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96
Tariff Chapter 96
Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press studs, button moulds and other parts of these articles; button blanks
What does heading 9606 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 9606 covers buttons, press-fasteners, button moulds and parts. Chapter 96 covers miscellaneous manufactured articles not classified in other chapters of the customs tariff. EU duty rates range from 0% to 4.7% depending on the product. Compliance with the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC is required. Food-contact products must meet relevant standards (e.g. Cosmetic and hygiene products are subject to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Heading 9606 is part of Chapter 96 (furniture, toys, games, sports articles and miscellaneous manufactured articles) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 9606 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 9606 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 9606
EU duty rates range from 0% to 4.7% depending on the product. Compliance with the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC is required. Duty rates range from 0% to 4.7%. General Product Safety Directive compliance is required. Food-contact products must meet relevant standards. Check classification - Chapter 96 is often confused with other chapters. When importing goods under heading 9606 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 9606 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 9606 are subject to consumer product safety controls. Required documentation includes: CE certificates (toys — Directive 2009/48/EC), safety test reports, EN certificates for furniture. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 9606 — key considerations
Heading 9606 covers buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, button moulds, and their parts. Key: clothing closure elements — buttons of all kinds (metal, plastic, wood, mother-of-pearl). Includes snap fasteners and button blanks. Common mistake: zippers are 9607; buckles are 8308.
Frequently asked questions
What duty rates apply to buttons, press-fasteners, button moulds and parts under heading 9606?
Customs duty rates for buttons, press-fasteners, button moulds and parts under heading 9606 depend on the specific tariff subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN rates apply to imports from countries without preferential trade agreements. Preferential rates may be available under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the GSP scheme, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Current rates for heading 9606 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%.
What documents are required when importing buttons, press-fasteners, button moulds and parts into the EU?
Importing buttons, press-fasteners, button moulds and parts under heading 9606 into the EU requires a customs declaration with the correct CN classification and the importer's EORI number. Standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document and product specification. A certificate of origin is needed for preferential rates. Additional regulatory requirements depend on the product type and may include safety, conformity or quality control certificates. Imports are governed by the Union Customs Code (UCC).
What should be considered when classifying buttons, press-fasteners, button moulds and parts under heading 9606?
Classification of goods under heading 9606 requires applying the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature (CN). Key factors include the product's composition, intended use and level of processing. Heading 9606 covers buttons, press-fasteners, button moulds and parts — exact classification to the 6-, 8- or 10-digit subheading depends on the specific characteristics of the goods. In case of doubt, it is recommended to apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority. The EBTI database on the European Commission website can help with classifying similar goods. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.
Useful tools & resources
Customs calculators
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