Product classification
HS code for Shell buttons: 9606.29
Buttons, of other than base metal or plastics, not covered with textile material.
Classification of shell buttons under HS 9606.29
Shell buttons are classified under HS code 9606.29. This classification is located in Chapter 96, which deals with miscellaneous manufactured articles. Heading 9606 specifically covers buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, and press-studs. The subheading 9606.29 is a residual category for buttons that are not made of base metal (9606.22) or plastics (9606.21) and are not covered with textile material. Shell buttons, typically made from mother-of-pearl, abalone, or trochus shells, fall into this category because they are made of "other" materials. The classification is determined by the material of the button body. These buttons are valued for their natural iridescence and are common in high-end apparel. The manufacturing process involves cutting blanks from raw shells, which are then turned, drilled, and polished. Despite being a natural animal product, once they are shaped into buttons, they are classified by their function as fasteners in Chapter 96 rather than as raw shells in Chapter 05.
- Covers
- Mother-of-pearl buttons
- Abalone shell buttons
- Trochus shell buttons
- Mussel shell fasteners
- Polished shell button blanks with holes
- Also under 9606.29
- Atelier Brunette buttons
- Bottoni & Bottoni (Italian shell buttons)
- various artisanal wooden buttons
- vintage glass buttons
Codes often confused with 9606.29
Common mistake. Shell buttons are frequently misclassified under HS code 9606.21 if the customs broker assumes they are plastic imitations. It is vital to distinguish between genuine shell and polyester "pearlized" buttons. Another misclassification is HS code 0508.00, which covers raw shells and worked shell material. However, once the shell has been shaped into a recognizable button or button blank, it must be classified under 9606. Finally, buttons covered with fabric should be classified under 9606.30, regardless of the material of the core.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960629 (the code used for shell buttons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960629 (the code used for shell buttons) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Morocco, with 44% 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 960629, not only shell buttons.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $44M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $40M 21% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$12M 6.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $190M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Morocco $154M 44% of world imports
- 2 Myanmar $20M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$13M 3.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $348M 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 shell buttons
Brazil classifies shell buttons under NCM 9606.29.00: HS 9606.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shell buttons
What is the HS code for Shell buttons?
The HS code for Shell buttons is 960629 (Buttons; of other than base metal or plastics, not covered with textile material).
How do I classify Shell buttons for customs?
Shell buttons is classified under HS code 960629 — Buttons; of other than base metal or plastics, not covered with textile material. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for mother-of-pearl buttons?
Mother-of-pearl buttons are classified under HS code 9606.29 as buttons of "other" materials.
Are shell button blanks classified the same way?
Yes, button blanks that have been shaped but not yet finished are generally classified under the same heading as the finished buttons, 9606.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of shell buttons (HS 960629)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960629 (the code used for shell buttons) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($44M, 23% of world exports), China ($40M) and Vietnam (about $12M). World exports came to about $190M, 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 shell buttons (HS 960629)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960629 (the code used for shell buttons) in UN Comtrade data were Morocco ($154M, 44% of world imports), Myanmar ($20M) and Vietnam (about $13M). World imports came to about $348M, 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 Shell buttons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960629 for Shell 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 shell buttons in Brazil?
In Brazil, shell buttons (HS 960629) is classified under NCM 9606.29.00.