Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Goods in this chapter are mainly classified by use and material, including hand tools, machine tool accessories, knives, razors, scissors, nail clippers, spoons, forks, etc. Note that this chapter does not include power tools or electric tools (classified in Chapter 84 or 85), nor similar goods made of ceramics, glass, plastics or other non-base materials. Base metals include iron and steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, etc., but attention should be paid to the classification rules for certain special alloys. Heading 8205 covers hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, scissors, pipe cutters, bottle openers, punches, etc., but only those made of base metal and non-powered. This heading also includes some household implements, such as irons (non-electric), knife sharpeners, can openers, etc. Note: 8205 does not include power tools (classified in 8467, etc.), electric tools (classified in 8508, etc.), or tools already specified in other headings of Chapter 82, such as hand tools of 8201-8204. First 2 digits 82: indicates Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4, 05: indicates heading 8205, hand tools (including glass cutters, hammers, screwdrivers, etc.) and household implements. Digits 5-6, 51: indicates subheading 820551, specifically household tools. This subheading is a specific subdivision under 8205, specifically covering hand tools designed for household daily repair, assembly, cooking and other purposes, such as household screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, bottle openers, knife sharpeners, etc. Note that the difference between subheading 820551 and 820559 (other hand tools) lies in whether they are specifically for household use. This product is classified under 820551 because it is a hand tool of base metal and is designed for household use, meeting the description of subheading 820551 'household tools'. It is not classified under 820559 (other hand tools) because 820559 covers non-household hand tools, such as professional repair tools; nor under 8201-8204, because those headings cover tools for specific uses such as agriculture, gardening, and woodworking. In addition, if the tool is electric, it should be classified under Chapter 85.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Goods in this chapter are mainly classified by use and material, including hand tools, machine tool accessories, knives, razors, scissors, nail clippers, spoons, forks, etc. Note that this chapter does not include power tools or electric tools (classified in Chapter 84 or 85), nor similar goods made of ceramics, glass, plastics or other non-base materials. Base metals include iron and steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, etc., but attention should be paid to the classification rules for certain special alloys.
Heading
Heading 8205 covers hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, tweezers, scissors, pipe cutters, bottle openers, punches, etc., but only those made of base metal and non-powered. This heading also includes some household implements, such as irons (non-electric), knife sharpeners, can openers, etc. Note: 8205 does not include power tools (classified in 8467, etc.), electric tools (classified in 8508, etc.), or tools already specified in other headings of Chapter 82, such as hand tools of 8201-8204.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 82: indicates Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4, 05: indicates heading 8205, hand tools (including glass cutters, hammers, screwdrivers, etc.) and household implements. Digits 5-6, 51: indicates subheading 820551, specifically household tools. This subheading is a specific subdivision under 8205, specifically covering hand tools designed for household daily repair, assembly, cooking and other purposes, such as household screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, bottle openers, knife sharpeners, etc. Note that the difference between subheading 820551 and 820559 (other hand tools) lies in whether they are specifically for household use.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 820551 because it is a hand tool of base metal and is designed for household use, meeting the description of subheading 820551 'household tools'. It is not classified under 820559 (other hand tools) because 820559 covers non-household hand tools, such as professional repair tools; nor under 8201-8204, because those headings cover tools for specific uses such as agriculture, gardening, and woodworking. In addition, if the tool is electric, it should be classified under Chapter 85.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared product, such as 'household screwdriver set', 'household hammer', etc., which should accurately reflect the product's use and material. Material: Declare the main material of the tool, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', 'alloy steel', etc. Being made of base metal is a prerequisite for classification under Chapter 82. Use: Explain the specific use of the tool, such as 'household repair', 'kitchen use', 'DIY use', etc., to prove its household attribute. Brand: Declare the brand name (if any); if no brand, fill in 'None'. Brand does not affect classification but must be declared truthfully. Model: Declare the product model; if no model, fill in 'None'. The model helps customs identify the product. Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging method, such as 'set', 'single piece', 'plastic box', etc., which affects the dutiable value but usually does not affect classification. Is It Electric: Clearly declare whether it is an electric tool. Electric tools should be classified under Chapter 85; only non-electric ones are classified under 820551. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Household screwdriver set
Material: Carbon steel
Use: Household repair
Brand: None
Model: None
Packaging Specifications: Plastic box, 6-piece set
Is It Electric: No
This product is a manual tool of base metal, specifically for household use, meeting subheading 820551. Incorrectly classifying electric tools under 820551; electric tools should be classified under Chapter 85. Failure to distinguish between household and professional use, leading to incorrect classification under 820559 or other subheadings. Declaring the material as non-base metal, such as plastic, leading to classification errors.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared product, such as 'household screwdriver set', 'household hammer', etc., which should accurately reflect the product's use and material.
