Product classification
HS code for Binder clips: 8305.10
Stationery, fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, of base metal.
Classification of binder clips under HS 8305.10
Binder clips are classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 830510. This classification falls within Chapter 83, which covers "Miscellaneous articles of base metal." Specifically, heading 8305 addresses "Fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags and similar office articles, of base metal; parts thereof." Subheading 830510 is precisely designated for "Fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags and similar office articles, of base metal." Binder clips, being made of base metal and designed for holding papers together in an office or school setting, perfectly align with this description. This specific categorization ensures that these common stationery items are uniformly classified based on their material and intended use.
- Covers
- Metal binder clips (various sizes and colors)
- Bulldog clips of base metal
- Paper clips of base metal
- Letter clips of base metal
- Indexing tags of base metal for office use
- Fasteners for loose-leaf binders, of base metal
- Also under 8305.10
- Acco Brands binder mechanisms
- Leitz lever arch fittings
- Rapesco ring mechanisms
- Avery binder components
- Esselte file clips
Codes often confused with 8305.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification for binder clips involves HS code 830590, which covers "Parts of fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags and similar office articles, of base metal." While related, 830590 is for parts, whereas 830510 is for the complete articles themselves. Another potential area of confusion is with general articles of base metal, such as those in Chapter 73 for articles of iron or steel (e.g., 7326 for other articles of iron or steel). However, 830510 is more specific as it identifies these items as stationery articles. Furthermore, if binder clips were made predominantly of plastic, they would fall under a different code, such as 392610 ("Office or school supplies of plastics"), highlighting the importance of material composition in classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 830510 (the code used for binder clips), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830510 (the code used for binder clips) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 830510, not only binder clips.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $53M 39% of world exports
- 2 Slovenia $24M 17% of world exports
- 3 Austria $9.7M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $136M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$17M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $13M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $12M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $155M 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.
Brazil NCM code for binder clips
Brazil classifies binder clips under NCM 8305.10.00: HS 8305.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about binder clips
What is the HS code for Binder clips?
The HS code for Binder clips is 830510 (Stationery; fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, of base metal). The HS code for binder clips is 830510.
How do I classify Binder clips for customs?
Binder clips is classified under HS code 830510 — Stationery; fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, of base metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic paper clips classified under the same HS code?
No, plastic paper clips are not classified under 830510. This code specifically applies to articles "of base metal." Plastic paper clips would typically be classified under HS code 392610, which covers "Office or school supplies of plastics."
Which countries are the top exporters of binder clips (HS 830510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830510 (the code used for binder clips) in UN Comtrade data were China ($53M, 39% of world exports), Slovenia ($24M) and Austria ($9.7M). World exports came to about $136M, 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 binder clips (HS 830510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 830510 (the code used for binder clips) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $17M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($13M) and Mexico ($12M). World imports came to about $155M, 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.
Is the HS code for Binder clips the same in all countries?
The base HS code 830510 for Binder clips is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for binder clips in Brazil?
In Brazil, binder clips (HS 830510) is classified under NCM 8305.10.00.