Product classification
HS code for Jean buttons: 9606.22
Buttons, of base metal, not covered with textile material.
Classification of jean buttons under HS 9606.22
Jean buttons are classified under HS code 9606.22. This code is found in Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9606 specifically includes buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, and press-studs, button blanks, and parts of these articles. The classification of buttons is determined primarily by the material of construction. Subheading 9606.22 is designated for buttons of base metal that are not covered with textile material. Jean buttons, often referred to as tack buttons or shank buttons, are typically made of brass, copper, or zinc alloys to withstand the heavy-duty requirements of denim garments. Unlike standard sew-on buttons, these are usually applied using a specialized press or tack. According to the General Rules of Interpretation, the material composition (base metal) is the defining factor for this specific subheading. If the button were made of plastic or wood, it would fall under different subheadings within 9606. This classification ensures that metal fasteners used in the global apparel industry are tracked separately from plastic or textile-covered alternatives.
- Covers
- Metal tack buttons for denim
- Brass shank buttons
- Copper-alloy jean fasteners
- Zinc die-cast buttons for workwear
- Metal buttons with embossed logos (not textile covered)
- 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. Jean buttons are often misclassified under 9606.10, which covers press-fasteners and snap-fasteners. While they look similar, a jean button is a single-unit fastener used with a buttonhole, whereas a snap-fastener consists of two interlocking parts. Another common error is 9606.21, which is for buttons made of plastics. Additionally, if a metal button is covered with fabric, it must be classified under 9606.29 (other) rather than 9606.22.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960622 (the code used for jean buttons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960622 (the code used for jean 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 jean buttons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $302M 57% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $104M 20% of world exports
- 3 Italy $34M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $527M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bangladesh* ~$69M 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Hong Kong $49M 11% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$49M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
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 jean buttons
Brazil classifies jean 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 jean buttons
What is the HS code for Jean buttons?
The HS code for Jean buttons is 960622 (Buttons; of base metal, not covered with textile material). The HS code for jean buttons made of base metal and not covered in fabric is 9606.22.
How do I classify Jean buttons for customs?
Jean 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 the metal tacks included in this code?
Yes, parts of buttons, including the tacks used to secure jean buttons to the fabric, are generally classified under the same heading as the buttons themselves.
Which countries are the top exporters of jean buttons (HS 960622)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960622 (the code used for jean 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 jean buttons (HS 960622)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960622 (the code used for jean 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 Jean buttons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960622 for Jean 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 jean buttons in Brazil?
In Brazil, jean buttons (HS 960622) is classified under NCM 9606.22.00.