Chapter 84 is the major category in HS classification covering machinery, mechanical appliances and their parts and accessories, including power machinery, metalworking machine tools, industrial robots, office machines, automatic data processing equipment, bearings, transmission devices, etc. The core characteristic of this chapter is that goods must have a mechanical function or serve as dedicated parts and accessories of machinery, and it generally excludes electric tools (Chapter 85), vehicles (Chapter 87) and optical instruments (Chapter 90). Heading 8466 covers parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465, including work holders, tool holders, dividing heads, automatic tool changers, and dedicated accessories such as guide rails and lead screws for machine tools. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include general mechanical parts (such as bolts and gears), nor does it include electric tools or hand tools that work independently. First 2 digits 84: belongs to Chapter 84, machinery and mechanical appliances, indicating that the goods are mechanical equipment or their parts and accessories. Digits 3-4, 66: heading 8466, specifically referring to parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465. Digits 5-6, 10: subheading 8466.10, specifically tool holders, i.e. devices used to hold tools, such as milling cutter chucks, drill chucks, tool posts, etc. This subheading is parallel to 8466.20 (work holders) and 8466.30 (dividing heads and other special attachments), and the key distinction lies in whether the object being held is a tool or a workpiece. This product is a tool holder for machine tools; its function is to hold cutting tools, it is a dedicated accessory for machine tools, and it does not constitute a complete machine tool. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, it should be classified under heading 8466, and according to its characteristic of holding tools, under subheading 8466.10. If it is a work holder, it is classified under 8466.20; if it is a dividing head, under 8466.30; if it is a general chuck (such as a hand drill chuck), it may be classified under 8467 or 8205, etc.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the major category in HS classification covering machinery, mechanical appliances and their parts and accessories, including power machinery, metalworking machine tools, industrial robots, office machines, automatic data processing equipment, bearings, transmission devices, etc. The core characteristic of this chapter is that goods must have a mechanical function or serve as dedicated parts and accessories of machinery, and it generally excludes electric tools (Chapter 85), vehicles (Chapter 87) and optical instruments (Chapter 90).
Heading
Heading 8466 covers parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465, including work holders, tool holders, dividing heads, automatic tool changers, and dedicated accessories such as guide rails and lead screws for machine tools. However, it should be noted that this heading does not include general mechanical parts (such as bolts and gears), nor does it include electric tools or hand tools that work independently.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 84: belongs to Chapter 84, machinery and mechanical appliances, indicating that the goods are mechanical equipment or their parts and accessories. Digits 3-4, 66: heading 8466, specifically referring to parts and accessories suitable for use solely or principally with the machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465. Digits 5-6, 10: subheading 8466.10, specifically tool holders, i.e. devices used to hold tools, such as milling cutter chucks, drill chucks, tool posts, etc. This subheading is parallel to 8466.20 (work holders) and 8466.30 (dividing heads and other special attachments), and the key distinction lies in whether the object being held is a tool or a workpiece.
Classification Basis
This product is a tool holder for machine tools; its function is to hold cutting tools, it is a dedicated accessory for machine tools, and it does not constitute a complete machine tool. According to General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6, it should be classified under heading 8466, and according to its characteristic of holding tools, under subheading 8466.10. If it is a work holder, it is classified under 8466.20; if it is a dividing head, under 8466.30; if it is a general chuck (such as a hand drill chuck), it may be classified under 8467 or 8205, etc.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect their function, such as "milling cutter chuck" or "tool post". Use: Explain the type of machine tool and the object being processed for which the holder is used, such as "used on CNC milling machines to hold milling cutters". Material: Declare the main material of the holder, such as alloy steel, tool steel, cemented carbide, etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "unbranded". Model: Fill in the model or specification of the product, such as "BT40-ER32-100". Applicable machine tool: Indicate the type of machine tool for which the holder is dedicated or principally used, such as "machining center" or "CNC lathe". Clamping method: Explain the principle by which the tool is held, such as "spring collet", "hydraulic chuck", or "heat-shrink chuck". Product name: CNC milling cutter chuck; Use: used on machining centers to hold milling cutters; Material: alloy steel; Brand: Sandvik; Model: BT40-ER32-100; Applicable machine tool: machining center; Clamping method: spring collet. Confusing tool holders with work holders and incorrectly classifying under 8466.20. Mistakenly classifying general chucks (such as hand drill chucks) under 8466.10, when they should actually be classified under 8467 or 8205. Failure to provide applicable machine tool information, making it impossible to determine whether it is a dedicated accessory under heading 8466.
Product name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect their function, such as "milling cutter chuck" or "tool post".
