Buttons and Snaps
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7116204000 | 28.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7116205000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117909000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9606212000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9606214000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𧡠Buttons & Snaps: The Unsung Heroes of Fashion & Industry
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Buttons and Snaps"?
In international trade, "Buttons and Snaps" are not merely fasteners; they are diverse components classified based on material composition, function, and similarity to jewelry or other articles. The classification is critical because the tariff rates vary wildly depending on whether they are made of plastic, metal, shell, gemstone, or are considered imitation jewelry.
Key Distinction Points:
- Pure Fasteners (Plastic/Metal) Typically fall under Chapter 96 (Articles of plastic/apparel accessories).
- Decorative/Jewelry-like Fasteners: If made of semi-precious stones, shells, or imitation jewelry materials, they may fall under Chapter 71 (Natural or cultured pearls, precious stones) or Chapter 71/17 boundaries.
- Material Ambiguity: If the material is unclear, customs often default to "imitation jewelry" or specific residual categories.
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- Plastic/Metal Buttons: Often incur high punitive tariffs (Section 301 + IEEPA).
- Gemstone/Shell Buttons: May have lower base tariffs but are subject to strict material verification.
- "Other" Categories: High risk of audit; requires precise material declaration.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
7116.20.40.00 |
Other articles of base metals, plastic, shell, etc. | Plastic, Metal, Shell buttons not elsewhere specified. | 28.0% |
7116.20.50.00 |
Articles of gems/semi-gems, classed as "Other" | Gemstone/Semi-gem buttons. | 17.5% |
7117.90.90.00 |
Residual category for imitation jewelry | Unclear material imitation jewelry fasteners. | 28.5% |
9606.21.20.00 |
Plastic or base metal buttons/snaps | Plastic buttons/snaps (Primary fastener category). | 35.0% |
9606.21.40.00 |
Plastic or base metal buttons/snaps (Specific) | Plastic buttons/snaps (Specific residual). | 0.3Β’/line + 39.6% |
π Key Insight:
- Chapter 96 (9606.21.x) is the standard for apparel fasteners (plastic/metal).
- Chapter 71 (7116/7117) applies if the item is decorative, made of precious/semi-precious materials, or lacks clear fastener function.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a plastic button as "gemstone" to lower tax is fraudulent. Conversely, declaring a gemstone button as "plastic" may trigger penalties for undervaluation/material mismatch.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025, onwards
π― 1. 7116.20.40.00 ββ Plastic/Metal/Shell Buttons (General "Other")
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 10.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 28.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7116.20.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- This code captures buttons made of base metals, plastics, or shells that do not fit more specific categories.
- High tax burden due to multiple surcharges.
π― 2. 7116.20.50.00 ββ Gemstone/Semi-Gem Buttons
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7116.20.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 |
π Note:
- Lower total rate due to 0% base duty.
- Strict Material Proof: Must provide invoices, photos, or lab reports proving the use of genuine semi-precious stones.
π― 3. 7117.90.90.00 ββ Imitation Jewelry (Residual Category)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 11.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 28.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.5% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7117.90.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 |
π Usage:
- Applied when the button is imitation jewelry or material is unspecified.
- Highest base duty in this group.
π― 4. 9606.21.20.00 ββ Plastic/Base Metal Buttons (Standard Fasteners)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9606.21.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
β οΈ Critical:
- Highest punitive surcharge (+25%) applies to most plastic/fastener items under Section 301.
- This is the most common code for standard apparel buttons.
π― 5. 9606.21.40.00 ββ Plastic/Base Metal Buttons (Specific Residual)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.3Β’/line/gross + 4.6% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 0.3Β’/line + 39.6% |
| Calculation | (Quantity Γ 0.3Β’) + (CIF Γ 39.6%) |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9606.21.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Applies to specific residual plastic buttons.
- Complex calculation due to specific duty per line + ad valorem.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specifications | βοΈ | Material composition, size, quantity per gross. |
| Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ | Show material texture (plastic vs. stone vs. metal). |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Buttons" or "Snaps," not "Jewelry." |
| Material Certificate | βοΈ | If claiming 7116.20.50.00 (Gemstone), provide proof. |
| Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To confirm China origin (if applicable). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Material Determines Code, Function Determines Chapter!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plastic Button | 9606.21.20.00 |
Standard apparel fastener. High tax (35%). |
| Shiny Plastic/Button-like | 7116.20.40.00 |
If deemed "other articles" of plastic. Tax 28%. |
| Real Stone/Gem Button | 7116.20.50.00 |
Lower base duty. Tax 17.5%. Must prove material. |
| Unclear/Imitation Jewelry | 7117.90.90.00 |
Residual category. Tax 28.5%. |
| Specific Residual Plastic | 9606.21.40.00 |
Complex calculation. Use only if specific fit. |
β 3. Special Cases & Pitfalls
| Case | Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | Declare the principal material. If >50% plastic, likely Ch. 96. |
| Set with Jewelry | If sold as a "Jewelry Set," classify as jewelry (Ch. 71). |
| Sample vs. Bulk | Samples still subject to full duty. No de minimis exemption. |
| Snaps vs. Buttons | Both fall under 9606.21.x. Snaps are just a type of button. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Typical HS Code | Est. Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9606.21.20.00 |
35% | High punitive tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 9606.21.20.00 |
~5-8% | Lower base duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9606.21.20.00 |
4.7% | No Section 301/IEEPA equivalents. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9606.21.20.00 |
4.7% | Post-Brexit aligned with EU. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9606.21.20.00 |
0-5% | FTA benefits available. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for buttons due to Section 301 + IEEPA.
- EU/UK/Canada offer significantly lower costs. Consider supply chain diversification if shipping to the US.
π VI. Common Errors & Avoidance Guide
β Error 1: Declaring plastic buttons as "imitation jewelry" (7117.90.90.00) to avoid Section 301.
π Consequence: Customs audit, penalties for misclassification.
β Error 2: Not specifying material in the description.
π Consequence: Customs may assign the highest default rate (28.5% or 35%).
β Error 3: Using "Jewelry" as the product name for functional buttons.
π Consequence: Flagged for review; delay in clearance.
β Correct Approach:
"Plastic Buttons, Size 18L, 1000pcs/Gross, for Apparel Use, Model XYZ, Plastic Material"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Plastic Fasteners = 35% Tax (USA)"
πΉ "Gemstone Buttons = 17.5% Tax (USA)"
πΉ "Unclear Material = 28.5% Tax (USA)"
π Pro Tip:
If your buttons are made in Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico, you may avoid US punitive tariffs.
Recommendation:
1. Apply for Advance Ruling to confirm HS Code.
2. Ensure Material Accuracy in documentation.
3. Consider Supply Chain Shift if targeting the US market.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a licensed customs broker.
πΈ Provide high-res photos of buttons.
π Get material certificates.
π Clear customs smoothly, save costs, and boost profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of tariff is accounted for!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.