Product classification
HS code for Metal clasps: 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 metal clasps under HS 8308.90
Metal clasps are classified under HS code 8308.90, which falls within Chapter 83 of the Harmonized System, covering miscellaneous articles of base metal. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Heading 8308 specifically includes clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, and buckle-clasps of base metal, used for clothing, footwear, jewelry, and travel goods. These items are considered base metal findings and are classified here regardless of their decorative nature, provided they do not contain precious metals beyond simple plating. The sub-heading 8308.90 is a residual category for articles that are not specifically hooks, eyes, or tubular rivets. This classification applies to the hardware itself as a component, rather than the finished article it might eventually be attached to, such as a handbag or a belt.
- Covers
- Base metal clasps for handbags and purses
- Buckle-clasps for belts and clothing
- Metal fasteners for footwear
- Clasps for wrist-watch straps of base metal
- Frames with integrated clasps for travel goods
- Metal closures for books or stationery
- Also under 8308.90
- YKK buckles
- ITW Nexus buckles
- Duraflex buckles
- Cobra buckles
- Fidlock clasps
Codes often confused with 8308.90
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 7117.19, which covers imitation jewelry. If a metal clasp is specifically designed and sold as a component for costume jewelry, it may be argued to fall under 7117; however, 8308 is more specific for functional fasteners. Another common error is using 7326.90 for general articles of iron or steel. While 7326 is a broad category, the specific function of a clasp as a fastening device directs it toward 8308. Additionally, if the clasp is made of precious metal (gold, silver), it must be classified under 7113 or 7115.
Top exporters and importers of HS 830890 (the code used for metal clasps), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830890 (the code used for metal clasps) 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 metal clasps.
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 metal clasps
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 metal clasps
What is the HS code for Metal clasps?
The HS code for Metal clasps 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). The primary HS code for metal clasps, buckles, and similar fastening articles made of base metal is 8308.90.
How do I classify Metal clasps for customs?
Metal clasps 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.
Does this code include plastic clasps?
No, plastic clasps are classified under Chapter 39, specifically HS code 3926.90, as they are articles of plastics rather than base metal.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal clasps (HS 830890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830890 (the code used for metal clasps) 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 metal clasps (HS 830890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 830890 (the code used for metal clasps) 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 Metal clasps the same in all countries?
The base HS code 830890 for Metal clasps 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 clasps in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 830890 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for metal clasps 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).