Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. This includes hand tools (such as screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches), mechanical tools (such as hand drills, vises), knives (such as scissors, paper cutters), and tableware. Note, however, that this chapter does not cover power tools, pneumatic tools, or electric tools (classified in Chapter 84 or 85), nor does it cover similar articles of ceramic or glass. Heading 8205 covers hand tools, including: hand drills, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, pliers, tweezers, scissors, punches, and multi-purpose hand tools (such as combination tools). However, this heading does not cover scissors for cutting metal (classified in 8203), nor household table knives or forks (classified in 8211 or 8215). Screwdrivers, as a type of hand tool, are explicitly included in this heading. HS code 820520 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "82" represent Chapter 82 (Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "05" represent heading 8205 (Hand tools, including hand drills, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, etc.). Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 8205.20, specifically screwdrivers. When this subheading is further subdivided, some countries may establish more detailed codes (such as 8205.20.10 for screwdrivers with ratchet mechanisms), but the internationally harmonized six-digit code is 820520. Screwdrivers are classified under 820520 because they are typical hand tools used for tightening or loosening screws, consistent with the description of heading 8205. They should not be classified under 8204 (Hand-operated spanners and wrenches), as screwdrivers are not used for gripping or turning nuts; nor should they be classified under 8207 (Interchangeable tools for hand tools), as screwdrivers are integral tools rather than interchangeable bits (e.g., screwdriver bits are classified under 8207.90).
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. This includes hand tools (such as screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches), mechanical tools (such as hand drills, vises), knives (such as scissors, paper cutters), and tableware. Note, however, that this chapter does not cover power tools, pneumatic tools, or electric tools (classified in Chapter 84 or 85), nor does it cover similar articles of ceramic or glass.
Heading
Heading 8205 covers hand tools, including: hand drills, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, pliers, tweezers, scissors, punches, and multi-purpose hand tools (such as combination tools). However, this heading does not cover scissors for cutting metal (classified in 8203), nor household table knives or forks (classified in 8211 or 8215). Screwdrivers, as a type of hand tool, are explicitly included in this heading.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 820520 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "82" represent Chapter 82 (Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof). Digits 3-4 "05" represent heading 8205 (Hand tools, including hand drills, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, etc.). Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 8205.20, specifically screwdrivers. When this subheading is further subdivided, some countries may establish more detailed codes (such as 8205.20.10 for screwdrivers with ratchet mechanisms), but the internationally harmonized six-digit code is 820520.
Classification Basis
Screwdrivers are classified under 820520 because they are typical hand tools used for tightening or loosening screws, consistent with the description of heading 8205. They should not be classified under 8204 (Hand-operated spanners and wrenches), as screwdrivers are not used for gripping or turning nuts; nor should they be classified under 8207 (Interchangeable tools for hand tools), as screwdrivers are integral tools rather than interchangeable bits (e.g., screwdriver bits are classified under 8207.90).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as "screwdriver" or "screwdriver bit holder," with brand and model indicated. Material: The main materials of the declared screwdriver, such as chrome vanadium steel for the shank and plastic or rubber for the handle. Use: Describe the purpose of the screwdriver, such as for electronic repair, furniture assembly, etc. Type: Declare the type of screwdriver, such as flathead, Phillips, Pozidriv, star, etc., and whether it has a ratchet, is electric, etc. Brand: Declare the brand name (if no brand, indicate "no brand"). Model: Declare the specific model or specifications, such as length, bit size, etc. Whether in Set: Declare whether it is a screwdriver set; if in a set, the contents of the set must be indicated. Packaging Method: Declare the packaging method, such as paper box, plastic box, blister pack, etc. Product Name: Screwdriver; Brand: ABC; Model: SD-100; Material: Chrome vanadium steel shank, TPR plastic handle; Type: Phillips, manual; Use: For electronic equipment repair; Whether in Set: Single piece; Packaging: Blister pack. Declaring an electric screwdriver as 820520, when it should actually be classified under 8467 (Portable electric tools). Declaring screwdriver bits (interchangeable) as 820520, when they should actually be classified under 8207.90. Confusing screwdriver sets with single screwdrivers; set tools may involve different classifications.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as "screwdriver" or "screwdriver bit holder," with brand and model indicated.
