CN subheading 960610 covers press-fasteners and snap-fasteners, including garment snap buttons, press studs, spring snaps, turn-lock snaps and riveted snap components used in clothing, leather goods, belts and textile accessories. The decisive classification criterion is the closure mechanism: a press-fastener operates by pressing two interlocking elements — a stud (male) and a socket (female) — together without the use of thread. They may be manufactured from metal (brass, steel, aluminium, zinc alloy) or plastic. Subheading 960610 falls under heading 9606 of Chapter 96 of the Combined Nomenclature, which covers buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners, press-studs, cuff-links, studs and similar articles. Classification is carried out in accordance with the General Rules for the Interpretation of the CN (GRI), primarily rules 1 and 6. Sets of snap-fastener components (cap, socket, stud, die) imported together are classified as a whole under subheading 960610 pursuant to GRI 3b. Articles permanently affixed to a garment are classified with the garment rather than separately. In case of doubt, traders are advised to apply for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority.

Imports of press-fasteners and snap-fasteners under subheading 960610 are subject to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. Metal snap-fasteners may contain nickel, which is restricted under Annex XVII to REACH: the release of nickel from components in prolonged direct contact with the skin must not exceed 0.5 μg/cm²/week. Galvanic coatings and paints applied to fasteners must not contain Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) listed on the ECHA candidate list above 0.1% w/w. Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) conversion coatings are prohibited on metal articles intended for skin contact under Annex XVII. The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), Regulation (EU) 2023/988, applicable from 13 December 2024, requires importers to conduct a risk assessment, maintain technical documentation for 10 years and designate a responsible person established in the EU. Press-fasteners used in childrenswear are subject to additional safety requirements: EN ISO 22568 on the security of attachment of accessories and EN 71-3 on migration of heavy metals apply to articles for children under 36 months. The importer must submit a customs declaration with the correct CN code, EORI number, commercial invoice and transport document. Applicable duty rates and any anti-dumping measures must be verified in the EU TARIC database.

MFN customs duty rates for subheading 960610 depend on the material composition of the fasteners and the country of origin — they must be verified in the current EU TARIC database before each import transaction. Preferential duty rates are available under EU free trade agreements, including those with Vietnam (EVFTA), countries benefiting from the EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and GSP+. To benefit from preferential rates, importers must fulfil rules of origin requirements and present valid proof of origin such as an EUR.1 movement certificate, an REX origin declaration on the invoice or a Form A certificate. A common classification pitfall is confusing subheading 960610 (press-fasteners) with subheadings 960621 or 960629 (buttons of plastic or other materials) and with heading 8308 (clasps, frames with clasps, hooks, eyes and eyelets of base metal for use in clothing and leather goods). The distinguishing feature is the closure mechanism: a press-fastener does not use thread, loops or hooks. Where import consignments include setting tools for fasteners, classification is determined by GRI 3b based on the essential character of the set. Current duty rates and trade measures for subheading 960610 must be verified in the EU TARIC system on the European Commission website.

Subheading CN 9606 10 covers press-fasteners snap-fasteners. When importing into the EU, verify applicable duty rates in TARIC, check CE marking requirements (if applicable), and prepare the required customs documentation. Tariff classification should be based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GIR) of the Combined Nomenclature. If classification is uncertain, applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority is recommended. Also verify whether the product is subject to import restrictions, sanctions, or licensing requirements.