⚠️ Declaring it generically as 'hand tools' or 'hardware tools' without reflecting the household attribute.
Material
Declare the main material of the tool, such as 'stainless steel', 'carbon steel', 'alloy steel', etc. Being made of base metal is a prerequisite for classification under Chapter 82.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'plastic' or 'ceramic', leading to classification errors.
Use
Explain the specific use of the tool, such as 'household repair', 'kitchen use', 'DIY use', etc., to prove its household attribute.
⚠️ Declaring as 'industrial use' or 'professional use', which may result in classification under 820559.
Brand
Declare the brand name (if any); if no brand, fill in 'None'. Brand does not affect classification but must be declared truthfully.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or misspelling it.
Model
Declare the product model; if no model, fill in 'None'. The model helps customs identify the product.
⚠️ Incomplete model declaration or inconsistency with the actual product.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging method, such as 'set', 'single piece', 'plastic box', etc., which affects the dutiable value but usually does not affect classification.
⚠️ Ignoring packaging specifications, resulting in inability to match during inspection.
Is It Electric
Clearly declare whether it is an electric tool. Electric tools should be classified under Chapter 85; only non-electric ones are classified under 820551.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring an electric tool as a manual tool.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Household screwdriver set
Material: Carbon steel
Use: Household repair
Brand: None
Model: None
Packaging Specifications: Plastic box, 6-piece set
Is It Electric: No
This product is a manual tool of base metal, specifically for household use, meeting subheading 820551.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrectly classifying electric tools under 820551; electric tools should be classified under Chapter 85.
Failure to distinguish between household and professional use, leading to incorrect classification under 820559 or other subheadings.
Declaring the material as non-base metal, such as plastic, leading to classification errors.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1) The material must be base metal (such as iron and steel, copper, aluminum, etc.); 2) It must be a hand tool, non-powered and non-electric; 3) It must be designed for household use, such as household repair, DIY, kitchen use, etc. If the tool is for professional use, it is classified under 820559; if electric, under Chapter 85; if made of other materials, it is classified according to the material. 820559 Other hand tools: 820559 covers non-household hand tools, such as professional repair tools and industrial tools. The difference lies in whether the use is specifically for household. 8201 Hand tools (agriculture, horticulture, forestry): 8201 covers hand tools for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, such as shovels, hoes, rakes. The difference lies in the field of use. 8203 Pliers, tweezers, etc.: 8203 specifically covers pliers, tweezers, scissors, etc., even if for household use, they are classified under 8203, not 8205. 8204 Wrenches: 8204 covers hand wrenches and spanners, including household wrenches, so household wrenches are not classified under 820551. 8508 Electric tools: 8508 covers electric tools, such as electric drills and electric saws. The difference lies in the power source; electric tools are not classified under 820551. Is the material base metal? Is it a manual tool, non-electric? Is it specifically designed for household use? Does it belong to tools already specified in 8203 or 8204? Does it belong to agricultural or horticultural tools of 8201?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1) The material must be base metal (such as iron and steel, copper, aluminum, etc.); 2) It must be a hand tool, non-powered and non-electric; 3) It must be designed for household use, such as household repair, DIY, kitchen use, etc. If the tool is for professional use, it is classified under 820559; if electric, under Chapter 85; if made of other materials, it is classified according to the material.
Confused Codes:
820559 - Other hand tools
820559 covers non-household hand tools, such as professional repair tools and industrial tools. The difference lies in whether the use is specifically for household.
8201 - Hand tools (agriculture, horticulture, forestry)
8201 covers hand tools for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry, such as shovels, hoes, rakes. The difference lies in the field of use.
8203 - Pliers, tweezers, etc.
8203 specifically covers pliers, tweezers, scissors, etc., even if for household use, they are classified under 8203, not 8205.
8204 - Wrenches
8204 covers hand wrenches and spanners, including household wrenches, so household wrenches are not classified under 820551.
