Product classification
HS code for File fasteners: 8305.10
Stationery, fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, of base metal.
Classification of file fasteners under HS 8305.10
File fasteners made of base metal are classified under HS code 8305.10. This code falls under Chapter 83, which covers miscellaneous articles of base metal. Heading 8305 is dedicated to fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags, and similar office articles of base metal. The subheading 8305.10 specifically identifies fittings for loose-leaf binders or files. These are mechanical devices or simple metal strips designed to secure papers within a folder or binder. The classification is determined by the material (base metal, such as steel or aluminum) and the function (fastening documents). Under the General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 1, the product is classified here because the heading text explicitly describes these stationery fittings. These items are often imported in bulk to be integrated into paperboard folders or sold as standalone office supplies for manual document binding.
- Covers
- Metal prong fasteners
- Two-piece compressor fasteners
- Ring binder mechanisms
- Lever arch file mechanisms
- Metal arch wires for files
- 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. File fasteners are often misclassified under HS code 8305.90, which is the residual category for \"other\" office articles like paper clips or staples. However, because 8305.10 specifically mentions fittings for binders or files, it takes precedence for fasteners designed for that purpose. Another common error is 7326.90, which is a general category for other articles of iron or steel. This is incorrect because the specific use as stationery fittings directs the product to Chapter 83. Furthermore, if the fastener is made of plastic, it should be classified under 3926.10, as Chapter 83 is strictly for base metal articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 830510 (the code used for file fasteners), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830510 (the code used for file fasteners) 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 file fasteners.
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 file fasteners
Brazil classifies file fasteners 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 file fasteners
What is the HS code for File fasteners?
The HS code for File fasteners is 830510 (Stationery; fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, of base metal).
How do I classify File fasteners for customs?
File fasteners 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.
What is the HS code for metal file fasteners?
The HS code for base metal fittings and fasteners for files or binders is 8305.10.
Are paper clips included in this HS code?
No, paper clips are generally classified under HS code 8305.90, as they are considered other office articles rather than specific binder fittings.
Which countries are the top exporters of file fasteners (HS 830510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830510 (the code used for file fasteners) 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 file fasteners (HS 830510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 830510 (the code used for file fasteners) 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 File fasteners the same in all countries?
The base HS code 830510 for File fasteners 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 file fasteners in Brazil?
In Brazil, file fasteners (HS 830510) is classified under NCM 8305.10.00.