Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal, but excludes power-driven tools (classified in Chapter 84) and certain electronic appliances. The core feature of this chapter is non-power-driven hand tools or portable implements made mainly of base metal through forging, stamping, machining and other processes. Typical goods include hand saws, files, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, knives and scissors, tableware, etc. The chapter is further subdivided by use and function, and 8206 is the only heading specifically for "tool sets put up for retail sale," reflecting the particular classification treatment of combined packaging. Heading 8206 specifically covers tool sets consisting of tools of two or more of the different headings of this chapter (8202 to 8205), and must satisfy the conditions of retail packaging and being put up for direct sale to end users. These tools are usually used for repair, assembly, DIY or professional work, such as household tool kits, bicycle repair kits, and jewelry processing kits. If the tools are imported separately or not put up in sets for retail sale, they are classified separately under their respective headings. This heading does not include power tools, measuring instruments (Chapter 90) or specialized equipment (Chapter 84). The first 2 digits "82" represent Chapter 82: tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The 3rd-4th digits "06" represent heading 8206: tool sets consisting of tools of two or more of headings 8202 to 8205, put up for retail sale. The 5th-6th digits are the subheading level, but there is no further subdivision under 8206, so the complete code is 820600. For classification, it is first necessary to confirm whether the tools fall within the scope of 8202-8205, and then determine whether they form a set and are put up for retail sale. If the tools come from other chapters (such as 82.01 or 82.07), they cannot be classified under 8206. This product is classified under 8206 mainly because it consists of a combination of tools from different headings 8202 to 8205 and is imported in retail packaging. If the tools belong to the same heading (such as all wrenches), even if in a set, they are classified under the specific heading; if they include other headings of Chapter 82 (such as 8201 shovels, 8207 drill bits) or articles not of Chapter 82, they may be classified according to the principal function or separately. 8206 emphasizes "cross-heading combination" and "retail packaging," both of which are indispensable.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal, but excludes power-driven tools (classified in Chapter 84) and certain electronic appliances. The core feature of this chapter is non-power-driven hand tools or portable implements made mainly of base metal through forging, stamping, machining and other processes. Typical goods include hand saws, files, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, knives and scissors, tableware, etc. The chapter is further subdivided by use and function, and 8206 is the only heading specifically for "tool sets put up for retail sale," reflecting the particular classification treatment of combined packaging.
Heading
Heading 8206 specifically covers tool sets consisting of tools of two or more of the different headings of this chapter (8202 to 8205), and must satisfy the conditions of retail packaging and being put up for direct sale to end users. These tools are usually used for repair, assembly, DIY or professional work, such as household tool kits, bicycle repair kits, and jewelry processing kits. If the tools are imported separately or not put up in sets for retail sale, they are classified separately under their respective headings. This heading does not include power tools, measuring instruments (Chapter 90) or specialized equipment (Chapter 84).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits "82" represent Chapter 82: tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The 3rd-4th digits "06" represent heading 8206: tool sets consisting of tools of two or more of headings 8202 to 8205, put up for retail sale. The 5th-6th digits are the subheading level, but there is no further subdivision under 8206, so the complete code is 820600. For classification, it is first necessary to confirm whether the tools fall within the scope of 8202-8205, and then determine whether they form a set and are put up for retail sale. If the tools come from other chapters (such as 82.01 or 82.07), they cannot be classified under 8206.
