Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal, but excludes machine knives (Note 1 to Chapter 82 excludes machine knives of heading 8207) and certain specialized tools. Goods in this chapter are classified mainly by material, function and use, including hand tools (such as wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers), interchangeable tools, knives, razors, scissors, forks, etc. The scope of base metals includes iron and steel, copper, aluminum, etc., but note that similar goods made of ceramics, glass or plastics are not classified in this chapter. Heading 8204 covers hand-operated hand wrenches and spanners (including torque wrenches), and similar hand tools, but excludes power-operated or pneumatic wrenches (classified in 8467). This heading includes fixed-size open-end wrenches, box wrenches, socket wrenches, hex key wrenches and adjustable wrenches. Subheading 8204.11 is for non-adjustable wrenches, and 8204.12 is for adjustable wrenches. Adjustable wrenches usually have one fixed jaw and one movable jaw, with the opening width adjusted by a worm gear or similar mechanism, suitable for nuts and bolts of various sizes. First 2 digits 82: represents Chapter 82, covering tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4 04: represents heading 8204, specifically hand wrenches and spanners (including torque wrenches), but excluding power tools. Digits 5-6 12: represents subheading 8204.12, i.e., adjustable wrenches. This subheading is not further subdivided; all adjustable wrenches are classified under this code. Note: The difference between code 8204.12 and 8204.11 (non-adjustable wrenches) lies in whether the wrench opening is adjustable; the difference from 8204.20 (interchangeable wrench heads) lies in whether it is a complete hand tool. The goods are adjustable wrenches with adjustable jaws, which are hand tools and meet the description of heading 8204. Because the opening is adjustable, they are classified under subheading 8204.12, not 8204.11 (non-adjustable wrenches). The difference from 8204.20 is that 8204.20 is separately presented interchangeable wrench heads, while an adjustable wrench is a complete hand tool. The difference from other hand tools such as 8205 is that 8205 covers other hand tools not elsewhere specified, while wrenches are explicitly listed in 8204.

Product name: The standard name of the declared goods should be accurately described as "adjustable wrench" or "adjustable spanner", avoiding colloquial names such as "universal wrench". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "unbranded". The brand helps with customs intellectual property protection and classification reference. Model: Fill in the specific model or specification of the product, such as "10 inch", "250mm", etc., which helps confirm classification and price. Material: Declare the main material of the wrench body, such as "carbon steel", "chrome vanadium steel", "stainless steel", etc. Base metal material is the key to classification in Chapter 82. Specifications and dimensions: Declare the maximum opening width, overall length and other dimensions of the wrench, such as "maximum opening 24mm, overall length 200mm". Adjustable or not: Clearly declare "adjustable" or "non-adjustable"; this is the key to distinguishing 8204.12 from 8204.11. Use: Declare the main use, such as "for mechanical maintenance, automobile repair, etc.", but use is not the sole factor determining classification. Packaging method: Declare the packaging form, such as "paper box", "plastic bag", etc., which affects the customs value and inspection. Product name: Adjustable wrench (adjustable spanner); Brand: Stanley; Model: STHT20138; Material: Chrome vanadium steel; Specifications and dimensions: Maximum opening 30mm, overall length 250mm; Adjustable or not: Adjustable; Use: For mechanical maintenance; Packaging method: Paper box. Failure to declare "adjustable or not", leading to confusion with non-adjustable wrenches (8204.11). Material declared as "alloy" without specifying the specific metal, which may be questioned for classification. Specifications and dimensions only declare length without opening range, affecting classification determination. False declaration of brand and model may lead to intellectual property disputes or customs questions.

The core criteria for classification are: 1) whether the goods are hand tools; 2) whether they have adjustable jaws; 3) whether they are made of base metal. According to the Import and Export Tariff and its notes, adjustable wrenches belong to heading 8204, subheading 8204.12. If the wrench is power-operated or pneumatic, it should be classified in 8467; if it is an interchangeable wrench head, it should be classified in 8204.20; if it is a fixed-opening wrench, it should be classified in 8204.11. In addition, if the wrench has other functions (such as ratcheting), it is still classified according to its main function. 820411 Non-adjustable wrenches: Non-adjustable wrenches have fixed openings, suitable for nuts of specific sizes; adjustable wrenches have adjustable openings, adapting to various sizes. They are in different subheadings. 820420 Interchangeable wrench heads: Interchangeable wrench heads are separately presented wrench heads that need to be used with a wrench handle; adjustable wrenches are complete hand tools with a handle and adjustable jaws. 820559 Other hand tools: 8205 covers hand tools not elsewhere specified, such as hammers, screwdrivers, etc.; adjustable wrenches are explicitly listed in 8204 and are not classified in 8205. 846711 Pneumatic wrenches: Pneumatic wrenches are power-driven tools, classified in 8467; adjustable wrenches are hand tools, classified in 8204. 820790 Other interchangeable tools: 8207 covers interchangeable tools for machine tools, such as drill bits, milling cutters; adjustable wrenches are hand tools and are not classified in 8207. Are the goods hand-operated? Is the wrench opening adjustable? Is the material base metal? Does it contain a power device? Is it a separately presented wrench head?

Are adjustable wrenches and adjustable spanners the same thing? Is the HS code the same? Yes, adjustable wrenches are commonly called adjustable spanners; they refer to the same goods, and the HS code is 8204.12. However, note that if the wrench has a fixed opening, it is classified in 8204.11. How to inquire the HS code for adjustable wrenches? You can inquire through the customs tariff, classification decisions, or consult a customs broker. Basic steps: determine that the goods are hand tools, made of base metal, with adjustable openings, then find heading 8204, subheading 8204.12. You can also use the classification inquiry system of the General Administration of Customs. What is the most important declaration element when declaring adjustable wrenches? The most important is "adjustable or not", because this is the key to distinguishing 8204.12 from 8204.11. In addition, material, brand, model, and specifications and dimensions also need to be accurately declared to avoid classification disputes. If the adjustable wrench is a set, how to classify it? If the adjustable wrench is the main tool in the set and other tools are accessories, it is usually classified as an adjustable wrench, i.e., 8204.12. However, if multiple tools in the set have no primary or secondary distinction, it may be classified as a whole set of tools, referring to General Rule 3 for classification. Does an adjustable wrench with a ratcheting function affect classification? No, as long as its main function is still an adjustable wrench, it is still classified in 8204.12. The ratcheting function does not change its essential character as an adjustable wrench. What documents are required to import adjustable wrenches? Generally, basic documents such as invoice, packing list, contract, bill of lading, and customs declaration form are required. If a brand is involved, a brand authorization letter may be required. Specific document requirements can be consulted with the local customs. What is the tariff rate for adjustable wrenches? The tariff rate varies depending on the country, trade agreements, origin, etc. It is recommended to check the latest Import and Export Tariff or obtain real-time rates through the customs official website or a customs broker. Specific values are not provided here. If adjustable wrenches are exported to the United States, is the HS code the same? The first 6 digits of the US HS code are the same as those of China, both being 8204.12, but the last 4 digits may differ. The US customs code is 8204.12.00; specifically, consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).