⚠️ Writing only "fixture" or "tool" without clarifying whether it holds a tool or a workpiece.
Use
Explain the type of machine tool and the object being processed for which the holder is used, such as "used on CNC milling machines to hold milling cutters".
⚠️ Writing "used for machining", which is too general to determine specificity.
Material
Declare the main material of the holder, such as alloy steel, tool steel, cemented carbide, etc.
⚠️ Writing only "metal" without specifying the type of steel or composition.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "unbranded".
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the trader's brand as the manufacturer's brand.
Model
Fill in the model or specification of the product, such as "BT40-ER32-100".
⚠️ Incomplete model number or one that does not match the actual product.
Applicable machine tool
Indicate the type of machine tool for which the holder is dedicated or principally used, such as "machining center" or "CNC lathe".
⚠️ Not filling it in or filling in "multiple machine tools", leading to classification disputes.
Clamping method
Explain the principle by which the tool is held, such as "spring collet", "hydraulic chuck", or "heat-shrink chuck".
⚠️ Not explaining the clamping method, which affects subheading determination.
Example： Product name: CNC milling cutter chuck; Use: used on machining centers to hold milling cutters; Material: alloy steel; Brand: Sandvik; Model: BT40-ER32-100; Applicable machine tool: machining center; Clamping method: spring collet.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing tool holders with work holders and incorrectly classifying under 8466.20.
Mistakenly classifying general chucks (such as hand drill chucks) under 8466.10, when they should actually be classified under 8467 or 8205.
Failure to provide applicable machine tool information, making it impossible to determine whether it is a dedicated accessory under heading 8466.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1) whether the goods are dedicated or principally used with the machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465; 2) whether the function of the goods is to hold tools; 3) whether they have independent working capability. If they are general fixtures or independent tools, they are excluded. Reference should also be made to the definitions of 8466 in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, as well as General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6. 8466.20 Work holders: 8466.20 holds workpieces, such as chucks and vises; 8466.10 holds tools. The key distinction lies in the object being held. 8466.30 Dividing heads and other special attachments: 8466.30 includes dividing heads, automatic tool changers, etc., while 8466.10 refers only to tool holders. 8205.70 Chucks for hand tools: 8205.70 refers to chucks for hand tools, such as hand drill chucks; 8466.10 refers to tool holders for machine tools. 8467.xx Portable electric tools: 8467 covers portable electric tools; their chucks, if as parts, may be classified under 8467.91, etc., rather than 8466.10. 8487.90 Machine parts: 8487.90 covers machinery parts not specified elsewhere; if a holder is not dedicated for use with the machine tools of heading 8466, it may be classified here. Is it dedicated or principally used with machine tools of headings 8456-8465? Is it used to hold tools rather than workpieces? Does it have independent working capability? Is it a general fixture rather than a dedicated accessory? Is it clearly distinguished from the adjacent subheadings 8466.20 and 8466.30?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1) whether the goods are dedicated or principally used with the machine tools of headings 8456 to 8465; 2) whether the function of the goods is to hold tools; 3) whether they have independent working capability. If they are general fixtures or independent tools, they are excluded. Reference should also be made to the definitions of 8466 in the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, as well as General Rules of Interpretation 1 and 6.
Confused Codes：
8466.20 - Work holders
8466.20 holds workpieces, such as chucks and vises; 8466.10 holds tools. The key distinction lies in the object being held.
8466.30 - Dividing heads and other special attachments
8466.30 includes dividing heads, automatic tool changers, etc., while 8466.10 refers only to tool holders.
8205.70 - Chucks for hand tools
8205.70 refers to chucks for hand tools, such as hand drill chucks; 8466.10 refers to tool holders for machine tools.
8467.xx - Portable electric tools
8467 covers portable electric tools; their chucks, if as parts, may be classified under 8467.91, etc., rather than 8466.10.
8487.90 - Machine parts
8487.90 covers machinery parts not specified elsewhere; if a holder is not dedicated for use with the machine tools of heading 8466, it may be classified here.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it dedicated or principally used with machine tools of headings 8456-8465?
✓ Is it used to hold tools rather than workpieces?
✓ Does it have independent working capability?
✓ Is it a general fixture rather than a dedicated accessory?
