HS 960630 Button moulds and other parts of buttons; button blanks
Quick Answer: Button moulds and other parts of buttons, as well as button blanks, imported under HS 960630 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US with rates varying from free to 45% ad valorem depending on the specific classification. This heading encompasses unfinished components used in the manufacture of buttons, such as pre-formed discs or shells, and the machinery parts specifically designed for button production. Importers should carefully verify the specific US classification as it can significantly impact duty liability. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606300000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9606300000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 960630 | — | — | — |
| 9606304000 | Free | — | ["gross"] |
| 9606308000 | 6% | 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 9606.30?
Imports of Button moulds and other parts of buttons; button blanks 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 960630 cover?
This subheading covers button moulds, which are the dies or forms used in the manufacturing process of buttons, and other parts of buttons, such as shanks, loops, or decorative elements that are not yet assembled into a complete button. It also includes button blanks, which are pre-formed or partially finished buttons ready for final assembly or finishing. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category is distinct from finished buttons classified under 9606.21 to 9606.29.
What falls outside HS 960630?
The following products are excluded from HS 960630: finished buttons of all materials, which are classified under heading 9606.21 (plastic buttons), 9606.22 (buttons of base metal), or 9606.29 (other buttons). Also excluded are complete button-making machinery, fasteners that are not buttons (e.g., zippers, snaps, hooks and eyes), and decorative embellishments that are not intended to function as part of a button. For instance, a finished plastic button with a shank would be classified under 9606.21, not as a button blank.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 960630?
A common error is misclassifying partially assembled buttons or components that are very close to being finished products. For example, a button with its shank already attached but lacking a final finishing process might be mistakenly classified as a finished button. General Interpretative Rule 1 and Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System are crucial here; the classification should be based on the essential character of the item. Importers often overlook the distinction between a component part and a finished article.
How should importers classify products under HS 960630?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 960630 involves a thorough examination of the product's stage of manufacture and its intended use. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the item is a mould, a distinct part of a button (like a shank or decorative element), or a blank that requires further processing to become a functional button. Consulting the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and checking specific national tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database, is essential.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 960630?
A shipment of 10,000 plastic button blanks, each weighing approximately 0.5 grams, with a declared customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($500 USD × 0.07 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 9606.30.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 960630?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 960630, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or Free rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim preference under USMCA, a valid Certificate of Origin is typically required, while GSP benefits often necessitate a GSP Form A.
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 960630 (Button moulds, parts of buttons, and button blanks)?
Import duty rates for HS code 960630 vary by country and trade agreement. For example, under the US Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the rate is 6.00% ad valorem. Under the EU's Combined Nomenclature (CN), the rate is 2.70% ad valorem. The UK's tariff also lists a rate of 2.70% ad valorem. It's crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate, as preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) may apply, potentially reducing or eliminating duties. Always verify with official sources like the USITC, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff.
How is the duty for HS 960630 calculated? Can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 960630 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of button blanks is valued at $10,000 USD and the applicable duty rate is 6.00% (US MFN rate), the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.06 (Duty Rate) = $600 USD. If specific duties (e.g., per unit) are applicable, the calculation would be based on the quantity. Always confirm the basis of duty calculation (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the importing country's customs authority.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 960630?
HS code 960630 covers 'Button moulds and other parts of buttons; button blanks'. The key classification criteria revolve around the material and the stage of manufacture. 'Button moulds' are tools for making buttons. 'Other parts of buttons' refers to components intended for assembly into a finished button, such as shanks or decorative elements that are not yet attached. 'Button blanks' are pre-formed materials, often discs or shapes, ready to be further processed into finished buttons. Items that are already finished buttons, regardless of material, would typically fall under HS code 9606.21 (plastic buttons) or 9606.22 (metal buttons), etc.
Are there specific documentation requirements for importing goods classified under HS 960630?
While specific documentation requirements can vary by importing country and the nature of the goods, standard documentation for HS code 960630 typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the origin and destination, a Certificate of Origin may be required, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or samples if customs authorities require further verification of classification or material composition.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS 960630?
Several trade agreements could impact duty rates for HS code 960630. For instance, goods originating from countries that are part of the European Union (EU) may benefit from preferential rates when imported into the UK under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Similarly, imports into the United States from countries with which the US has an FTA (e.g., USMCA for Canada and Mexico) might qualify for reduced or zero duties, provided the goods meet the rules of origin. It is essential for importers to determine the origin of their goods and consult the specific provisions of relevant FTAs, such as those listed by the USITC or the EU's trade agreement database, to ascertain eligibility for preferential treatment.