Product classification
HS code for Buckles: 8308.90
Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle clasps, of base metal, of a kind used for clothing & accessories, footwear, jewellery, wrist-watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods, saddlery etc, including parts.
Classification of buckles under HS 8308.90
Buckles made of base metal are classified under HS code 8308.90. Chapter 83 covers miscellaneous articles of base metal, and heading 8308 specifically addresses clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets, and similar items. These articles are typically used for clothing, footwear, awnings, handbags, travel goods, or other leather articles. Subheading 8308.90 is the residual category for buckles and other items that are not specifically defined as hooks, eyes, or rivets in the preceding subheadings. The classification is driven by the material composition (base metal, such as steel, brass, or zinc) and the intended function as a fastening device for personal effects or industrial textile goods.
- Covers
- Base metal belt buckles
- Shoe buckles of base metal
- Buckles for waistcoats and trousers
- Buckle-clasps for luggage and handbags
- Base metal buckles for saddlery and harness
- Also under 8308.90
- YKK buckles
- ITW Nexus buckles
- Duraflex buckles
- Cobra buckles
- Fidlock clasps
Codes often confused with 8308.90
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs when the buckle is made of plastic, which should be classified under HS code 3926.90 as an article of plastics. Another frequent error involves buckles made of precious metals or plated with precious metals, which fall under Chapter 71 (e.g., 7113 or 7117 for imitation jewelry). If a buckle is highly decorative and intended as imitation jewelry rather than a functional fastener, HS code 7117.19 may be more appropriate. Additionally, buttons are classified separately under heading 9606, and care must be taken to distinguish between a buckle-clasp and a standard button or snap fastener.
Top exporters and importers of HS 830890 (the code used for buckles), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830890 (the code used for buckles) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 15% 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 830890, not only buckles.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $473M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $260M 10% of world exports
- 3 Romania $256M 10% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $408M 15% of world imports
- 2 Italy $202M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $175M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for buckles
Brazil splits HS 8308.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8308.90.10Base metal buckles
- 8308.90.20Base metal beads and spangles
- 8308.90.90Clasps, buckle-clasps and other similar items
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about buckles
What is the HS code for Buckles?
The HS code for Buckles is 830890 (Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle clasps; of base metal, of a kind used for clothing & accessories, footwear, jewellery, wrist-watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods, saddlery etc, including parts).
How do I classify Buckles for customs?
Buckles is classified under HS code 830890 — Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle clasps; of base metal, of a kind used for clothing & accessories, footwear, jewellery, wrist-watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods, saddlery etc, including parts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for metal buckles?
The HS code for buckles made of base metal is 8308.90.
What code is used for plastic buckles?
Plastic buckles are not classified in Chapter 83; they are classified under HS code 3926.90 as other articles of plastics.
Which countries are the top exporters of buckles (HS 830890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830890 (the code used for buckles) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($473M, 19% of world exports), China ($260M) and Romania ($256M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 buckles (HS 830890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 830890 (the code used for buckles) in UN Comtrade data were France ($408M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($202M) and Germany ($175M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 Buckles the same in all countries?
The base HS code 830890 for Buckles 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 buckles in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 830890 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for buckles depends on the product's details: 8308.90.10 (Base metal buckles), 8308.90.20 (Base metal beads and spangles), 8308.90.90 (Clasps, buckle-clasps and other similar items).