Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The goods of this chapter are mainly designed for hand operation or as machine tool attachments, but exclude power-driven tools, specialized machines and certain specific implements (such as surgical knives). The core features are base metal material (iron, steel, copper, etc.) and tool use, covering a range from simple hand tools (such as wrenches, hammers) to complex knives, razors and tableware. Note: this chapter does not include similar articles made of ceramics, glass or precious stones, nor does it include power-driven tools (classified in Chapter 84) or electrical tools (classified in Chapter 85). Heading 8204 specifically covers hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque wrenches but not tap wrenches), and interchangeable spanner sockets as parts of spanners or wrenches. These tools are used for tightening or loosening threaded fasteners such as nuts and bolts, are usually made of base metal, and have fixed or adjustable openings. Subheading 8204.11 specifically refers to non-adjustable (fixed) spanners, that is, those with a fixed opening size that cannot be adjusted to fit nuts of different sizes. In contrast, 8204.12 covers adjustable spanners (adjustable wrenches). This heading does not include power-driven wrenches (classified in 8467) or tap wrenches (classified in 8205). Code 820411 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "82" represent Chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal); digits 3-4 "04" represent heading 8204 (hand-operated spanners and wrenches, and interchangeable spanner sockets); digits 5-6 "11" represent subheading 8204.11, namely non-adjustable (fixed) spanners. Fixed spanners are characterized by an opening size that matches a specific nut or bolt and cannot be adjusted. The subheading further distinguishes fixed spanners (8204.11) from adjustable wrenches (8204.12), as well as interchangeable spanner sockets (8204.20). Therefore, 820411 precisely points to fixed-size hand-operated spanners, such as open-end spanners, ring spanners, combination spanners, etc. This product is a fixed spanner, whose opening size is fixed and cannot be adjusted, conforming to the definition of subheading 8204.11 "non-adjustable spanners." If it were an adjustable wrench with an adjustable opening, it should be classified in 8204.12; if it were an interchangeable spanner socket for a wrench (such as a socket), it would be classified in 8204.20; if it were a power-driven or pneumatic wrench, it should be classified in 8467; if it were a tap wrench (used for tapping), it would be classified in 8205. Therefore, fixed spanners are accurately classified in 820411 due to their non-adjustable nature.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The goods of this chapter are mainly designed for hand operation or as machine tool attachments, but exclude power-driven tools, specialized machines and certain specific implements (such as surgical knives). The core features are base metal material (iron, steel, copper, etc.) and tool use, covering a range from simple hand tools (such as wrenches, hammers) to complex knives, razors and tableware. Note: this chapter does not include similar articles made of ceramics, glass or precious stones, nor does it include power-driven tools (classified in Chapter 84) or electrical tools (classified in Chapter 85).
Heading
Heading 8204 specifically covers hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque wrenches but not tap wrenches), and interchangeable spanner sockets as parts of spanners or wrenches. These tools are used for tightening or loosening threaded fasteners such as nuts and bolts, are usually made of base metal, and have fixed or adjustable openings. Subheading 8204.11 specifically refers to non-adjustable (fixed) spanners, that is, those with a fixed opening size that cannot be adjusted to fit nuts of different sizes. In contrast, 8204.12 covers adjustable spanners (adjustable wrenches). This heading does not include power-driven wrenches (classified in 8467) or tap wrenches (classified in 8205).
Digit Breakdown
Code 820411 has 6 digits: the first 2 digits "82" represent Chapter 82 (tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal); digits 3-4 "04" represent heading 8204 (hand-operated spanners and wrenches, and interchangeable spanner sockets); digits 5-6 "11" represent subheading 8204.11, namely non-adjustable (fixed) spanners. Fixed spanners are characterized by an opening size that matches a specific nut or bolt and cannot be adjusted. The subheading further distinguishes fixed spanners (8204.11) from adjustable wrenches (8204.12), as well as interchangeable spanner sockets (8204.20). Therefore, 820411 precisely points to fixed-size hand-operated spanners, such as open-end spanners, ring spanners, combination spanners, etc.
