Product classification
HS code for Handbells: 8306.10
Bells, gongs and the like, non-electric, of base metal.
Classification of handbells under HS 8306.10
Handbells made of base metal are classified under HS code 8306.10. This heading covers non-electric bells, gongs, and similar items. The classification is determined by the material (base metal such as brass, bronze, copper, or steel) and the function (producing sound through manual striking or shaking). Handbells are distinct from musical instruments used in professional orchestras, although there is sometimes overlap. For general decorative, functional, or signaling handbells, 8306.10 is the primary code. The classification excludes bells made of precious metals, which fall under Chapter 71, and electric bells or buzzers, which fall under Chapter 85. The determination relies on the "base metal" criteria of Section XV and the specific exclusion of electrical components. Whether the bell is used for a school, a dinner table, or as a decorative souvenir, if it is a manual metal bell, it remains within this classification. This code ensures that simple acoustic signaling devices are grouped separately from complex musical instruments or electronic signaling systems.
- Covers
- Brass school handbells
- Decorative bronze handbells
- Steel service or call bells
- Manual dinner bells of base metal
- Hand-held ship's bells (non-musical)
- Also under 8306.10
- Brooks bicycle bells
- Meinl gongs
- Liberty Bell replicas
- antique brass doorbells
- hotel reception bells
Codes often confused with 8306.10
Common mistake. Handbells are frequently misclassified under 9206.00, which covers percussion musical instruments. While a handbell produces sound, it is only classified in Chapter 92 if it is part of a tuned set intended for musical performance (like a professional handbell choir set). Another common error is 8531.10, which is for electric bells and alarms. If the bell requires electricity to function, it cannot stay in 8306.10. Finally, if the bell is made of solid silver or gold, it must be classified under 7114 as articles of goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares.
Top exporters and importers of HS 830610 (the code used for handbells), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830610 (the code used for handbells) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 39% 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 830610, not only handbells.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $82M 50% of world exports
- 2 India $13M 8.2% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $11M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $163M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $63M 39% of world imports
- 2 Germany $17M 11% of world imports
- 3 Japan $12M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $163M 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 code for handbells
Brazil classifies handbells under NCM 8306.10.00: HS 8306.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about handbells
What is the HS code for Handbells?
The HS code for Handbells is 830610 (Bells, gongs and the like; non-electric, of base metal).
How do I classify Handbells for customs?
Handbells is classified under HS code 830610 — Bells, gongs and the like; non-electric, of base metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a brass handbell?
A standard brass handbell is classified under HS code 8306.10, as it is a non-electric bell made of base metal.
Are musical handbells classified differently?
Yes. If the handbells are tuned and intended for use as musical instruments, they may be classified under 9206.00. However, individual decorative or signaling bells always fall under 8306.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of handbells (HS 830610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830610 (the code used for handbells) in UN Comtrade data were China ($82M, 50% of world exports), India ($13M) and Malaysia ($11M). World exports came to about $163M, 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 handbells (HS 830610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 830610 (the code used for handbells) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($63M, 39% of world imports), Germany ($17M) and Japan ($12M). World imports came to about $163M, 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 Handbells the same in all countries?
The base HS code 830610 for Handbells 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 handbells in Brazil?
In Brazil, handbells (HS 830610) is classified under NCM 8306.10.00.