Product classification
HS code for Metal signs: 8310.00
Sign plates, name-plates, address-plates and similar plates, numbers, letters and other symbols, of base metal, excluding those of heading no. 9405.
Classification of metal signs under HS 8310.00
Metal signs are classified under HS code 8310.00. This heading covers sign-plates, name-plates, address-plates, and similar plates, numbers, letters, and other symbols of base metal. The classification is based on the material (base metal such as aluminum, steel, or brass) and the function (conveying information or identification). These items are distinct from printed matter because the information is typically embossed, etched, cast, or otherwise permanently affixed to the metal substrate. This code applies to non-illuminated signs. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 dictates that the specific description in heading 8310 takes precedence over more general headings for metal articles in Chapter 73 or 76.
- Covers
- Aluminum street name signs
- Brass door nameplates
- Steel warning and safety signs
- Cast iron house numbers
- Metal advertising signs (non-illuminated)
- Machine identification plates
- Also under 8310.00
- Brady Corporation nameplates
- Gravoply signs
- Vandal Proof House Numbers
- Architectural Mailboxes
- Custom Metal Signs
Codes often confused with 8310.00
Common mistake. Metal signs are frequently misclassified under HS code 9405.61, which is reserved for illuminated signs and illuminated name-plates. If the sign contains a light source (LED, neon, or incandescent), it must be classified in Chapter 94. Another common mistake is using HS code 3926.90 for signs that appear to be metal but are actually metalized plastic; these must be classified by their constituent material. Finally, signs that are primarily printed paper or cardboard mounted on metal might be classified under Chapter 49 as printed matter.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831000 (the code used for metal signs), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831000 (the code used for metal signs) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 831000, not only metal signs.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $385M 34% of world exports
- 2 Germany $111M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $90M 7.9% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $144M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $63M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 China $51M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 signs
Brazil classifies metal signs under NCM 8310.00.00: HS 8310.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal signs
What is the HS code for Metal signs?
The HS code for Metal signs is 831000 (Sign plates, name-plates, address-plates and similar plates, numbers, letters and other symbols; of base metal, excluding those of heading no. 9405). The HS code for non-illuminated metal sign-plates and name-plates is 8310.00.
How do I classify Metal signs for customs?
Metal signs is classified under HS code 831000 — Sign plates, name-plates, address-plates and similar plates, numbers, letters and other symbols; of base metal, excluding those of heading no. 9405. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code should be used for a metal sign with LED lights?
Metal signs that are illuminated are classified under HS code 9405.61.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal signs (HS 831000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831000 (the code used for metal signs) in UN Comtrade data were China ($385M, 34% of world exports), Germany ($111M) and Hong Kong ($90M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 signs (HS 831000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831000 (the code used for metal signs) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($144M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($63M) and China ($51M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 signs the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831000 for Metal signs 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 signs in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal signs (HS 831000) is classified under NCM 8310.00.00.