Classification Basis
This product is a fixed spanner, whose opening size is fixed and cannot be adjusted, conforming to the definition of subheading 8204.11 "non-adjustable spanners." If it were an adjustable wrench with an adjustable opening, it should be classified in 8204.12; if it were an interchangeable spanner socket for a wrench (such as a socket), it would be classified in 8204.20; if it were a power-driven or pneumatic wrench, it should be classified in 8467; if it were a tap wrench (used for tapping), it would be classified in 8205. Therefore, fixed spanners are accurately classified in 820411 due to their non-adjustable nature.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "fixed spanner" or "open-end spanner." Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write "unbranded." Model: Fill in the product's model or specification code, such as "8mm" indicating the opening size. Material: Indicate the main material of the spanner body, such as "carbon steel," "chrome vanadium steel," etc. Specifications and dimensions: Fill in the spanner opening size or overall length, such as "10mm×150mm." Adjustable or not: Clearly declare whether it is adjustable; fixed spanners should be marked "No." Use: Briefly describe the main use, such as "used for mechanical assembly and automobile repair." Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fixed spanner (open-end spanner)
Brand: ABC
Model: 10mm
Material: Chrome vanadium steel
Specifications and dimensions: 10mm×150mm
Adjustable or not: No
Use: Used for mechanical assembly and repair
HS code: 8204110000
Declaration elements: 1. Product name; 2. Brand; 3. Model; 4. Material; 5. Specifications and dimensions; 6. Adjustable or not; 7. Use. Mistakenly declaring a fixed spanner as an adjustable wrench, resulting in an incorrect code. Material declaration is not specific, writing only "metal," which may raise classification doubts. Specifications and dimensions do not indicate the opening size, affecting customs judgment of the fixed characteristic.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "fixed spanner" or "open-end spanner."
⚠️ Writing only "spanner" without indicating the fixed type, or mistakenly writing "adjustable wrench."
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write "unbranded."
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the distributor as the brand, or omitting the brand and causing classification disputes.
Model
Fill in the product's model or specification code, such as "8mm" indicating the opening size.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry, or confusion with size.
Material
Indicate the main material of the spanner body, such as "carbon steel," "chrome vanadium steel," etc.
⚠️ Writing only "metal" without specifying the steel type.
Specifications and dimensions
Fill in the spanner opening size or overall length, such as "10mm×150mm."
⚠️ Writing only the length without the opening size, or incorrect size units.
Adjustable or not
Clearly declare whether it is adjustable; fixed spanners should be marked "No."
⚠️ Mistakenly marking "Yes," resulting in classification under 8204.12.
Use
Briefly describe the main use, such as "used for mechanical assembly and automobile repair."
⚠️ Filling in too generally, such as "used for fastening."
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fixed spanner (open-end spanner)
Brand: ABC
Model: 10mm
Material: Chrome vanadium steel
Specifications and dimensions: 10mm×150mm
Adjustable or not: No
Use: Used for mechanical assembly and repair
HS code: 8204110000
Declaration elements: 1. Product name; 2. Brand; 3. Model; 4. Material; 5. Specifications and dimensions; 6. Adjustable or not; 7. Use.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly declaring a fixed spanner as an adjustable wrench, resulting in an incorrect code.
Material declaration is not specific, writing only "metal," which may raise classification doubts.
Specifications and dimensions do not indicate the opening size, affecting customs judgment of the fixed characteristic.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Fixed spanners are classified under 8204.11, and the key determining point is whether their opening size is fixed and non-adjustable. If a spanner has an adjustable mechanism (such as a worm gear), it is classified under 8204.12. If it is an interchangeable spanner socket for a wrench (such as a socket), whether adjustable or not, it is classified under 8204.20. If it is a power-driven or pneumatic wrench, it should be classified under 8467. If it is a tap wrench, it is classified under 8205. Therefore, it must be determined based on the product's structure, function and working principle whether it belongs to the "non-adjustable" type. 820412 Adjustable wrenches: Adjustable wrenches have an adjustable opening size and usually have a worm gear mechanism; fixed spanners have a fixed opening size and are not adjustable. 820420 Interchangeable spanner sockets: Interchangeable spanner sockets are accessories for wrenches and are usually used with a wrench handle; fixed spanners are complete hand tools. 820559 Other hand tools: Other hand tools include various tools not elsewhere specified, such as crowbars, oil cans, etc.; fixed spanners are specifically named and should be classified under 8204.11 in preference. 846711 Hand-held pneumatic wrenches: Pneumatic wrenches are power-driven tools classified in Chapter 84; fixed spanners are purely hand-operated tools classified in Chapter 82. Is the spanner adjustable in opening size? Is it a complete spanner rather than an interchangeable spanner socket? Is it hand-operated rather than power-driven? Is the material base metal? Is it used for tightening/loosening nuts and bolts?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. Fixed spanners are classified under 8204.11, and the key determining point is whether their opening size is fixed and non-adjustable. If a spanner has an adjustable mechanism (such as a worm gear), it is classified under 8204.12. If it is an interchangeable spanner socket for a wrench (such as a socket), whether adjustable or not, it is classified under 8204.20. If it is a power-driven or pneumatic wrench, it should be classified under 8467. If it is a tap wrench, it is classified under 8205. Therefore, it must be determined based on the product's structure, function and working principle whether it belongs to the "non-adjustable" type.
Confused Codes：
820412 - Adjustable wrenches
Adjustable wrenches have an adjustable opening size and usually have a worm gear mechanism; fixed spanners have a fixed opening size and are not adjustable.
820420 - Interchangeable spanner sockets
Interchangeable spanner sockets are accessories for wrenches and are usually used with a wrench handle; fixed spanners are complete hand tools.
