HS Code for Paper clips

Paper clips are classified under HS code 8305.90, which falls within Chapter 83 for miscellaneous articles of base metal. The classification is determined by the material composition and the functional utility of the item as office stationery. Heading 8305 specifically addresses fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, and indexing tags. Since paper clips are typically made from iron or steel wire (base metals) and are designed for the temporary fastening of documents, they meet the criteria for this heading. The subheading 8305.90 is a residual category for office articles of base metal that are not specifically staples in strips (8305.20) or binder fittings (8305.10). Even if the metal paper clips are coated with a thin layer of plastic for color-coding or rust prevention, the essential character of the item remains the base metal core, thus maintaining its classification in Chapter 83 rather than Chapter 39.

Products Included

• Standard wire paper clips
• Butterfly-style paper clips
• Vinyl-coated metal paper clips
• Large jumbo paper clips
• Triangular metal paper fasteners

Common Misclassification

Paper clips are often misclassified under HS code 7326.20, which covers other articles of iron or steel wire. While paper clips are made of wire, the specific provision for office stationery in 8305 takes precedence over the general provision for wire articles in 7326. Another common error is using HS code 3926.10 for plastic-coated clips. Unless the clip is made entirely of plastic, it should remain in 8305.90. Furthermore, decorative binder clips are sometimes confused with 8305.10, but that code is strictly for the mechanisms used inside binders, not the external clips used to hold papers together.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Paper clips?

The standard HS code for metal paper clips is 8305.90, covering office stationery articles of base metal.

Does the HS code change if the paper clips are colored?

No, as long as the core material is base metal, colored or plastic-coated paper clips remain classified under 8305.90.