HS code for paper clips
The U.S. HS code for paper clips is usually 8305.90.30.10 (steel), with no general duty and an estimated total of 12.5% from China and 12.5% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 37.5% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | 8305.90.30.10 | Free | 12.5% |
- 8305.90.30.10: Paper clips, and parts thereof / Wholly of wire
What decides the code
Steel paper clips are base metal office articles classified under heading 8305, specifically in subheading 8305.90.30.10 as paper clips wholly of wire.
- The article is a paper clip, an office article named directly in heading 8305, so it stays in that heading.
- The clip is made of base metal, here steel, which is the material heading 8305 covers.
- The clip is wholly of wire, which places it in subheading 8305.90.30.10 rather than another paper clip line.
Common mistakes
- Classifying paper clips under 7326 as other articles of iron or steel is wrong because heading 8305 names paper clips directly.
- Putting paper clips in 8301 or 8302 as general base metal fittings is wrong because those headings cover locks, mountings and similar hardware, not office clips.
- Treating paper clips as stationery under chapter 48 is wrong because the clip is base metal, not paper or printed matter.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 37.5%.
- Vietnam
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8305.90.30.10, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Steel
- CN 8305 90 00, 2.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for paper clips?
The U.S. HTS code for paper clips is usually 8305.90.30.10 (steel). The first six digits, 8305.90, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on paper clips from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8305.90.30.10 is Free. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 12.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 12.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 8305.90.30.10Paper clips, and parts thereof / Wholly of wire
- Heading 8305Fittings for looseleaf binders or files, letter clips, letter corners, paper clips, indexing tags and similar office articles, and parts thereof, of base metal; staples in strips (for example, for offices, upholstery, packaging), of base metal
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.