HS 960629 Other
Quick Answer: Buttons and button molds imported under HS 960629 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from 0.3¢/line/gross + 4.5% to free for certain trade agreements. This residual classification applies to buttons and button molds not specifically covered elsewhere in Chapter 96, such as those made from plastic, metal, or wood, and their molds. Importers should verify specific product composition and origin against the detailed tariff schedules of the importing country. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification to determine applicable duties and potential trade agreement benefits.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606290000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606290000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606292000 | 0.3¢/line/ gross + 4.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["gross","gr.lines"] |
| 960629 | — | — | — |
| 9606294000 | 0.18¢/line/ gross + 2.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["gross","gr.lines"] |
| 9606296000 | 2.9% | Free (17 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 9606.29?
Imports of Other 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 14 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 960629 cover?
This subheading covers buttons and button blanks, not made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal, nor of precious or semi-precious stones (natural or synthetic), which are not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 9606. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this includes a wide variety of buttons made from materials such as plastic, wood, shell, or base metals, provided they do not meet the criteria for more specific subheadings. For instance, plastic buttons for apparel are typically classified here.
What falls outside HS 960629?
The following products are excluded from HS 960629: buttons made of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal, buttons made of precious or semi-precious stones (natural or synthetic), and clasps and the like, and parts thereof, of base metal, for apparel, footwear, gloves, etc. (HS 960621 and 960622 cover specific types of buttons, and other fasteners like zippers or snaps would fall under different headings entirely. For example, metal snaps for clothing are classified under HS 9606.21.00 if they are plastic, or HS 9606.22.00 if made of base metal.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 960629?
A common error is misinterpreting the material composition or the specific function of the item. For example, mistaking decorative fasteners that are not functional buttons for classification under 960629, when they might be classified as parts of apparel or accessories under other chapters. Additionally, confusing buttons made of base metal with those made of precious metal can lead to incorrect classification. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes, is crucial.
How should importers classify products under HS 960629?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 960629 involves a thorough examination of the item's material composition, intended use, and comparison against the WCO HS nomenclature and relevant national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the product is indeed a button or button blank, not made of precious materials, and not specifically provided for in other subheadings of 9606. Reviewing product specifications and obtaining manufacturer declarations are essential steps to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 960629?
A shipment of 10,000 plastic buttons for shirts, 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 × 5.0% = $25.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 9606.29.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 960629?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 960629, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for a duty-free rate for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or duty-free entry for eligible products from developing countries, such as Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A certificate of origin is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and originating country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 9606.29?
HS code 9606.29 covers 'Other buttons, button molds and button blanks, button blanks and parts thereof, other than those of heading 9606.10'. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for this classification in the United States is 3.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, under the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), the duty rate is Free. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for the specific rate applicable to your country of origin.
How is the duty calculated for items classified under HS 9606.29?
The duty calculation for HS 9606.29 typically depends on the specific rate structure. For ad valorem duties, the calculation is a percentage of the item's declared value. For example, if a shipment of buttons valued at $10,000 is imported under the U.S. MFN rate of 3.70%, the duty would be $10,000 * 0.0370 = $370.00. Some classifications may involve compound duties (a combination of ad valorem and specific rates), such as '0.3¢/line/gross + 4.5%', which would require calculating both components based on the unit count and value.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 9606.29?
Standard documentation for importing goods under HS code 9606.29 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and specific nature of the buttons or related items, additional documentation may be required. This could include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, or specific declarations regarding materials used if subject to other regulations. Importers and customs brokers should always verify specific requirements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the relevant authority in the importing country.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS 9606.29?
Numerous trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often Free, for goods classified under HS 9606.29. Examples include agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), among others listed with a 'Free' rate in the HTSUS. These agreements provide significant cost savings for importers. To benefit, importers must ensure they meet the rules of origin for the specific agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation, such as a certificate of origin.
What distinguishes classification under HS 9606.29 from other button-related HS codes?
HS code 9606.29 is for 'Other' buttons, button molds, blanks, and parts thereof, not specifically covered by heading 9606.10. Heading 9606.10 specifically covers 'Press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs and parts thereof'. Therefore, items like traditional sew-on buttons, shank buttons, or buttons made from materials not explicitly covered in other specific subheadings (e.g., certain plastic, metal, or shell buttons) would generally fall under 9606.29, provided they are not fasteners. Careful examination of the material, function, and construction of the item is essential for correct classification, referencing the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules.