% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.7B 52% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $217M 6.6% of world exports
- 3 Japan $207M 6.3% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($119M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$418M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Bangladesh* ~$228M 7.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Cambodia* ~$196M 6.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 18% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $3.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 96.07
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 are the top exporters of goods under HS code 9607?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9607 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 52% of world exports), Hong Kong ($217M) and Japan ($207M). World exports came to about $3.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 48% of its exports here ($119M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 9607?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9607 in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $418M, 14% of world imports), Bangladesh (about $228M) and Cambodia (about $196M). World imports came to about $3.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Cambodia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 18% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
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.