Product classification
HS code for Nameplates: 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 nameplates under HS 8310.00
Nameplates are classified under HS code 8310.00 because they consist of sign-plates, name-plates, address-plates, and similar plates made of base metal. This heading covers plates that are used for identification, information, or decoration, provided they do not contain a light source. The classification is determined by the material composition (base metal) and the function of the article as a permanent or semi-permanent marker. If the plate is made of precious metal, it would be classified elsewhere, but standard industrial and commercial nameplates made of aluminum, brass, or steel fall here. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) dictate that these items are classified by their constituent material and specific function as signage. These items are typically embossed, etched, or printed with letters or symbols to convey specific information about a person, place, or machine.
- Covers
- Machine identification plates
- Street name signs
- House number plates
- Metal letters for building facades
- Automotive license plates
- Brass door nameplates
- 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. Nameplates are often confused with HS code 9405, which covers illuminated signs and nameplates. If the nameplate has internal lighting or is part of a light fixture, it must be moved to Chapter 94. Additionally, plastic nameplates are classified under 3926.90, and printed paper or cardboard signs fall under 4911. Base metal plates that are purely decorative without any symbols or letters might be classified under 7326 or 8306 depending on their design.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831000 (the code used for nameplates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831000 (the code used for nameplates) 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 nameplates.
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 nameplates
Brazil classifies nameplates 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 nameplates
What is the HS code for Nameplates?
The HS code for Nameplates 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 nameplates made of base metal (like aluminum or steel) without illumination is 8310.00.
How do I classify Nameplates for customs?
Nameplates 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.
Are plastic nameplates included in this code?
No, plastic nameplates are classified under HS code 3926.90 as other articles of plastics.
Which countries are the top exporters of nameplates (HS 831000)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831000 (the code used for nameplates) 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 nameplates (HS 831000)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831000 (the code used for nameplates) 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 Nameplates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831000 for Nameplates 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 nameplates in Brazil?
In Brazil, nameplates (HS 831000) is classified under NCM 8310.00.00.