Product classification
HS code for Staples: 8305.20
Stationery, staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal.
Classification of staples under HS 8305.20
Staples in strips are classified under HS code 8305.20. This code is part of Chapter 83, which covers miscellaneous articles of base metal. The specific heading 8305 covers office stationery and fittings, such as binders, paper clips, and staples. For a product to be classified under 8305.20, the staples must be presented in strips, typically held together by a thin layer of lacquer or adhesive. This format is essential for their use in mechanical stapling devices. These staples can be made of various base metals, including steel (often galvanized or copper-coated), aluminum, or copper. The classification applies regardless of the end-use, meaning it covers staples for office use, upholstery, furniture manufacturing, and heavy-duty packaging, provided they are in strip form.
- Covers
- Office staples in strips
- Upholstery staples in strips
- Industrial packaging staples in strips
- Galvanized steel staples for construction
- Copper-coated stationery staples
- Also under 8305.20
- Swingline Optima staples
- Rapid staples
- Bostitch heavy-duty staples
- Arrow Fastener staples
- Stanley-Bostitch industrial staples
Codes often confused with 8305.20
Common mistake. A common error is classifying staples under HS code 7317, which covers nails, tacks, and staples made of iron or steel. However, 7317 specifically excludes staples in strips (which are moved to 8305). If the staples are loose or individual, they remain in 7317. Another misclassification involves surgical staples, which are classified under 9018 as medical instruments. Importers must distinguish between the mechanical fastener (8305.20) and the medical device (9018).
Top exporters and importers of HS 830520 (the code used for staples), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 830520 (the code used for staples) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 830520, not only staples.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $200M 42% of world exports
- 2 Germany $26M 5.5% of world exports
- 3 Japan $20M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $475M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $109M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $25M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $22M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $468M 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 staples
Brazil classifies staples under NCM 8305.20.00: HS 8305.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about staples
What is the HS code for Staples?
The HS code for Staples is 830520 (Stationery; staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal). The HS code for staples in strips is 8305.20. If the staples are not in strips, they are typically classified under 7317.00.
How do I classify Staples for customs?
Staples is classified under HS code 830520 — Stationery; staples in strips, (e.g. for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are heavy-duty industrial staples included in 8305.20?
Yes, as long as the industrial staples are presented in strips for use in a stapler or staple gun, they are classified under 8305.20 regardless of their size.
Which countries are the top exporters of staples (HS 830520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 830520 (the code used for staples) in UN Comtrade data were China ($200M, 42% of world exports), Germany ($26M) and Japan ($20M). World exports came to about $475M, 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 staples (HS 830520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 830520 (the code used for staples) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($109M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($25M) and the Netherlands ($22M). World imports came to about $468M, 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 Staples the same in all countries?
The base HS code 830520 for Staples 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 staples in Brazil?
In Brazil, staples (HS 830520) is classified under NCM 8305.20.00.