Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal, but excludes mechanical appliances of heading 82.08 and machinery of Chapter 84. This chapter includes hand tools, agricultural tools, saws, files, pliers, knives and scissors, razors, nail clippers, etc. The core features are base metal, non-power-driven, for manual operation or use as tools. Note: Articles of this chapter may contain other materials (such as wooden handles), but the base metal part constitutes the essential character. Heading 82.01 covers spades, shovels, picks, hoes, forks, rakes, axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools; various secateurs; sickles, scythes, hay knives, hedge shears, wedges and other hand tools for agriculture, horticulture or forestry. This heading focuses on hand tools for agriculture, forestry and horticulture, but excludes appliances with mechanical devices (e.g., chain saws are classified under 84.67). Axes, as typical hewing tools, are explicitly classified under this heading. First 2 digits 82: Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4: 01: Heading 8201, hand tools (for agriculture, horticulture, forestry), including spades, shovels, axes, bill hooks, etc. Digits 5-6: 40: Subheading 8201.40, specifically referring to axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools. Note: Subheading 8201.40 only includes axes, bill hooks and similar tools, and does not include others such as spades and shovels (classified under 8201.10), picks and hoes (8201.20), etc. Axes are hand hewing tools of base metal, conforming to the description of Chapter 82 and heading 8201. They are non-mechanically driven and used for chopping wood or similar purposes, fully corresponding to subheading 8201.40. They are not classified under 8202 (saws) or 8203 (files, pliers), etc., because axes are not sawing or clamping tools. They are also not classified under 8211 (knives) because axes are not knives.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal, but excludes mechanical appliances of heading 82.08 and machinery of Chapter 84. This chapter includes hand tools, agricultural tools, saws, files, pliers, knives and scissors, razors, nail clippers, etc. The core features are base metal, non-power-driven, for manual operation or use as tools. Note: Articles of this chapter may contain other materials (such as wooden handles), but the base metal part constitutes the essential character.
Heading
Heading 82.01 covers spades, shovels, picks, hoes, forks, rakes, axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools; various secateurs; sickles, scythes, hay knives, hedge shears, wedges and other hand tools for agriculture, horticulture or forestry. This heading focuses on hand tools for agriculture, forestry and horticulture, but excludes appliances with mechanical devices (e.g., chain saws are classified under 84.67). Axes, as typical hewing tools, are explicitly classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 82: Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4: 01: Heading 8201, hand tools (for agriculture, horticulture, forestry), including spades, shovels, axes, bill hooks, etc. Digits 5-6: 40: Subheading 8201.40, specifically referring to axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools. Note: Subheading 8201.40 only includes axes, bill hooks and similar tools, and does not include others such as spades and shovels (classified under 8201.10), picks and hoes (8201.20), etc.
Classification Basis
Axes are hand hewing tools of base metal, conforming to the description of Chapter 82 and heading 8201. They are non-mechanically driven and used for chopping wood or similar purposes, fully corresponding to subheading 8201.40. They are not classified under 8202 (saws) or 8203 (files, pliers), etc., because axes are not sawing or clamping tools. They are also not classified under 8211 (knives) because axes are not knives.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as "axe" or "chopping axe", avoiding vague terms such as "tool". Material: Material of the axe head (such as carbon steel, alloy steel) and material of the handle (such as wood, fiberglass, plastic). Use: Specific use, such as logging, chopping firewood, firefighting, outdoor camping, etc. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in "unbranded". Model: Product model or specifications, such as axe head weight, dimensions, etc. Processing Method: Whether the axe head is forged or cast, whether it has undergone heat treatment, etc. Whether in a Set: Whether it is packaged or sold as a set with other tools. Product Name: Axe; Material: Carbon steel axe head, wooden handle; Use: For chopping firewood; Brand: Unbranded; Model: AX-1000; Processing Method: Forged; Whether in a Set: No. Mistakenly classifying axes under 8202 (saws) or 8211 (knives), ignoring their hewing tool characteristics. Ignoring the handle material; if the handle is plastic, it may affect classification (but the essential character is still base metal). Confusing axes with bill hooks, but both are classified under 8201.40, so no distinction is needed.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as "axe" or "chopping axe", avoiding vague terms such as "tool".
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "hammer" or "knife", leading to classification errors.
Material
Material of the axe head (such as carbon steel, alloy steel) and material of the handle (such as wood, fiberglass, plastic).
⚠️ Only declaring "steel" while ignoring the handle material, affecting classification or valuation.
Use
Specific use, such as logging, chopping firewood, firefighting, outdoor camping, etc.
⚠️ Vaguely filling in "for tool use" without specifying the specific scenario.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name; if no brand, fill in "unbranded".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in irregularly, leading to intellectual property risks.
Model
Product model or specifications, such as axe head weight, dimensions, etc.
⚠️ Not filling in the model, affecting customs statistics and subsequent verification.
Processing Method
Whether the axe head is forged or cast, whether it has undergone heat treatment, etc.
⚠️ Ignoring the processing method, which may affect classification (such as whether it belongs to hand tools).
Whether in a Set
Whether it is packaged or sold as a set with other tools.
⚠️ Tool sets not declared separately, leading to classification errors.
Example： Product Name: Axe; Material: Carbon steel axe head, wooden handle; Use: For chopping firewood; Brand: Unbranded; Model: AX-1000; Processing Method: Forged; Whether in a Set: No.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying axes under 8202 (saws) or 8211 (knives), ignoring their hewing tool characteristics.
Ignoring the handle material; if the handle is plastic, it may affect classification (but the essential character is still base metal).