⚠️ Writing only "tool" or "hardware," which is too general.
Material
The main materials of the declared screwdriver, such as chrome vanadium steel for the shank and plastic or rubber for the handle.
⚠️ Writing only "metal" without distinguishing between shank and handle materials.
Use
Describe the purpose of the screwdriver, such as for electronic repair, furniture assembly, etc.
⚠️ Writing "for turning screws," which is too simple.
Type
Declare the type of screwdriver, such as flathead, Phillips, Pozidriv, star, etc., and whether it has a ratchet, is electric, etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether it is electric, leading to classification errors.
Brand
Declare the brand name (if no brand, indicate "no brand").
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Declare the specific model or specifications, such as length, bit size, etc.
⚠️ Incomplete model information or inconsistency with the actual product.
Whether in Set
Declare whether it is a screwdriver set; if in a set, the contents of the set must be indicated.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring a set tool as a single piece.
Packaging Method
Declare the packaging method, such as paper box, plastic box, blister pack, etc.
⚠️ Packaging method does not affect classification, but omission may affect inspection.
Declaring an electric screwdriver as 820520, when it should actually be classified under 8467 (Portable electric tools).
Declaring screwdriver bits (interchangeable) as 820520, when they should actually be classified under 8207.90.
Confusing screwdriver sets with single screwdrivers; set tools may involve different classifications.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification criteria: According to the Import and Export Tariff and HS Explanatory Notes, heading 8205 covers hand tools, and screwdrivers are explicitly included. When determining, confirm: 1) Whether it is a hand tool (non-electric, non-pneumatic); 2) Whether it is a screwdriver (used for tightening or loosening screws); 3) Whether it is an integral tool (not interchangeable bits). If it is an electric screwdriver, it should be classified under 8467; if it is an interchangeable bit, it should be classified under 8207. 8204 Hand-operated spanners and wrenches: 8204 covers hand tools used for gripping or turning nuts, such as spanners and wrenches; while 820520 is screwdrivers, used for turning screws. 8207 Interchangeable tools for hand tools: 8207 covers interchangeable tool bits, such as screwdriver bits and drill bits; while 820520 is a complete screwdriver, not interchangeable. 8467 Portable electric tools: 8467 covers electric screwdrivers, electric drills, etc.; while 820520 only covers manual screwdrivers. 8201 Hand tools (spades, shovels, etc.): 8201 covers agricultural or gardening hand tools, such as spades and shovels; while 820520 is screwdrivers, which are mechanical repair tools. 8211 Knives with cutting blades: 8211 covers knives, such as hunting knives and scissors; while 820520 is screwdrivers, which have no cutting edge and are not knives. Is it a hand tool? Is it used for turning screws? Is it integral (non-interchangeable bits)? Is it non-electric and non-pneumatic? Is it made of base metal?
Basis
Core classification criteria: According to the Import and Export Tariff and HS Explanatory Notes, heading 8205 covers hand tools, and screwdrivers are explicitly included. When determining, confirm: 1) Whether it is a hand tool (non-electric, non-pneumatic); 2) Whether it is a screwdriver (used for tightening or loosening screws); 3) Whether it is an integral tool (not interchangeable bits). If it is an electric screwdriver, it should be classified under 8467; if it is an interchangeable bit, it should be classified under 8207.
Confused Codes：
8204 - Hand-operated spanners and wrenches
8204 covers hand tools used for gripping or turning nuts, such as spanners and wrenches; while 820520 is screwdrivers, used for turning screws.
8207 - Interchangeable tools for hand tools
8207 covers interchangeable tool bits, such as screwdriver bits and drill bits; while 820520 is a complete screwdriver, not interchangeable.
8467 - Portable electric tools
8467 covers electric screwdrivers, electric drills, etc.; while 820520 only covers manual screwdrivers.
8201 - Hand tools (spades, shovels, etc.)
