HS-2 · Chapter 83
HS chapter 83: Miscellaneous articles of base metal
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal
Metal products classified under HS-83 include items like padlocks, office equipment, and decorative frames. For instance, if you're importing a shipment of metal filing cabinets, this chapter will guide you through the appropriate classification.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the specific type of product. For example, if your product is a lock, you’ll look at HS-8301. If it’s a metal fitting for furniture, HS-8302 is the right choice. Pay attention to product descriptions and intended use to avoid confusion with similar items.
Once you narrow down to HS-4, you can drill down to HS-6 by checking the detailed notes and descriptions under each heading. For instance, if you have a flexible tubing product, you’ll refer to HS-8307. Ensure that the product's form and function align with the code’s specifications to confirm accuracy.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
HS-83 classification · metal products import · padlocks HS-8301 · furniture fittings HS-8302 · safes HS-8303 · office equipment HS-8304 · stationery fittings HS-8305 · decorative frames HS-8306 · tubing HS-8307 · clasps HS-8308 · packaging accessories HS-8309 · sign plates HS-8310 · welding rods HS-8311
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Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.
Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- importing metal products under HS-83
- classifying office equipment in HS-83
- determining HS-4 codes for metal locks
- understanding packaging accessories HS-8309
- guidance on metal tubing classification
- notes for filing cabinets in HS-8304
- how to classify decorative metal frames
- requirements for importing metal clasps
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Padlocks and combination locks made of base metal
- Metal fittings for office furniture like filing cabinets
- Reinforced safes and strong-boxes for secure storage
- Non-electric bells and decorative metal frames
- Clasps and buckles for clothing and accessories
- Metal stoppers and caps for packaging bottles
- Sign plates and name plates made from base metal
- Wires and rods used for welding and soldering
Common classification questions
- What is the HS code for metal filing cabinets?
- How to classify padlocks under HS-83?
- Are there specific notes for metal stoppers?
- What products fall under HS-8302?
- How do I determine the correct HS-6 code?
- What are the requirements for importing metal fittings?
- Are there rulings related to office equipment in HS-83?
- How to avoid confusion between HS-8306 and HS-8308?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are included in HS-83?
- HS-83 includes various metal products such as locks, office equipment, safes, and decorative items.
- How do I find the correct HS-4 code for my product?
- Identify the specific product type and check the detailed descriptions under each HS-4 heading to ensure proper classification.
- Are there specific notes for each HS-4 code?
- Yes, each HS-4 code has accompanying notes that provide additional details on classification criteria and product specifications.
- What should I check before selecting an HS-6 code?
- Review the product's form, function, and any relevant notes to confirm that it aligns with the selected HS-4 code.
- Can I import metal products without knowing the HS code?
- No, you need to determine the correct HS code for compliance with customs regulations and to avoid delays.
- What are common mistakes when classifying metal products?
- Common mistakes include confusing similar items or misinterpreting product descriptions, which can lead to incorrect HS code selection.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 83 (11)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 8301 | Padlocks and locks (key, combination, electrically operated) of base metal; clasps and frames with clasps incorporating locks, of base metal, keys for any or the foregoing articles, of base metal | |
| 8302 | Base metal mountings, fittings and similar articles for furniture, doors, staircases, windows, trunks, chests etc, castors with mountings of base metal, automatic door closers of base metal | |
| 8303 | Safes; armoured or reinforced, strong-boxes, doors and safe deposit lockers for strong-rooms, cash or deed boxes and the like, of base metal | |
| 8304 | Office equipment; filing cabinets, card-index cabinets, paper trays and rests, pen trays, office-stamp stands and the like, of base metal, other than office furniture of heading no. 9403 | |
| 8305 | Stationery; fittings for loose-leaf binders or files, letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags and the like, staples in strips (for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal | |
| 8306 | Bells, gongs and the like; non-electric, statuettes, other ornaments, photograph, picture, similar frames, mirrors, of base metal | |
| 8307 | Tubing; flexible, with or without fittings, of base metal | |
| 8308 | Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets etc for clothing & accessories, footwear, jewellery, wrist-watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods, saddlery etc, tubular etc rivets, beads, spangles, of base metal | |
| 8309 | Stoppers, caps, lids (including crown corks, screw caps, pouring stoppers); capsules for bottles, threaded bungs, bung covers, seals and other packaging accessories, of base metal | |
| 8310 | Sign plates, name plates, address plates and similar plates, numbers, letters and other symbols, of base metal, excluding those of heading no. 9405 | |
| 8311 | Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides; of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding; wires and rods for metal spraying |
Browse first heading (HS-4 8301)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (8301). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.