820559 - Other hand tools
Other hand tools include various tools not elsewhere specified, such as crowbars, oil cans, etc.; fixed spanners are specifically named and should be classified under 8204.11 in preference.
846711 - Hand-held pneumatic wrenches
Pneumatic wrenches are power-driven tools classified in Chapter 84; fixed spanners are purely hand-operated tools classified in Chapter 82.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the spanner adjustable in opening size?
✓ Is it a complete spanner rather than an interchangeable spanner socket?
✓ Is it hand-operated rather than power-driven?
✓ Is the material base metal?
✓ Is it used for tightening/loosening nuts and bolts?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between fixed spanners and adjustable wrenches? Fixed spanners (non-adjustable) are classified under 8204.11, and adjustable wrenches (adjustable) are classified under 8204.12. The key difference is whether the opening is adjustable. Fixed spanners have a fixed opening size, while adjustable wrenches adjust the opening size through a worm gear mechanism. When declaring, it is necessary to specify "adjustable or not." Which code should socket wrenches be classified under? If a socket wrench is a set of sockets (interchangeable spanner sockets), it should be classified under 8204.20; if it is a complete socket wrench with a handle and the handle is not adjustable, it may be classified under 8204.11, but this must be judged according to the specific structure. Usually, sockets as accessories are classified under 8204.20. How can I check the import tariff rate for fixed spanners? Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the customs administration, free trade zone platforms or professional customs declaration systems. Accurate HS code, country of origin and product information must be provided. What are the common classification errors when declaring fixed spanners? Common errors include: mistakenly declaring fixed spanners as adjustable wrenches (8204.12); mistakenly declaring socket wrenches as fixed spanners; omitting material declaration and causing classification disputes; failing to indicate the "non-adjustable" characteristic. Are fixed spanners and tap wrenches classified under the same code? No. Tap wrenches are used to hold taps for tapping and are classified under 8205.70; fixed spanners are used to tighten nuts and bolts and are classified under 8204.11. The two have different functions and different classifications. Which code should electric wrenches be classified under? Electric wrenches are electric tools and should be classified under 8467.29 (hand-held electric tools). If they are pneumatic wrenches, they are classified under 8467.11. Fixed spanners are hand tools and are classified under 8204.11. What declaration elements are required for exporting fixed spanners? Usually, product name, brand, model, material, specifications and dimensions, adjustable or not, and use are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to refer to the Customs Administration's Catalog of Standard Declaration Elements for Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China. What types of fixed spanners fall under HS code 820411? These include open-end spanners, ring spanners, combination spanners, hex keys, etc., as long as the opening size is fixed and non-adjustable, they are all classified under this code. Note, however, that if a hex key is L-shaped, it is also a fixed spanner.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between fixed spanners and adjustable wrenches?
A: Fixed spanners (non-adjustable) are classified under 8204.11, and adjustable wrenches (adjustable) are classified under 8204.12. The key difference is whether the opening is adjustable. Fixed spanners have a fixed opening size, while adjustable wrenches adjust the opening size through a worm gear mechanism. When declaring, it is necessary to specify "adjustable or not."
Q: Which code should socket wrenches be classified under?
A: If a socket wrench is a set of sockets (interchangeable spanner sockets), it should be classified under 8204.20; if it is a complete socket wrench with a handle and the handle is not adjustable, it may be classified under 8204.11, but this must be judged according to the specific structure. Usually, sockets as accessories are classified under 8204.20.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for fixed spanners?
A: Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement and country of origin. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the customs administration, free trade zone platforms or professional customs declaration systems. Accurate HS code, country of origin and product information must be provided.
Q: What are the common classification errors when declaring fixed spanners?
A: Common errors include: mistakenly declaring fixed spanners as adjustable wrenches (8204.12); mistakenly declaring socket wrenches as fixed spanners; omitting material declaration and causing classification disputes; failing to indicate the "non-adjustable" characteristic.
Q: Are fixed spanners and tap wrenches classified under the same code?
A: No. Tap wrenches are used to hold taps for tapping and are classified under 8205.70; fixed spanners are used to tighten nuts and bolts and are classified under 8204.11. The two have different functions and different classifications.
Q: Which code should electric wrenches be classified under?
A: Electric wrenches are electric tools and should be classified under 8467.29 (hand-held electric tools). If they are pneumatic wrenches, they are classified under 8467.11. Fixed spanners are hand tools and are classified under 8204.11.
Q: What declaration elements are required for exporting fixed spanners?
A: Usually, product name, brand, model, material, specifications and dimensions, adjustable or not, and use are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements; it is recommended to refer to the Customs Administration's Catalog of Standard Declaration Elements for Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China.
Q: What types of fixed spanners fall under HS code 820411?
A: These include open-end spanners, ring spanners, combination spanners, hex keys, etc., as long as the opening size is fixed and non-adjustable, they are all classified under this code. Note, however, that if a hex key is L-shaped, it is also a fixed spanner.
⚠️ 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.