8201 covers agricultural or gardening hand tools, such as spades and shovels; while 820520 is screwdrivers, which are mechanical repair tools.
8211 - Knives with cutting blades
8211 covers knives, such as hunting knives and scissors; while 820520 is screwdrivers, which have no cutting edge and are not knives.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it a hand tool?
✓ Is it used for turning screws?
✓ Is it integral (non-interchangeable bits)?
✓ Is it non-electric and non-pneumatic?
✓ Is it made of base metal?
❓ FAQ
Which HS code should electric screwdrivers be classified under? Electric screwdrivers should be classified under 8467, specifically 8467.29 (Portable electric tools). This is because 820520 only covers manual screwdrivers, and electric tools belong to Chapter 84. Are screwdriver bits and screwdrivers classified under the same code? No. Screwdrivers (complete) are classified under 820520; while interchangeable screwdriver bits are classified under 8207.90, as they are interchangeable tool bits. How are screwdriver sets classified? If a screwdriver set consists of multiple screwdrivers, it is still classified under 820520; but if it includes other tools (such as wrenches), it may be classified as a set tool, and the General Rules for Interpretation should be consulted. How can I check the import tariff rate for 820520? You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Single Window," or use third-party query tools. Tariff rates may change due to country, trade agreements, etc., and the latest tariff schedule should prevail at the time of declaration. What are common errors in the declaration elements for screwdrivers? Common errors include: failing to indicate whether it is electric, incomplete material description, omitted brand or model, declaring a set tool as a single piece, etc. Product name, material, use, type, etc. should be filled in detail. Does 820520 cover all types of screwdrivers? 820520 covers manual screwdrivers, including flathead, Phillips, star, etc., but does not include electric screwdrivers and interchangeable bits. Special-purpose screwdrivers (such as watchmaker's screwdrivers) are still classified under this code. If the screwdriver handle is plastic, does it affect classification? No. HS classification is primarily based on the function and material of the tool, and the base metal portion determines the classification. The handle material does not affect classification under 820520. Do I need to pay tariffs when exporting screwdrivers to the United States? You need to check the tariff rate under US HTSUS code 8205.20.60. Additional US tariffs on Chinese goods may apply; it is recommended to check the latest trade policy.
Q: Which HS code should electric screwdrivers be classified under?
A: Electric screwdrivers should be classified under 8467, specifically 8467.29 (Portable electric tools). This is because 820520 only covers manual screwdrivers, and electric tools belong to Chapter 84.
Q: Are screwdriver bits and screwdrivers classified under the same code?
A: No. Screwdrivers (complete) are classified under 820520; while interchangeable screwdriver bits are classified under 8207.90, as they are interchangeable tool bits.
Q: How are screwdriver sets classified?
A: If a screwdriver set consists of multiple screwdrivers, it is still classified under 820520; but if it includes other tools (such as wrenches), it may be classified as a set tool, and the General Rules for Interpretation should be consulted.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 820520?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Single Window," or use third-party query tools. Tariff rates may change due to country, trade agreements, etc., and the latest tariff schedule should prevail at the time of declaration.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for screwdrivers?
A: Common errors include: failing to indicate whether it is electric, incomplete material description, omitted brand or model, declaring a set tool as a single piece, etc. Product name, material, use, type, etc. should be filled in detail.
Q: Does 820520 cover all types of screwdrivers?
A: 820520 covers manual screwdrivers, including flathead, Phillips, star, etc., but does not include electric screwdrivers and interchangeable bits. Special-purpose screwdrivers (such as watchmaker's screwdrivers) are still classified under this code.
Q: If the screwdriver handle is plastic, does it affect classification?
A: No. HS classification is primarily based on the function and material of the tool, and the base metal portion determines the classification. The handle material does not affect classification under 820520.
Q: Do I need to pay tariffs when exporting screwdrivers to the United States?
A: You need to check the tariff rate under US HTSUS code 8205.20.60. Additional US tariffs on Chinese goods may apply; it is recommended to check the latest trade policy.
⚠️ 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.