HS 960610 Press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press studs and parts therefor
Quick Answer: Press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, and press studs, along with their constituent parts, imported under HS code 960610, enter the UK duty-free at 0.00%, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from 2.7% ad valorem to 65% ad valorem, with some countries receiving duty-free treatment. This classification covers common fastening devices used in apparel and accessories, such as those found on clothing, bags, and upholstery. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparities across major trading blocs. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-specific rates and any preferential trade agreements that may apply to reduce or eliminate these duties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606100000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 960610 | — | — | — |
| 9606108000 | 2.7% | Free (18 programs) | ["gross"] |
| 9606104000 | 3.5% | Free (18 programs) | ["gross"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 9606.10?
Imports of Press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press studs and parts therefor may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 960610 cover?
This subheading covers press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, and press studs, along with their constituent parts. These are mechanical devices designed for fastening garments, bags, or other flexible materials, typically comprising two parts that interlock when pressed together. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to Heading 9606 clarify that this category includes items commonly known as "snaps" or "press studs," which are essential for clothing and accessories, and their individual components intended for assembly.
What falls outside HS 960610?
The following products are excluded from HS 960610: buttons of heading 960621 or 960622, which are typically sewn on and do not interlock mechanically. Also excluded are zippers (heading 9607), hooks and eyes (heading 960629), and other fastening devices not specifically designed as press-fasteners or snap-fasteners. For instance, Velcro® brand hook-and-loop fasteners, while a fastening device, are classified under a different heading based on their material composition and function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 960610?
A common error is misclassifying individual components of press-fasteners as separate items or confusing them with other types of fasteners. For example, a single stud or socket intended for a snap fastener might be incorrectly classified if not recognized as a part thereof. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), goods put up in sets for retail sale are classified as if they consist of the material or component which gives them their essential character; however, individual parts are typically classified under 960610 if they are clearly identifiable as such.
How should importers classify products under HS 960610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 960610 involves a thorough examination of the product's design and function. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the item is a complete press-fastener, snap-fastener, or press stud, or if it is a part specifically intended for such devices. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 960610?
A shipment of 10,000 metal snap fasteners, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value: 7.0% × $500 = $35.00. This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheadings within 9606.10.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 960610?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 960610, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A (Certificate of Origin) is typically required, depending on the origin country and the specific agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 960610 (Press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press studs and parts therefor) into the United States?
The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 960610 into the United States is 3.70% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply for goods originating from countries with which the U.S. has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). For example, under the US-Korea FTA, the duty rate is Free (0.00%). Always verify the specific origin of the goods and consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the most current and accurate rates. You can access the HTSUS via the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) website.
How is the import duty for HS 960610 calculated for a shipment of 10,000 snap-fasteners valued at $0.50 each, subject to a 3.70% ad valorem rate?
The duty is calculated based on the ad valorem rate applied to the declared customs value of the goods. For a shipment of 10,000 snap-fasteners valued at $0.50 each, the total value is 10,000 units * $0.50/unit = $5,000. The duty amount would be 3.70% of $5,000. Calculation: 0.0370 * $5,000 = $185.00. Therefore, the import duty for this shipment would be $185.00.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 960610?
HS code 960610 covers press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, and press studs, which are devices used to fasten two parts of a garment or other flexible material together by means of a stud and a socket. This includes components specifically designed for these fasteners. The classification hinges on the function and form of the item as a fastening device. Items that are not designed for this specific fastening purpose, or are parts of other types of fasteners (e.g., buttons of heading 9606.21), would be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 960610?
Standard import documentation for HS code 960610 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must be prepared to provide a Certificate of Origin if claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement. Customs brokers may also request product samples or technical specifications to verify classification, especially for novel or complex fastening systems. Always consult the specific import regulations of the destination country and your customs broker for precise requirements.
Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 960610 into the EU?
The European Union (EU) has numerous trade agreements that can provide preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS code 960610. For example, goods originating from countries like Switzerland (CH), Norway (NO), or Iceland (IS) under the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, or from Canada (CA) under the CETA agreement, may benefit from reduced or zero duties. To claim these preferential rates, importers must possess a valid proof of origin, such as an EUR.1 movement certificate or an origin declaration on the invoice, as stipulated by the specific trade agreement. The EU's TARIC database is the definitive source for checking applicable preferential rates and origin rules.