Standard International Trade Classification
U.S. imports of Signs, Name Plates, Address Plates, Numbers, Letters, and Symbols of Base Metal (SITC 69954) totaled $12.6M in August 2026, imported from 53 countries.
Importers of Signs, Name Plates, Address Plates, Numbers, Letters, and Symbols of Base Metal paid $1.7M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 13.78% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Signs, Name Plates, Address Plates, Numbers, Letters, and Symbols of Base Metal imports of $12.6M in August 2026 ran 11% above the year-to-date monthly average of $11.4M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataEngraved, stamped, or cast base metal signage — including building address plates, door number sets, nameplates, and alphanumeric symbol sets — serves both functional and decorative roles in commercial construction, wayfinding, and industrial labeling. The heading explicitly excludes articles and parts for lighting fixtures, so illuminated sign components fall elsewhere in the tariff schedule. Zinc, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel are the most common base metals used, and the choice of alloy often reflects the end-use environment (corrosion resistance for exterior applications, polished finish for interior décor). Importers sourcing cast brass or aluminum signage should be alert to antidumping orders that may apply to certain cast articles from specific origins.
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1.1K import shipments a month
No. The heading explicitly excludes articles and parts associated with lighting fixtures. Metal signs that incorporate lighting elements — LED backlighting, neon housings, or electrical wiring — are redirected to the appropriate electrical or lighting apparatus headings in the tariff schedule.
A product specification sheet identifying the base metal composition, manufacturing method (cast, stamped, engraved), and primary function (identification vs. decoration) is the most useful supporting document. Customs may also request samples or technical drawings if the article's classification is ambiguous between signage and decorative metalware headings.
Basic heading 312 of 766 in section 6
Basic heading 69954 · $12.6M of $27.0B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
China and Mexico together supply 46% of it. China pays 35.9% duty; Mexico 0.5%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$12.6MYoY · free account
Exports
$7.5MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $135.8M of Signs, Name Plates, Address Plates, Numbers, Letters, and Symbols of Base Metal and exported $81.0M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.