Product classification

HS code for Metal eyes: 8308.10

Hooks, eyes and eyelets, of base metal, of a kind used for clothing, footwear, awnings, handbags, travel goods or other made up articles.

Classification of metal eyes under HS 8308.10

Metal eyes are classified under HS code 8308.10. This code is located within Chapter 83, which covers miscellaneous articles of base metal. Heading 8308 is a specific provision for clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets, and similar articles of base metal, of a kind used for clothing, footwear, awnings, handbags, travel goods, or other made-up articles. The classification is primarily driven by the 'use' criteria established in the heading text. These items are considered findings or accessories in the garment and luggage industries. They are distinct from general-purpose hardware because of their specific design for attachment to fabric, leather, or plastic sheeting. The material must be a base metal (such as steel, brass, or aluminum). If the eyes are plated with precious metal, they still remain in this heading unless they are considered jewelry or made entirely of precious metal.

Covers
  • Hooks and eyes for apparel
  • Metal eyelets for footwear
  • Grommets for awnings and tents
  • Fastening eyes for handbags
  • Metal loops for travel goods
Also under 8308.10
  • YKK eyelets
  • Prym hooks and eyes
  • ITW Nexus buckles
  • various zipper pull hooks
  • Dritz sewing hooks
  • Scovill eyelets

Codes often confused with 8308.10

Common mistake. A common point of confusion is between HS code 8308.10 and HS code 7318. Heading 7318 covers screws, bolts, nuts, and 'eye bolts.' While an 'eye bolt' contains the word 'eye,' it is a threaded fastener used in construction or engineering and is classified under 7318.15 or 7318.19. HS code 8308.10 is strictly for the small fasteners used in 'made-up articles' like clothing. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 9606, which covers buttons and press-fasteners. While hooks and eyes serve a similar purpose to buttons, they are specifically named in 8308, and according to GRI 1, the specific name takes precedence.

73.18Screws, bolts, nuts, coach screws, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter-pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of iron or steel7318.15Iron or steel; threaded screws and bolts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1, whether or not with their nuts or washers7318.19Iron or steel; threaded screws, bolts and nuts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.196.06Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button moulds and other parts of these articles; button blanks83.08Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets etc for clothing & accessories, footwear, jewellery, wrist-watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods, saddlery etc, tubular etc rivets, beads, spangles, of base metal

Top exporters and importers of HS 830810 (the code used for metal eyes), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830810 (the code used for metal eyes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 16% 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 830810, not only metal eyes.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.0B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $62M
  3. 3 South Korea $41M

World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$155M
  2. 2 Cambodia* ~$108M
  3. 3 Indonesia $65M

World total: $991M 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 eyes

Brazil classifies metal eyes under NCM 8308.10.00: HS 8308.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about metal eyes

What is the HS code for Metal eyes?

The HS code for Metal eyes is 830810 (Hooks, eyes and eyelets; of base metal, of a kind used for clothing, footwear, awnings, handbags, travel goods or other made up articles). The HS code for metal hooks, eyes, and eyelets used for clothing or luggage is 8308.10.

How do I classify Metal eyes for customs?

Metal eyes is classified under HS code 830810 — Hooks, eyes and eyelets; of base metal, of a kind used for clothing, footwear, awnings, handbags, travel goods or other made up articles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are plastic eyelets classified here?

No, 8308.10 is strictly for base metal articles. Plastic eyelets would typically be classified under Chapter 39, specifically 3926.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of metal eyes (HS 830810)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830810 (the code used for metal eyes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 74% of world exports), Hong Kong ($62M) and South Korea ($41M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 eyes (HS 830810)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 830810 (the code used for metal eyes) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $155M, 16% of world imports), Cambodia (about $108M) and Indonesia ($65M). World imports came to about $991M, 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 eyes the same in all countries?

The base HS code 830810 for Metal eyes 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 eyes in Brazil?

In Brazil, metal eyes (HS 830810) is classified under NCM 8308.10.00.