Classification Basis
This product is classified under 8206 mainly because it consists of a combination of tools from different headings 8202 to 8205 and is imported in retail packaging. If the tools belong to the same heading (such as all wrenches), even if in a set, they are classified under the specific heading; if they include other headings of Chapter 82 (such as 8201 shovels, 8207 drill bits) or articles not of Chapter 82, they may be classified according to the principal function or separately. 8206 emphasizes "cross-heading combination" and "retail packaging," both of which are indispensable.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, which should reflect "tool set" and the main use, such as "household repair tool set." Brand: Fill in the tool brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the product model or item number to facilitate customs identification and subsequent supervision. Composition of Tool Set: List in detail the name, quantity and corresponding HS code (8202-8205) of each tool, such as "2 wrenches, 3 screwdrivers, 1 pair of pliers." Packaging Method: State whether it is retail packaging, such as "plastic box retail packaging" or "bulk in cartons." Use: Fill in the main use, such as "household repair," "bicycle repair," "electronic assembly." Material: State the main material of the tools, such as "carbon steel," "alloy steel," "stainless steel." Country of Origin: Fill in the country or region of production, which affects tariffs and trade policy. Product Name: household repair tool set; Brand: no brand; Model: HT-2024; Composition of Tool Set: 2 wrenches (8204.11), 3 screwdrivers (8205.40), 1 pair of pliers (8203.20), 1 hammer (8205.20); Packaging Method: plastic box retail packaging; Use: household repair; Material: carbon steel; Country of Origin: China. Mistakenly classifying tool sets not in retail packaging under 8206, when they should actually be classified separately. The tool set contains other headings of Chapter 82 (such as 8201 shovels) that are not excluded, resulting in classification error. When declaring, the corresponding heading of each tool is not listed, and customs cannot verify whether the 8202-8205 scope is satisfied. Mixing power tools (such as electric screwdrivers) with hand tools and declaring them as 8206; power tools should be classified under Chapter 84.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, which should reflect "tool set" and the main use, such as "household repair tool set."
⚠️ Writing only "a set of tools" or "toolbox" without specifying the specific use and composition.
Brand
Fill in the tool brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Mistaking the distributor for the brand, or omitting the brand, leading to infringement risk.
Model
Fill in the product model or item number to facilitate customs identification and subsequent supervision.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual goods, or different models are mixed and declared as one item.
Composition of Tool Set
List in detail the name, quantity and corresponding HS code (8202-8205) of each tool, such as "2 wrenches, 3 screwdrivers, 1 pair of pliers."
⚠️ Writing only "multiple tools" without specifying the specific names and quantities.
Packaging Method
State whether it is retail packaging, such as "plastic box retail packaging" or "bulk in cartons."
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring tool sets not in retail packaging as 8206.
Use
Fill in the main use, such as "household repair," "bicycle repair," "electronic assembly."
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "industrial use," and cannot assist classification.
Material
State the main material of the tools, such as "carbon steel," "alloy steel," "stainless steel."
⚠️ Writing only "metal" without distinguishing the specific type of steel.
Country of Origin
Fill in the country or region of production, which affects tariffs and trade policy.
⚠️ Confusing the country of origin with the country of the brand, or omitting the transit processing location.
Example： Product Name: household repair tool set; Brand: no brand; Model: HT-2024; Composition of Tool Set: 2 wrenches (8204.11), 3 screwdrivers (8205.40), 1 pair of pliers (8203.20), 1 hammer (8205.20); Packaging Method: plastic box retail packaging; Use: household repair; Material: carbon steel; Country of Origin: China.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying tool sets not in retail packaging under 8206, when they should actually be classified separately.
The tool set contains other headings of Chapter 82 (such as 8201 shovels) that are not excluded, resulting in classification error.
When declaring, the corresponding heading of each tool is not listed, and customs cannot verify whether the 8202-8205 scope is satisfied.
