HS code for tweezers
The U.S. HS code for tweezers is usually 8203.20.20.00 (stainless steel), with a 4% general duty and an estimated total of 16.5% from China and 16.5% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 41.5% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | 8203.20.20.00 | 4% | 16.5% |
- 8203.20.20.00: Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof / Tweezers
What decides the code
Stainless steel tweezers are classified as base metal handtools under heading 8203, specifically in the tweezers subheading 8203.20.20.00.
- The article is a handtool with two arms that grip small items, which places it in heading 8203 as tweezers.
- The material is base metal, here stainless steel, which heading 8203 requires for the tool and its parts.
- The tool is tweezers rather than pliers or pincers, which directs it to the tweezers subheading 8203.20.20.00.
Common mistakes
- Classifying steel tweezers in 8205 as other handtools is wrong because heading 8203 names tweezers directly.
- Classifying tweezers by metal composition in Chapter 73 is wrong because heading 8203 covers these base metal handtools.
- Classifying cosmetic or splinter tweezers as manicure or pedicure sets in 8214 is wrong because 8203.20.20.00 covers tweezers as handtools.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 16.5% = 4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 41.5%.
- Vietnam
- 16.5% = 4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8203.20.20.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Stainless steel
- CN 8203 20 00, 1.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for tweezers?
The U.S. HTS code for tweezers is usually 8203.20.20.00 (stainless steel). The first six digits, 8203.20, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on tweezers from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8203.20.20.00 is 4%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 16.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 16.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 8203.20.20.00Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools, and parts thereof / Tweezers
- Heading 8203Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.