Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Goods in this chapter mainly fall under hand tools, power tools (handheld), knives, scissors, nail clippers, razors, forks, spoons, etc. Note, however, that this chapter does not include machine knives (Chapter 84), electric mechanical appliances (Chapter 85), or certain specialized tools (such as medical saws, etc.). The core characteristics are that they are made of base metal, are used for manual operation or as tools, and usually have interchangeability or a specific function. Heading 8204 covers hand-operated manual wrenches and spanners (including torque wrenches, but excluding tap wrenches); and interchangeable wrench sockets, whether or not with handles. Specifically included are: non-adjustable manual wrenches and spanners, adjustable manual wrenches and spanners, socket wrenches (including those with ratchet handles), and sockets for wrenches (whether or not in sets). Note, however, that this heading does not include power wrenches (classified under 8467) or tap wrenches (classified under 8205). The first 2 digits, 82, indicate Chapter 82, namely tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The 3rd-4th digits, 04, indicate heading 8204, namely hand-operated manual wrenches and spanners (including torque wrenches); interchangeable wrench sockets. The 5th-6th digits, 20, indicate subheading 8204.20, namely socket wrenches, whether or not with handles. This subheading specifically refers to socket wrenches, that is, tools composed of a socket (used to fit over a nut or bolt head) and a handle (such as a ratchet handle, sliding bar handle, etc.), usually sold in sets or individually. Note the distinction from 8204.11 (non-adjustable) and 8204.12 (adjustable), which refer to traditional open-end or box-end wrenches, rather than the socket type. This product is a socket wrench, which is a hand-operated manual wrench, and its core component is an interchangeable socket. According to General Rule of Interpretation 1, it should be classified according to the terms of the heading. 8204.20 explicitly lists 'socket wrenches', so it is classified under this code. It is not classified under 8204.11 or 8204.12 because those refer to non-socket fixed or adjustable wrenches. It is also not classified under 8205 because 8205 does not include socket wrenches, and specialized tools such as tap wrenches are separately listed.

Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign-language name of the commodity, which should be specific and clear, such as 'socket wrench' or 'ratchet socket wrench'. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, write 'unbranded'. Model: Fill in the product model or specifications, such as '10mm socket', '24-piece set', etc. Material: Declare the main material of the socket and handle, such as 'chrome vanadium steel', 'carbon steel', etc. Whether in Set: State whether it is packaged as a set, such as 'set' or 'single piece'. Whether with Handle: State whether it comes with a handle, such as 'with ratchet handle' or 'socket only'. Use: Briefly describe the main use, such as 'for automobile repair', 'mechanical assembly'. Packaging Specifications: Fill in the packaging method and quantity, such as 'plastic box, 24 pieces/set'. Product Name: Socket wrench (ratchet socket wrench); Brand: ABC; Model: 24-piece set; Material: chrome vanadium steel; Whether in Set: set; Whether with Handle: with ratchet handle; Use: for automobile repair; Packaging Specifications: plastic box, 24 pieces/set. Mistakenly classifying a socket wrench under 8204.11 (non-adjustable wrench), but 8204.11 does not include sockets. A socket wrench set missing a handle may be mistakenly classified as 8204.20, but attention should be paid to whether it is a set. False declaration of material, such as declaring chrome vanadium steel as carbon steel, may affect tariff treatment. Incorrect declaration of brand, such as declaring an unbranded product as a well-known brand, involves infringement risk.

The core basis for classification is the terms of heading 8204: hand-operated manual wrenches and spanners (including torque wrenches); interchangeable wrench sockets. A socket wrench meets the definition of a 'manual wrench' and its core feature is the socket, so it is classified under 8204.20. Note: if it is a power wrench, it should be classified under 8467; if it is a tap wrench, under 8205; if it is a specialized wrench such as a spark plug wrench, it is still classified under 8204. In addition, a socket wrench set, even if it contains multiple specifications, is still classified as a whole set. 8204.11 Non-adjustable manual wrenches: Refers to open-end or box-end wrenches, fixed in size, non-adjustable, and not in socket form. Socket wrenches have interchangeable sockets, so they are classified under 8204.20. 8204.12 Adjustable manual wrenches: Refers to adjustable wrenches, with adjustable jaws, used for nuts of different sizes. Socket wrenches adapt to different sizes by changing sockets, but are not themselves adjustable. 8205.59 Other hand tools: Includes tap wrenches, screwdrivers, etc., but does not include socket wrenches. Socket wrenches have a dedicated subheading 8204.20. 8467.11 Handheld pneumatic or hydraulic wrenches: Refers to power-driven wrenches, not manual. Socket wrenches are manual, so they are classified under 8204.20. 8207.90 Other interchangeable tools: Includes certain sockets, but only for machine tools. Sockets for manual socket wrenches are classified under 8204.20. Is it hand-operated? Is its core feature a socket? Does it have a handle or is it a set? Is it non-power and non-tap wrench? Is the material base metal?

What is the difference in HS codes between socket wrenches and ordinary wrenches? Ordinary wrenches (such as open-end wrenches, box-end wrenches) are classified under 8204.11 (non-adjustable) or 8204.12 (adjustable), while socket wrenches are classified under 8204.20. The difference is that socket wrenches use interchangeable sockets to adapt to nuts of different sizes, and usually have a ratchet handle. Are socket wrench sets and individual socket wrenches classified the same? Yes, both are classified under 8204.20. However, note that if a set contains other non-wrench tools (such as screwdrivers), it may be classified as a whole set of tools, and the specific determination should be based on General Rule of Interpretation 3(b). Which code should an electric socket wrench be classified under? An electric socket wrench is a power-driven handheld tool and should be classified under 8467.29 (other electric wrenches) or 8467.11 (pneumatic wrenches), rather than 8204.20. 8204 only covers manual tools. How should a socket imported separately be classified? If a separate socket is for a manual wrench, it is still classified under 8204.20, because the subheading terms include 'interchangeable wrench sockets'. However, if it is for machine tools, it is classified under 8207.90. How can I check the import tariff rate for 8204.20? You can check the latest tariff rate by entering HS code 820420 on the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tariff rates may change due to country, trade agreements, and annual adjustments. When declaring a socket wrench, how should the material be filled in? The specific material should be filled in, such as 'chrome vanadium steel', 'carbon steel', or 'alloy steel'. Avoid writing only 'steel', because different materials may affect classification or tariff treatment (for example, certain trade agreements offer preferences for specific materials). Does a socket wrench with a ratchet handle affect classification? No, it is still classified under 8204.20. A ratchet handle is a common accessory of socket wrenches, and the subheading terms already cover socket wrenches with handles. If a socket wrench is a gift or sample, does it still need to be declared? Yes, all import and export goods must be declared truthfully, including gifts and samples. However, according to customs regulations, samples may enjoy tax exemption policies, and relevant certificates must be provided.