Mixing power tools (such as electric screwdrivers) with hand tools and declaring them as 8206; power tools should be classified under Chapter 84.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 82 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 8206. First, the tools must fall within the scope of headings 8202 to 8205, namely hand saws, files, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. Second, they must consist of tools of two or more of the above headings and cannot come from the same heading. Finally, they must be put up for retail sale, that is, sold directly to end users without further packaging. Only when all three conditions are met simultaneously can they be classified under 8206. If any condition is missing, they are classified separately according to the specific tools or under other headings. 8204 Hand-operated wrenches and spanners: 8204 covers only wrench-type tools. If a tool set consists entirely of wrenches, even if in retail packaging, it is classified under 8204, not 8206. 8206 requires a cross-heading combination. 8205 Other hand tools: 8205 covers hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, etc., but if a tool set consists only of tools under 8205, it is still classified under 8205, not 8206. It must involve at least two headings among 8202-8205. 8207 Interchangeable tools for hand tools: 8207 covers interchangeable tools such as drill bits and taps, which are not within the scope of 8202-8205. If a tool set contains articles of 8207, it cannot be classified as a whole under 8206 and must be classified separately. 8467 Portable power tools: 8467 covers electric or pneumatic tools with a power device, while 8206 is limited to hand tools. If a tool set contains power tools, the power tools are classified under 8467, and the hand tools may be classified under 8206 or separately. 9017 Drawing, measuring or checking instruments: 9017 covers measuring tools such as calipers and protractors, which are not tools of Chapter 82. If a tool set contains such articles, it cannot be classified as a whole under 8206 and must be classified according to the principal function or separately. Do all tools fall within headings 8202-8205? Does it consist of tools of two or more different headings? Is it imported in retail packaging? Does it contain power tools or articles of other headings of Chapter 82? Does it contain measuring instruments of Chapter 90 or mechanical appliances of Chapter 84?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 82 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 8206. First, the tools must fall within the scope of headings 8202 to 8205, namely hand saws, files, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. Second, they must consist of tools of two or more of the above headings and cannot come from the same heading. Finally, they must be put up for retail sale, that is, sold directly to end users without further packaging. Only when all three conditions are met simultaneously can they be classified under 8206. If any condition is missing, they are classified separately according to the specific tools or under other headings.
Confused Codes：
8204 - Hand-operated wrenches and spanners
8204 covers only wrench-type tools. If a tool set consists entirely of wrenches, even if in retail packaging, it is classified under 8204, not 8206. 8206 requires a cross-heading combination.
8205 - Other hand tools
8205 covers hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, etc., but if a tool set consists only of tools under 8205, it is still classified under 8205, not 8206. It must involve at least two headings among 8202-8205.
8207 - Interchangeable tools for hand tools
8207 covers interchangeable tools such as drill bits and taps, which are not within the scope of 8202-8205. If a tool set contains articles of 8207, it cannot be classified as a whole under 8206 and must be classified separately.
8467 - Portable power tools
8467 covers electric or pneumatic tools with a power device, while 8206 is limited to hand tools. If a tool set contains power tools, the power tools are classified under 8467, and the hand tools may be classified under 8206 or separately.
9017 - Drawing, measuring or checking instruments
9017 covers measuring tools such as calipers and protractors, which are not tools of Chapter 82. If a tool set contains such articles, it cannot be classified as a whole under 8206 and must be classified according to the principal function or separately.
Self-Check：
✓ Do all tools fall within headings 8202-8205?
✓ Does it consist of tools of two or more different headings?
✓ Is it imported in retail packaging?
✓ Does it contain power tools or articles of other headings of Chapter 82?
✓ Does it contain measuring instruments of Chapter 90 or mechanical appliances of Chapter 84?
