HS 960621 Buttons
Quick Answer: Buttons imported under HS 960621 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from Free to 45% ad valorem, with preferential rates for specific trade partners. This HS code encompasses buttons and button blanks, made from plastic, metal, or other materials, intended for use in apparel and other textile articles. Importers should be aware of potential differences in classification for button blanks versus finished buttons, and the impact of Free Trade Agreements on US duties. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606210000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606210000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606212000 | Free | — | ["gross"] |
| 9606216000 | 4.7% | Free (18 programs) | ["gross"] |
| 960621 | — | — | — |
| 9606214000 | 0.3¢/line/ gross + 4.6% | Free (18 programs) | ["gross","gr.lines"] |
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 9606.21?
Imports of Buttons 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 960621 cover?
This subheading covers buttons, whether or not separable from their mountings, of plastics, other than press-studs and snap-fasteners. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the definitions found in the EU's TARIC and the USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), this classification applies to buttons primarily made of plastic materials, designed for fastening garments or other articles, and which are not press-studs or snap-fasteners. This includes a wide variety of plastic buttons used in apparel and accessories.
What falls outside HS 960621?
The following products are excluded from HS 960621: buttons made from materials other than plastic, such as metal, wood, or shell; press-studs and snap-fasteners, which are classified under HS 960622; and decorative elements that are not functional fasteners. For instance, ornamental badges or brooches, even if attached to clothing, would not fall under this subheading. Buttons that are integral parts of a specific article, like a specialized button on a piece of machinery, may also be classified elsewhere based on the primary function of the complete article.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 960621?
A common error is misclassifying buttons made from composite materials where plastic is not the predominant component by weight or value, or confusing them with press-studs and snap-fasteners. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify buttons intended for industrial machinery under this subheading, when they should be classified with the machinery itself.
How should importers classify products under HS 960621?
The correct procedure for classifying buttons under HS 960621 involves a thorough examination of the button's material composition and its functional characteristics. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the button is primarily made of plastic and is not a press-stud or snap-fastener. Consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes, the EU TARIC database, or the USITC HTS is crucial. If uncertainty remains, a binding ruling from customs authorities should be sought to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 960621?
A shipment of 10,000 plastic shirt buttons, weighing 5 kilograms and declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($500 USD × 0.05 = $25.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 9606.21.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 960621?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 960621, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible originating goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific jurisdiction and agreement.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 9606.21.0000, covering plastic buttons?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for buttons of plastics, classified under HS code 9606.21.0000, is 3.70% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), buttons from eligible developing countries may enter duty-free. Always consult the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for specific country-based rates and any applicable trade programs. For example, buttons from South Korea (KR) under the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement may have a 0.00% duty rate.
What specific criteria define a 'button' for HS classification under 9606.21?
According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (HSEN) for heading 96.06, buttons are defined as articles, whether or not finished, of any material (except precious metal, metal clad with precious metal, or metal set with pearls, precious or semi-precious stones), which are designed to fasten or secure two parts of a garment or other textile article. They are typically attached to one part of the article and fastened to the other by means of a buttonhole, loop, or other fastening device. For HS code 9606.21, the primary material must be plastic. Buttons that are purely ornamental and not designed for fastening are generally not classified under this heading.
What documentation is typically required for importing plastic buttons under HS 9606.21?
Standard documentation for importing plastic buttons (HS 9606.21) includes a commercial invoice detailing the quantity, unit price, and total value; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transport. Depending on the country of origin and any claimed preferential duty rates, a Certificate of Origin may be required. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or samples if Customs requests verification of classification or material composition.
How is the import duty calculated for plastic buttons under HS 9606.21?
The import duty for HS code 9606.21 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of 10,000 plastic buttons is valued at $0.10 per button, the total value is $1,000. If the MFN duty rate of 3.70% applies, the duty amount would be calculated as: $1,000 (total value) × 0.0370 (duty rate) = $37.00. If a preferential rate of 0.00% applies, no duty would be owed.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for plastic buttons (HS 9606.21) into the United States?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for plastic buttons (HS 9606.21) imported into the United States. For example, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for buttons originating from Canada or Mexico, provided they meet the rules of origin. Similarly, agreements with countries like South Korea (Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement) and Australia can also result in duty-free (0.00%) or reduced rates. Importers must ensure the buttons meet the specific rules of origin for the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin, to claim these benefits.