8508 - Electric tools
8508 covers electric tools, such as electric drills and electric saws. The difference lies in the power source; electric tools are not classified under 820551.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the material base metal?
✓ Is it a manual tool, non-electric?
✓ Is it specifically designed for household use?
✓ Does it belong to tools already specified in 8203 or 8204?
✓ Does it belong to agricultural or horticultural tools of 8201?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between household tools and ordinary hand tools? Household tools are classified under 820551, while ordinary hand tools (non-household) are classified under 820559. The difference lies in use: household tools are specifically designed for daily household repair, DIY, etc., while ordinary hand tools are used in professional or industrial settings. The use must be clearly declared. Which HS code should an electric screwdriver be classified under? An electric screwdriver should be classified under Chapter 85, specifically 8508 (electric tools) or 8510 (electric razors, etc.), depending on the specific function. It cannot be classified under 820551 because 820551 only covers non-electric hand tools. Should a household wrench be classified under 820551 or 8204? A household wrench should be classified under 8204, because 8204 specifically covers hand wrenches and spanners, including household wrenches. 820551 does not cover wrenches, even if they are for household use. How to determine whether a tool is for 'household' use? It is usually determined based on the product's design, packaging, sales channels, and advertised use. For example, tool sets, miniaturized, suitable for household use are generally considered household. If the tool is highly professional and used in industry, it is not household. Does 820551 include kitchen tools? 820551 includes some kitchen tools, such as bottle openers, knife sharpeners, can openers, etc., but only those that are manual tools of base metal. Note that spoons, forks, etc., are classified under 8215, and knives under 8211, etc. If a household tool set contains multiple tools, how should it be classified? If all tools in the set belong to 820551, the entire set is classified under 820551. If it contains tools of other subheadings (such as wrenches), it may be classified according to the main function or separately. It is recommended to determine based on the specific composition and use. What is the export tax rebate rate for 820551? The export tax rebate rate changes with national policies; no specific value is provided. Please check the latest export tax rebate documents or consult customs. It can usually be queried by HS code in the tax rebate system. What special documents are required when declaring 820551? Generally, basic documents such as invoices, packing lists, and contracts are required. If a brand is involved, an authorization letter may be required. In addition, according to customs requirements, material certificates and use descriptions may be required. It is recommended to confirm with the customs broker in advance.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between household tools and ordinary hand tools?
A: Household tools are classified under 820551, while ordinary hand tools (non-household) are classified under 820559. The difference lies in use: household tools are specifically designed for daily household repair, DIY, etc., while ordinary hand tools are used in professional or industrial settings. The use must be clearly declared.
Q: Which HS code should an electric screwdriver be classified under?
A: An electric screwdriver should be classified under Chapter 85, specifically 8508 (electric tools) or 8510 (electric razors, etc.), depending on the specific function. It cannot be classified under 820551 because 820551 only covers non-electric hand tools.
Q: Should a household wrench be classified under 820551 or 8204?
A: A household wrench should be classified under 8204, because 8204 specifically covers hand wrenches and spanners, including household wrenches. 820551 does not cover wrenches, even if they are for household use.
Q: How to determine whether a tool is for 'household' use?
A: It is usually determined based on the product's design, packaging, sales channels, and advertised use. For example, tool sets, miniaturized, suitable for household use are generally considered household. If the tool is highly professional and used in industry, it is not household.
Q: Does 820551 include kitchen tools?
A: 820551 includes some kitchen tools, such as bottle openers, knife sharpeners, can openers, etc., but only those that are manual tools of base metal. Note that spoons, forks, etc., are classified under 8215, and knives under 8211, etc.
Q: If a household tool set contains multiple tools, how should it be classified?
A: If all tools in the set belong to 820551, the entire set is classified under 820551. If it contains tools of other subheadings (such as wrenches), it may be classified according to the main function or separately. It is recommended to determine based on the specific composition and use.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 820551?
A: The export tax rebate rate changes with national policies; no specific value is provided. Please check the latest export tax rebate documents or consult customs. It can usually be queried by HS code in the tax rebate system.
Q: What special documents are required when declaring 820551?
A: Generally, basic documents such as invoices, packing lists, and contracts are required. If a brand is involved, an authorization letter may be required. In addition, according to customs requirements, material certificates and use descriptions may be required. It is recommended to confirm with the customs broker in advance.
⚠️ 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.