Product classification
HS code for Metal buttons: 9606.22
Buttons, of base metal, not covered with textile material.
Classification of metal buttons under HS 9606.22
Metal buttons are classified under HS code 9606.22. This classification is part of Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9606 is specifically designated for buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, press-studs, button molds, and other parts of these articles. The classification within this heading is further subdivided by the material of construction and the presence of any covering. Subheading 9606.22 is reserved for buttons made of base metal (such as steel, brass, aluminum, or zinc alloys) that are not covered with textile material. Base metals are defined in Section XV of the Harmonized System. The classification applies to various types of metal buttons, such as shank buttons, hole-through buttons, and specialized buttons used for denim jeans or heavy outerwear. According to GRI 1, the classification is determined by the literal description of the item as a button made of base metal. It is crucial to verify that the button is not plated with precious metals in a way that would classify it as imitation jewelry under heading 7117. Furthermore, if the metal button is covered with fabric, its classification would change to 9606.29. This specific code (9606.22) is essential for the global apparel and textile trade, ensuring that metal fasteners are correctly identified for duty assessment and trade statistics.
- Covers
- Brass blazer buttons
- Steel jeans buttons (tack buttons)
- Aluminum shank buttons
- Zinc alloy decorative buttons
- Copper hole-through buttons for workwear
- 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. Metal buttons are frequently confused with snap-fasteners or press-studs, which are classified under 9606.10 regardless of material. Another common error is using 9606.21 if the button is made of plastic but has a metallic finish (vacuum metallized). The core material must be metal for 9606.22. Additionally, if a button is made of or plated with precious metal (like solid 14k gold), it must be classified in Chapter 71. Finally, buttons covered with textile material, even if the core is metal, fall under 9606.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960622 (the code used for metal buttons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960622 (the code used for metal 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 metal 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 metal buttons
Brazil classifies metal 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 metal buttons
What is the HS code for Metal buttons?
The HS code for Metal buttons is 960622 (Buttons; of base metal, not covered with textile material). The HS code for buttons made of base metal, not covered with textile, is 9606.22.
How do I classify Metal buttons for customs?
Metal 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 snap buttons included in 9606.22?
No, snap-fasteners and press-studs are classified under HS code 9606.10, even if they are made of metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal buttons (HS 960622)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960622 (the code used for metal 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 metal buttons (HS 960622)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960622 (the code used for metal 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 Metal buttons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960622 for Metal 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 metal buttons in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal buttons (HS 960622) is classified under NCM 9606.22.00.