Heading 8203

Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof

11 declarable lines

Heading 8203 covers handtools for gripping, filing, cutting and punching metal and other materials, plus base metal parts of those tools. It is split first by tool type: files and rasps, pliers and tweezers, metal cutting shears, and pipe cutters, bolt cutters and punches. Within each group the lines turn on size or on the metal content of the cutting part.

Products in this heading

Files and rasps for metalwork
Slip joint pliers
Cutting pliers and pincers
Tweezers
Tin snips and metal cutting shears
Pipe cutters
Bolt cutters
Perforating punches

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the tool type first: file or rasp, pliers or tweezers, metal cutting shear, or pipe cutter and bolt cutter.
For files and rasps, measure overall length: not over 11 cm, over 11 cm but not over 17 cm, or over 17 cm.
For pliers and similar tools, decide whether the item is tweezers, slip joint pliers, other pliers, or a part.
For pipe cutters, bolt cutters and punches, check whether the cutting part contains over 0.2% chromium, molybdenum or tungsten, or over 0.1% vanadium.
Confirm whether the item is a complete tool or a base metal part, since parts are often given a separate line.

Often confused with

Hand-operated wrenches and spanners
Wrenches and spanners have their own heading, 8204, even when sold alongside pliers.
Heading 8204
Hammers, screwdrivers and other handtools not named in 8203
Handtools not elsewhere specified or included fall in 8205.
Heading 8205
Handsaws and saw blades
Saws and saw blades are covered by 8202, not by the cutting tools of 8203.
Heading 8202
Secateurs, pruners and hedge shears
Agricultural and horticultural cutting tools are classified in 8201.
Heading 8201
Interchangeable punching dies for power presses
Interchangeable tools for machine-tools go in 8207 rather than as handtools.
Heading 8207

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for tweezers?

Tweezers are classified under 8203.20.20.00. The general (MFN) rate for that line is 4%.

What is the duty on slip joint pliers?

Slip joint pliers fall under 8203.20.40.00. The general (MFN) rate is 12%.

How do I classify a pipe cutter?

If the cutting part contains by weight over 0.2% of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten, or over 0.1% of vanadium, use 8203.40.30.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 6%. Otherwise use 8203.40.60.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 3.3%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.