Confusing axes with bill hooks, but both are classified under 8201.40, so no distinction is needed.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) The product is a hand tool of base metal; 2) It is used for hewing and has an axe blade and handle; 3) It is non-mechanically driven and not a power tool; 4) It conforms to the description of heading 8201 and subheading 8201.40. According to the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes, axes are explicitly classified under 8201.40. Note: If the axe is mechanically driven (such as a hydraulic axe), it is classified under Chapter 84. 8202 Saws: Saws are used for cutting and have teeth; axes are used for chopping and have no teeth. They are classified differently. 8211 Knives: Knives are cutlery used for cutting; axes are hewing tools, larger in size, used for chopping. 8205 Other hand tools: 8205 includes hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.; axes are specifically classified under 8201. 8467 Power tools: 8467 covers mechanically powered tools, such as electric saws and pneumatic axes; hand axes are classified under 8201. Is it made of base metal? Is it manually operated, non-power-driven? Is it used for hewing? Does it have an axe blade and handle? Is it in a set with other tools?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) The product is a hand tool of base metal; 2) It is used for hewing and has an axe blade and handle; 3) It is non-mechanically driven and not a power tool; 4) It conforms to the description of heading 8201 and subheading 8201.40. According to the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes, axes are explicitly classified under 8201.40. Note: If the axe is mechanically driven (such as a hydraulic axe), it is classified under Chapter 84.
Confused Codes：
8202 - Saws
Saws are used for cutting and have teeth; axes are used for chopping and have no teeth. They are classified differently.
8211 - Knives
Knives are cutlery used for cutting; axes are hewing tools, larger in size, used for chopping.
8205 - Other hand tools
8205 includes hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.; axes are specifically classified under 8201.
8467 - Power tools
8467 covers mechanically powered tools, such as electric saws and pneumatic axes; hand axes are classified under 8201.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it made of base metal?
✓ Is it manually operated, non-power-driven?
✓ Is it used for hewing?
✓ Does it have an axe blade and handle?
✓ Is it in a set with other tools?
❓ FAQ
What is the HS code for axes? The HS code for axes is 820140, i.e., heading 8201.40, covering axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools. Note: If it is a mechanically powered axe, it should be classified under 8467. How to inquire about the import tariff rate for axes? You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Customs Classification Pre-ruling" system, enter HS code 820140 to inquire about the latest tariff rate. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement; it is recommended to rely on the customs system at the time of declaration. What should be noted when declaring axes? Elements such as product name, material, use, brand, and model need to be declared. Emphasis should be placed on explaining the axe head material and handle material to avoid classification disputes. If it is a tool set, it needs to be declared separately. Are the HS codes for axes and bill hooks the same? Yes, both axes and bill hooks are classified under 820140, because subheading 8201.40 explicitly includes axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools. However, note that if a bill hook is in the shape of a knife, it may be classified under 8211, and judgment should be based on actual use. What certifications are needed to export axes to the EU? Exporting to the EU requires CE certification; if it is an outdoor axe, it may need to meet standards such as EN ISO 8442. The specifics depend on the product use and EU regulations; it is recommended to consult a professional certification body. Does a plastic axe handle affect classification? No, because classification is based on the essential character; if the axe head is of base metal, it is classified under 8201. However, the handle material must be truthfully filled in during declaration. What is the difference between the HS codes for axes and hammers? Axes are classified under 820140, and hammers under 820520. The difference lies in use: axes are used for hewing, hammers for striking. Classification should be judged based on the main function. How to choose the HS code for selling axes via cross-border e-commerce? Generally choose 820140. However, note: if it is a mini axe or craft axe, it may be regarded as a knife or handicraft, and judgment should be based on actual use and material. It is recommended to consult a customs broker.
Q: What is the HS code for axes?
A: The HS code for axes is 820140, i.e., heading 8201.40, covering axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools. Note: If it is a mechanically powered axe, it should be classified under 8467.
Q: How to inquire about the import tariff rate for axes?
A: You can visit the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Customs Classification Pre-ruling" system, enter HS code 820140 to inquire about the latest tariff rate. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement; it is recommended to rely on the customs system at the time of declaration.
Q: What should be noted when declaring axes?
A: Elements such as product name, material, use, brand, and model need to be declared. Emphasis should be placed on explaining the axe head material and handle material to avoid classification disputes. If it is a tool set, it needs to be declared separately.
Q: Are the HS codes for axes and bill hooks the same?
A: Yes, both axes and bill hooks are classified under 820140, because subheading 8201.40 explicitly includes axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools. However, note that if a bill hook is in the shape of a knife, it may be classified under 8211, and judgment should be based on actual use.
Q: What certifications are needed to export axes to the EU?
A: Exporting to the EU requires CE certification; if it is an outdoor axe, it may need to meet standards such as EN ISO 8442. The specifics depend on the product use and EU regulations; it is recommended to consult a professional certification body.
Q: Does a plastic axe handle affect classification?
A: No, because classification is based on the essential character; if the axe head is of base metal, it is classified under 8201. However, the handle material must be truthfully filled in during declaration.
Q: What is the difference between the HS codes for axes and hammers?
A: Axes are classified under 820140, and hammers under 820520. The difference lies in use: axes are used for hewing, hammers for striking. Classification should be judged based on the main function.
Q: How to choose the HS code for selling axes via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Generally choose 820140. However, note: if it is a mini axe or craft axe, it may be regarded as a knife or handicraft, and judgment should be based on actual use and material. It is recommended to consult a customs broker.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.