Product classification

HS code for Brass buttons: 9606.22

Buttons, of base metal, not covered with textile material.

Classification of brass buttons under HS 9606.22

Brass buttons are classified under HS code 960622 because they are functional fasteners made of base metal. The Harmonized System categorizes buttons primarily by their material composition and whether they are covered with textile material. Since brass is a base metal and these buttons are typically not covered with fabric, they fall specifically into the 960622 subheading. This classification applies regardless of whether the buttons are used for apparel, upholstery, or decorative purposes, provided they retain the essential character of a button or a button-like fastener. The determination is based on General Interpretative Rule (GIR) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. The material composition must be predominantly brass (a copper-zinc alloy) to qualify under the base metal designation of Chapter 96. If the button were plated with precious metal, it might still remain here unless the plating is significant enough to change its character to jewelry, though for standard industrial and fashion buttons, 960622 remains the standard.

Covers
  • Brass blazer buttons
  • Brass jeans buttons and tacks
  • Brass snap fasteners (button-style)
  • Decorative brass buttons for uniforms
  • Antique-finish brass buttons
  • Solid brass shank buttons
Also under 9606.22
  • YKK metal buttons
  • Prym metal buttons
  • Scovill metal buttons
  • Levi's branded metal buttons
  • Gucci metal buttons

Codes often confused with 9606.22

Common mistake. Brass buttons are frequently misclassified under HS code 960621, which is reserved for buttons made of plastics. Another common error is using HS code 960629, which is a residual category for buttons made of materials other than plastic or base metal (such as wood or bone). Additionally, importers sometimes mistakenly use HS code 741980, which covers other articles of copper, but the specific function as a button takes precedence over the general material composition according to the principle of specificity in the HS nomenclature.

9606.21Buttons; of plastics, not covered with textile material9606.29Buttons; of other than base metal or plastics, not covered with textile material7419.80Copper; articles thereof n.e.c. in chapter 74

Top exporters and importers of HS 960622 (the code used for brass buttons), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960622 (the code used for brass buttons) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Bangladesh, with about 16% of world imports. Vietnam 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 5.1% of its imports here ($2.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 960622, not only brass buttons.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $302M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $104M
  3. 3 Italy $34M

World total: $527M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bangladesh* ~$69M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $49M
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$49M

Vietnam 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 5.1% of its imports here ($2.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $432M 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 brass buttons

Brazil classifies brass buttons under NCM 9606.22.00: HS 9606.22 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about brass buttons

What is the HS code for Brass buttons?

The HS code for Brass buttons is 960622 (Buttons; of base metal, not covered with textile material). The HS code for brass buttons not covered with textile material is 960622.

How do I classify Brass buttons for customs?

Brass buttons is classified under HS code 960622 — Buttons; of base metal, not covered with textile material. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are brass snap fasteners classified under this code?

If the snap fastener functions and appears as a button, it is generally classified under 960622; however, complex snap fasteners may sometimes fall under 960610 depending on their mechanical design.

Which countries are the top exporters of brass buttons (HS 960622)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960622 (the code used for brass buttons) in UN Comtrade data were China ($302M, 57% of world exports), Hong Kong ($104M) and Italy ($34M). World exports came to about $527M, 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 brass buttons (HS 960622)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 960622 (the code used for brass buttons) in UN Comtrade data were Bangladesh (about $69M, 16% of world imports), Hong Kong ($49M) and Vietnam (about $49M). World imports came to about $432M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam 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 5.1% of its imports here ($2.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Is the HS code for Brass buttons the same in all countries?

The base HS code 960622 for Brass buttons 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 brass buttons in Brazil?

In Brazil, brass buttons (HS 960622) is classified under NCM 9606.22.00.