Heading 8305

Fittings 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

6 declarable lines

Heading 8305 covers base metal office and stationery articles such as looseleaf binder fittings, letter clips and corners, paper clips, indexing tags, and staples in strips, plus parts. It is split by article type: 8305.10 for looseleaf binder fittings, 8305.20 for staples in strips, and 8305.90 for other articles and parts. Paper clips sit in 8305.90.30, while remaining other articles sit in 8305.90.60.

Products in this heading

Ring binder mechanisms for looseleaf binders
Metal paper clips
Staples in strips for office staplers
Letter clips of base metal
Indexing tags of base metal
Letter corners of base metal
Base metal parts for these office articles

How to choose the right subheading

Confirm the article is of base metal; plastic office articles do not fall in heading 8305.
Decide whether the article is a looseleaf binder fitting, staples in strips, or another article under 8305.90.
For looseleaf binder fittings, choose 8305.10.00.10 for ring binder mechanisms and 8305.10.00.50 for other fittings.
For paper clips, choose 8305.90.30.10 if wholly of wire, or 8305.90.30.50 if other.
For other articles and parts not covered by paper clips or binder fittings, use 8305.90.60.00.

Often confused with

Padlocks and keys
Padlocks, locks, and keys are classified in heading 8301, not with office articles.
Heading 8301
Furniture drawer handles and hinges
Base metal mountings and fittings suitable for furniture are in heading 8302.
Heading 8302
Metal book clasps and clothing buckles
Clasps, buckles, and similar fittings for books, clothing, or leather goods are in heading 8308.
Heading 8308
Metal picture frames
Photograph, picture, or similar frames of base metal are in heading 8306.
Heading 8306
Welding wire and electrodes
Coated or cored wire and electrodes for soldering, brazing, or welding are in heading 8311.
Heading 8311

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for ring binder mechanisms?

Ring binder mechanisms for looseleaf binders are classified under 8305.10.00.10, with a general (MFN) rate of 2.9%.

How do I classify paper clips?

Paper clips wholly of wire go under 8305.90.30.10, general (MFN) Free, and other paper clips go under 8305.90.30.50, general (MFN) Free.

What is the duty on staples in strips?

Staples in strips of base metal are classified under 8305.20.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.