❓ FAQ
How can one determine whether a set of tools belongs to HS code 820600? Three conditions must be met simultaneously: 1) all tools fall within headings 8202 to 8205; 2) the tools come from at least two different headings; 3) they are imported in retail packaging. If any condition is missing, they cannot be classified under 8206 and must be classified separately according to the specific tools. If a tool set contains an electric screwdriver, how should it be classified? An electric screwdriver belongs to power tools of 8467 and cannot be classified under 8206. In this case, the electric screwdriver should be classified separately under 8467, and the remaining hand tools, if they meet the conditions for 8206, may be classified under 8206; otherwise, they are classified separately. It is recommended to declare them separately. How is retail packaging defined? Does a tool set in bulk but with sales instructions count? Retail packaging refers to packaging that is sold directly to end users without further packaging, such as plastic boxes, blister cards, and blister packaging. Bulk goods with instructions are generally not regarded as retail packaging unless the packaging state is already suitable for direct retail sale. Customs will judge based on the actual packaging and sales practices. A tool set contains a file (8203) and a wrench (8204), but the packaging is an industrial carton. Where is it classified? Because it is not retail packaging, it cannot be classified under 8206. The file is classified under 8203 and the wrench under 8204, and they must be declared separately. If imported as a set of industrial tools, it may be classified as a whole, but this depends on the customs classification decision. How can the export rebate and import tariff for 820600 be checked? You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Customs Tariff" query system, enter 820600 to obtain the latest tax rate. You can also consult a customs broker or use a third-party trade data platform. Note that tax rates are adjusted with policy changes and the rate at the time of declaration shall prevail. How should the HS code be declared for tool sets sold via cross-border e-commerce? If the set consists of tools of different headings 8202-8205 and is in retail packaging, it may be declared as 820600. If it contains articles of other chapters, they must be declared separately. Cross-border e-commerce should note the personal article limit and it is recommended to declare truthfully according to the actual composition to avoid customs clearance risks. What is the difference between 820600 and 820559? 820559 is a subheading under 8205, covering other hand tools (such as hammers, screwdrivers, etc.), but only within a single heading. 820600 is a cross-heading tool set. If a set of tools consists entirely of tools under 8205, even if in retail packaging, it is classified under 8205, not 8206. What additional documents are required when declaring 820600? Usually a packing list, invoice, contract, product instructions or color pictures are required to prove the tool composition and retail packaging. If customs questions the classification, it may require the specific heading and material proof of each tool. It is recommended to keep complete supply chain documents.
Q: How can one determine whether a set of tools belongs to HS code 820600?
A: Three conditions must be met simultaneously: 1) all tools fall within headings 8202 to 8205; 2) the tools come from at least two different headings; 3) they are imported in retail packaging. If any condition is missing, they cannot be classified under 8206 and must be classified separately according to the specific tools.
Q: If a tool set contains an electric screwdriver, how should it be classified?
A: An electric screwdriver belongs to power tools of 8467 and cannot be classified under 8206. In this case, the electric screwdriver should be classified separately under 8467, and the remaining hand tools, if they meet the conditions for 8206, may be classified under 8206; otherwise, they are classified separately. It is recommended to declare them separately.
Q: How is retail packaging defined? Does a tool set in bulk but with sales instructions count?
A: Retail packaging refers to packaging that is sold directly to end users without further packaging, such as plastic boxes, blister cards, and blister packaging. Bulk goods with instructions are generally not regarded as retail packaging unless the packaging state is already suitable for direct retail sale. Customs will judge based on the actual packaging and sales practices.
Q: A tool set contains a file (8203) and a wrench (8204), but the packaging is an industrial carton. Where is it classified?
A: Because it is not retail packaging, it cannot be classified under 8206. The file is classified under 8203 and the wrench under 8204, and they must be declared separately. If imported as a set of industrial tools, it may be classified as a whole, but this depends on the customs classification decision.
Q: How can the export rebate and import tariff for 820600 be checked?
A: You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use the "Customs Tariff" query system, enter 820600 to obtain the latest tax rate. You can also consult a customs broker or use a third-party trade data platform. Note that tax rates are adjusted with policy changes and the rate at the time of declaration shall prevail.
Q: How should the HS code be declared for tool sets sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: If the set consists of tools of different headings 8202-8205 and is in retail packaging, it may be declared as 820600. If it contains articles of other chapters, they must be declared separately. Cross-border e-commerce should note the personal article limit and it is recommended to declare truthfully according to the actual composition to avoid customs clearance risks.
Q: What is the difference between 820600 and 820559?
A: 820559 is a subheading under 8205, covering other hand tools (such as hammers, screwdrivers, etc.), but only within a single heading. 820600 is a cross-heading tool set. If a set of tools consists entirely of tools under 8205, even if in retail packaging, it is classified under 8205, not 8206.
Q: What additional documents are required when declaring 820600?
A: Usually a packing list, invoice, contract, product instructions or color pictures are required to prove the tool composition and retail packaging. If customs questions the classification, it may require the specific heading and material proof of each tool. It is recommended to keep complete supply chain documents.
⚠️ 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.