Product classification
HS code for Plastic buttons: 9606.21
Buttons, of plastics, not covered with textile material.
Classification of plastic buttons under HS 9606.21
Plastic buttons are classified under HS code 9606.21. Chapter 96 deals with miscellaneous manufactured articles, and heading 9606 specifically covers buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, and press-studs, button blanks, and parts of these articles. Subheading 9606.21 is restricted to buttons made of plastics that are not covered with textile material. The classification is determined by the material of the button's body. If the button is made of polyester, nylon, acrylic, or other synthetic resins, it falls under this code. This classification applies regardless of the button's size, shape, or the number of holes it has. Buttons are essential components in the global garment industry, and 9606.21 is the primary code used for the vast majority of buttons found on shirts, trousers, and coats. The Harmonized System distinguishes buttons by material because the manufacturing processes and economic values vary significantly between plastic, metal, and natural materials like bone or pearl. For customs purposes, the absence of textile covering is the key factor that separates 9606.21 from other subheadings within the 9606 group.
- Covers
- Polyester shirt buttons
- Nylon coat buttons
- Acrylic decorative buttons
- Plastic shank buttons
- Clear plastic buttons for bedding
- Molded plastic buttons for uniforms
- Also under 9606.21
- YKK plastic buttons
- Prym plastic buttons
- Coats plastic buttons
- various unbranded plastic garment buttons
Codes often confused with 9606.21
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 9606.22, which is reserved for buttons of base metal. Importers may confuse plastic buttons with a metallic finish (vacuum metallized) for metal buttons; however, the core material (plastic) dictates the use of 9606.21. Another error involves buttons covered with textile material, which must be classified under 9606.29. Furthermore, snap-fasteners and press-studs are often confused with buttons but are specifically assigned to HS code 9606.10. It is also important not to classify button blanks (unfinished buttons) under 9606.21, as they are specifically categorized under 9606.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960621 (the code used for plastic buttons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960621 (the code used for plastic buttons) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 33% 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 960621, not only plastic buttons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $244M 49% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $108M 22% of world exports
- 3 Spain $31M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $499M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $196M 33% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$74M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$42M 7.0% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $604M 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 plastic buttons
Brazil classifies plastic buttons under NCM 9606.21.00: HS 9606.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic buttons
What is the HS code for Plastic buttons?
The HS code for Plastic buttons is 960621 (Buttons; of plastics, not covered with textile material). The HS code for buttons made of plastics, not covered with textile material, is 9606.21.
How do I classify Plastic buttons for customs?
Plastic buttons is classified under HS code 960621 — Buttons; of plastics, not covered with textile material. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are plastic snap fasteners included in this code?
No, snap fasteners and press-studs, regardless of material, are classified under HS code 9606.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic buttons (HS 960621)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960621 (the code used for plastic buttons) in UN Comtrade data were China ($244M, 49% of world exports), Hong Kong ($108M) and Spain ($31M). World exports came to about $499M, 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 plastic buttons (HS 960621)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960621 (the code used for plastic buttons) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($196M, 33% of world imports), Vietnam (about $74M) and Bangladesh (about $42M). World imports came to about $604M, 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 Plastic buttons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960621 for Plastic buttons 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 plastic buttons in Brazil?
In Brazil, plastic buttons (HS 960621) is classified under NCM 9606.21.00.