Product classification
HS code for Metal lids: 8309.90
Stoppers, caps and lids, of base metal.
Classification of metal lids under HS 8309.90
Metal lids are classified under HS code 8309.90, which falls within Chapter 83 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers miscellaneous articles of base metal. Heading 8309 is specifically dedicated to stoppers, caps, and lids (including crown corks, screw caps, and pouring stoppers), capsules for bottles, threaded bungs, bung covers, seals, and other packing accessories of base metal. The classification is determined by the function of the article as a closure for a container. Since these items are designed to seal or protect the contents of bottles, jars, or drums, they are categorized here rather than under the general headings for iron, steel, or aluminum articles. Subheading 8309.90 is a residual category for closures other than crown corks, encompassing a wide variety of industrial and consumer packaging lids. The material composition must be a base metal, such as steel, aluminum, or tinplate, although they may include liners or gaskets made of plastics or rubber to ensure an airtight seal. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8309 is the most specific description for these goods.
- Covers
- Aluminum screw caps for beverage bottles
- Steel lug lids for glass food jars
- Metal bung covers for industrial chemical drums
- Flip-top metal closures for cosmetic containers
- Tinplate easy-open ends for canned goods
- Also under 8309.90
- Crown Holdings caps
- Ardagh Group lids
- Silgan Holdings closures
- Ball Corporation caps
- Rexam (now part of Ball/Crown) caps
Codes often confused with 8309.90
Common mistake. Metal lids are frequently misclassified under HS code 7326, which covers other articles of iron or steel, or HS code 7616 for other articles of aluminum. However, because heading 8309 specifically names lids and stoppers, it takes precedence over these general material-based codes. Another common error is using HS code 7310, which covers tanks, casks, and cans; while lids are often used with these containers, when shipped separately, they must be classified under 8309.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 830990 (the code used for metal lids), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830990 (the code used for metal lids) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 830990, not only metal lids.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.7B 17% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.2B 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $750M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $10.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.0B 10% of world imports
- 2 France $765M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $579M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $9.9B 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 metal lids
Brazil classifies metal lids under NCM 8309.90.00: HS 8309.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal lids
What is the HS code for Metal lids?
The HS code for Metal lids is 830990 (Stoppers; caps and lids, of base metal). The primary HS code for metal lids (other than crown corks) is 8309.90.
How do I classify Metal lids for customs?
Metal lids is classified under HS code 830990 — Stoppers; caps and lids, of base metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include lids with plastic gaskets?
Yes, metal lids that incorporate a plastic or rubber liner for sealing purposes remain classified under 8309.90, as the base metal provides the essential character of the article.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal lids (HS 830990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830990 (the code used for metal lids) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 17% of world exports), Poland ($1.2B) and Germany ($750M). World exports came to about $10.0B, 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 lids (HS 830990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 830990 (the code used for metal lids) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.0B, 10% of world imports), France ($765M) and Germany ($579M). World imports came to about $9.9B, 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 lids the same in all countries?
The base HS code 830990 for Metal lids 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 lids in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal lids (HS 830990) is classified under NCM 8309.90.00.