HS-2 · Chapter 82
HS chapter 82: Tools, implements, cutlery
Section XV — Base metals and articles of base metal
Goods classified under this chapter include hand tools like shovels and axes, as well as kitchen cutlery such as knives and forks. For instance, if you're importing a shipment of stainless steel kitchen knives, HS-82 is relevant for determining the correct classification.
To narrow down to HS-4 codes, first identify the specific type of tool or cutlery. For example, if your product is a hand-operated wrench, you would look at heading 8204. If it’s a set of various hand tools, consider heading 8206. Pay attention to the descriptions to avoid confusion with similar items.
When drilling down to HS-6 codes, check the product's packaging and intended use. For instance, a set of kitchen knives would fall under 8211 or 8214, depending on the specific features. Ensure you review any applicable notes in the tariff to confirm the correct classification.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
hand tools · cutlery · kitchen knives · garden tools · mechanical appliances · scissors · spanners and wrenches · razor blades · hand-operated tools · metal cutting tools · agricultural implements · tool sets · food preparation tools · base metal tools · interchangeable tools · saw blades · cutting implements
Continue classification
Parent context
Nearby siblings
Related actions
Next best action
Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.
Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- HS code for stainless steel kitchen knives
- classification of hand-operated tools in HS-82
- how to classify garden tools under HS-82
- differences between HS-8204 and HS-8205 explained
- finding the right HS-6 code for hand tools
- importing food preparation tools and HS classification
- packaging requirements for cutlery imports
- determining HS codes for tool sets
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Stainless steel kitchen knives
- Hand-operated spanners and wrenches
- Garden spades and shovels
- Cutlery sets including forks and spoons
- Mechanical appliances for food preparation
- Scissors and shears for fabric cutting
- Razor blades and shaving tools
- Portable hand tools for woodworking
Common classification questions
- What are the HS codes for kitchen knives?
- How to classify hand tools in HS-82?
- Are garden spades covered under HS-82?
- What is the difference between HS-8204 and HS-8205?
- How do I find the correct HS-6 code for my tools?
- Can I classify my food preparation tools under HS-82?
- What are the packaging requirements for importing cutlery?
- How to determine the correct HS code for a set of tools?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products fall under HS-82?
- HS-82 covers hand tools, cutlery, and implements made of base metal, including items like shovels, knives, and scissors.
- How do I choose between HS-8201 and HS-8204?
- Select HS-8201 for agricultural tools like spades and hoes, and HS-8204 for hand-operated wrenches and spanners.
- What should I check before classifying my tools?
- Review the product's form, intended use, and packaging details to ensure accurate classification under the correct HS-4 code.
- Are there specific notes I should consider in HS-82?
- Yes, check the chapter notes for any specific exclusions or inclusions that may affect your product's classification.
- Can I classify a set of kitchen utensils under HS-82?
- Yes, if the set includes items like knives and forks, you would typically classify it under HS-8214 or HS-8215, depending on the specific items.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 82 (15)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 8201 | Tools, hand; spades, shovels, mattocks, picks, hoes, forks, rakes; axes, bill hooks etc; secateurs and pruners of any kind; scythes, sickles, hay knives, hedge shears, timber wedges and other tools used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry | |
| 8202 | Tools, hand; saws and blades for saws of all kinds (including slitting, slotting or toothless saw blades) | |
| 8203 | Tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar | |
| 8204 | Tools, hand; hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches but not including tap wrenches), interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles | |
| 8205 | Tools, hand; (including glaziers' diamonds) n.e.c.; blow lamps; vices, clamps etc, other than accessories for and parts of, machine-tools or water-jet cutting machines; anvils; portable forges; hand or pedal operated grinding wheels with frameworks | |
| 8206 | Tools, hand; two or more of heading no. 8202 to 8205, put up in sets for retail sale | |
| 8207 | Tools, interchangeable; for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine tools (pressing, stamping, punching, drilling etc), including dies for drawing or extruding metal, and rock drilling or earth boring tools | |
| 8208 | Knives and cutting blades, for machines or for mechanical appliances | |
| 8209 | Tools; plates, sticks, tips and the like for tools, unmounted, of sintered metal carbides or cermets | |
| 8210 | Tools; hand-operated mechanical appliances, weighing 10kg or less, used in the preparation, conditioning or serving of food or drink | |
| 8211 | Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading no. 8208, and blades therefore | |
| 8212 | Razors and razor blades; (including razor blade blanks in strips) | |
| 8213 | Scissors; tailors' shears and similar shears, and blades therefore | |
| 8214 | Cutlery; other articles, (e.g. hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, choppers and mincing knives, paper knives), manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files) | |
| 8215 | Cutlery; spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar kitchen or tableware |
Browse first heading (HS-4 8201)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (8201). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.