HS Code 8203Tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar
4 six-digit codes · Heading 3 of 15 in Chapter 82 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 8203 sorts a group of hand tools that grip, cut, file and punch. You may also see it searched as HSN code 8203 or HTS code 8203, but the four digits mean the same thing.
Goods answering to “Tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar” split into 4 six-digit codes, 820310 through 820340. Each one carries its own customs description, and the exact wording below is what a classification has to match. The heading is number 3 of 15 in Chapter 82, Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal, which runs to 64 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 8203
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 820310 | Tools, hand; files, rasps and similar tools |
| 820320 | Tools, hand; pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools |
| 820330 | Tools, hand; metal cutting shears and similar tools |
| 820340 | Tools, hand; pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar tools |
What HS code 8203 covers
Think of this heading as the home of the everyday workshop tools you hold in one hand.
The Harmonized System is a shared list that customs offices use to name and sort goods. The first four digits give the heading. The next two give the subheading.
To see how 8203 sits beside the other hand tool headings, open the Chapter 82 tools of base metal page.
Six-digit codes under HS 8203, in plain words
A good Harmonized System classification starts with the product itself. Here is what each subheading means.
- 820310: files and rasps. They smooth or shape a surface by rubbing it.
- They hold, bend or snip small items.
- 820330: metal cutting shears. They are made to cut sheet metal by hand.
- They cut pipe or bolts, or make holes.
How to choose the right 8203 code
Ask one question: what does the working end of the tool do? Then match the answer to a code.
Rubbing or shaping points to 820310. Gripping or snipping points to 820320. Cutting sheet metal points to 820330. Cutting pipe or bolts, or punching holes, points to 820340.
Some products look alike, so read the full wording of each code before you decide. For a tricky item, test your choice in the HS code classifier before you file or quote.
HS 8203 vs nearby Chapter 82 headings
Many hand tools sit close together, so they are easy to mix up. These are the main lines to remember.
Spanners and wrenches belong to 8204. Saws and saw blades belong to 8202. Heading 8205 is the catch-all for hand tools named nowhere else, and it also holds vices, clamps, anvils and blow lamps. Heading 8206 is for retail sets that combine tools from 8202 to 8205.
Scissors are a common question. Scissors and tailors' shears go under 8213, while the shears in 820330 are for cutting metal. Nail files and manicure sets go under 8214, not with the files in 820310.
Who imports hand tools under HS code 8203? Search the records
Use import export data to see real trade activity instead of guesses. You can look up the whole heading or narrow it to one of the four six-digit codes.
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Related
- Chapter 82 tools of base metal
- HS 8202 saws and saw blades
- HS 8204 spanners and wrenches
- HS 8205 other hand tools, vices and clamps
- HS 8206 hand tool sets
- HS 8213 scissors and tailors' shears
- HS 8214 nail files and other cutlery
- All HS code chapters
- Import data
- Export data
- Hand tool buyer data
- Hand tool supplier data
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Nearby headings in Chapter 82
- 8201Tools, hand; spades, shovels, mattocks, picks, hoes, forks, rakes; axes, bill…6 codes
- 8202Tools, hand; saws and blades for saws of all kinds (including slitting…7 codes
- 8204Tools, hand; hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter…3 codes
- 8205Tools, hand; (including glaziers' diamonds) n.e.c.; blow lamps; vices, clamps…9 codes
- 8206Tools, hand; two or more of heading no. 8202 to 8205, put up in sets for…1 code
- 8207Tools, interchangeable; for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for…10 codes
- 8208Knives and cutting blades, for machines or for mechanical appliances5 codes
- 8209Tools; plates, sticks, tips and the like for tools, unmounted, of sintered…1 code
- 8210Tools; hand-operated mechanical appliances, weighing 10kg or less, used in…1 code
- 8211Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives)…6 codes
- 8212Razors and razor blades; (including razor blade blanks in strips)3 codes
- 8213Scissors; tailors' shears and similar shears, and blades therefore1 code
Who ships under 8203?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 4 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section XV: Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal, chapters 72–83.
HS Code 8203: common questions
What is the HS code for pliers and tweezers?
Both go in 820320. This is the place to start for any hand tool made to grip or snip.
What is the HS code for files and rasps?
Use 820310, the first of the four codes under this heading.
Which HS code covers pipe cutters and bolt croppers?
They are in 820340, along with perforating punches.
Are scissors classified under 8203?
No. Scissors go to heading 8213. Only metal cutting shears sit here, in 820330.
What is the difference between HS 8203 and 8205?
8203 names specific tools like pliers, files and shears. 8205 takes other hand tools, plus vices and clamps, and 8206 takes retail sets.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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