✓ Is it clearly distinguished from the adjacent subheadings 8466.20 and 8466.30?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 8466.10? You can check the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax by entering HS code 846610 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party tariff inquiry tools. Note that tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin under preferential rates, so the latest tariff schedule should be used. How should tool holders and work holders be distinguished at declaration? Tool holders are used to hold cutting tools, such as milling cutters and drills; work holders are used to hold the workpiece being processed, such as chucks and vises. At declaration, the object being held should be clearly described, and the applicable machine tool and clamping method should be provided so that customs can classify correctly. Are tool holders for CNC machine tools classified under 8466.10 or as complete machine tools? If the tool holder is imported separately and not assembled with a machine tool, it should be classified under 8466.10. If it is imported together with a machine tool and forms a complete machine, it is classified as a complete machine. A separately imported holder is a dedicated accessory and, even if used for a CNC machine tool, is still classified under 8466.10. Does 8466.10 include heat-shrink chucks? Yes. A heat-shrink chuck is a type of tool holder that uses thermal expansion and contraction to hold tools and is dedicated for machine tools, so it should be classified under 8466.10. At declaration, it is necessary to state that the clamping method is heat shrink and provide information such as material and model. If a tool holder is general-purpose and can be used on multiple machine tools, how should it be classified? If the holder can be used generally on multiple machine tools and is not dedicated for use with the machine tools of headings 8456-8465, it may be classified under 8487.90 or other relevant headings. However, if its main design is still for machine tools and it meets the terms of heading 8466, it may still be classified under 8466.10. Detailed technical information is recommended. When exporting tool holders to the EU, is the HS code the same? The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are the same as those of China, namely 846610. However, the later digits may differ due to EU internal subdivisions. When exporting, declaration should be made according to the EU TARIC code, and attention should be paid to the EU's special regulations on machine tool accessories. What are common errors in the declaration elements for tool holders during customs declaration? Common errors include: writing the product name generally as "fixture" without distinguishing tool/workpiece; writing the use as "machining"; writing the material only as "metal"; failing to provide the applicable machine tool; and incomplete model numbers. These may cause customs to question the classification and delay clearance. Are goods under 8466.10 subject to export controls? If tool holders are used for high-precision machine tools, they may involve dual-use item export controls. It is necessary to check the Dual-Use Items Export Control List to confirm whether an export license is required. General-purpose holders are generally not involved, but high-precision, high-rigidity holders may be controlled.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 8466.10?
A: You can check the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate and consumption tax by entering HS code 846610 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party tariff inquiry tools. Note that tariff rates may vary depending on trade agreements and country of origin under preferential rates, so the latest tariff schedule should be used.
Q: How should tool holders and work holders be distinguished at declaration?
A: Tool holders are used to hold cutting tools, such as milling cutters and drills; work holders are used to hold the workpiece being processed, such as chucks and vises. At declaration, the object being held should be clearly described, and the applicable machine tool and clamping method should be provided so that customs can classify correctly.
Q: Are tool holders for CNC machine tools classified under 8466.10 or as complete machine tools?
A: If the tool holder is imported separately and not assembled with a machine tool, it should be classified under 8466.10. If it is imported together with a machine tool and forms a complete machine, it is classified as a complete machine. A separately imported holder is a dedicated accessory and, even if used for a CNC machine tool, is still classified under 8466.10.
Q: Does 8466.10 include heat-shrink chucks?
A: Yes. A heat-shrink chuck is a type of tool holder that uses thermal expansion and contraction to hold tools and is dedicated for machine tools, so it should be classified under 8466.10. At declaration, it is necessary to state that the clamping method is heat shrink and provide information such as material and model.
Q: If a tool holder is general-purpose and can be used on multiple machine tools, how should it be classified?
A: If the holder can be used generally on multiple machine tools and is not dedicated for use with the machine tools of headings 8456-8465, it may be classified under 8487.90 or other relevant headings. However, if its main design is still for machine tools and it meets the terms of heading 8466, it may still be classified under 8466.10. Detailed technical information is recommended.
Q: When exporting tool holders to the EU, is the HS code the same?
A: The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are the same as those of China, namely 846610. However, the later digits may differ due to EU internal subdivisions. When exporting, declaration should be made according to the EU TARIC code, and attention should be paid to the EU's special regulations on machine tool accessories.
Q: What are common errors in the declaration elements for tool holders during customs declaration?
A: Common errors include: writing the product name generally as "fixture" without distinguishing tool/workpiece; writing the use as "machining"; writing the material only as "metal"; failing to provide the applicable machine tool; and incomplete model numbers. These may cause customs to question the classification and delay clearance.
Q: Are goods under 8466.10 subject to export controls?
A: If tool holders are used for high-precision machine tools, they may involve dual-use item export controls. It is necessary to check the Dual-Use Items Export Control List to confirm whether an export license is required. General-purpose holders are generally not involved, but high-precision, high-rigidity holders may be controlled.
⚠️ 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.