HS code · 2-digit chapter
HS Code 82 – Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal
What HS 82 covers
Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses a vast and diverse range of articles made primarily from base metals, which are essential for various industries, crafts, and everyday life. This chapter broadly covers 'Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal.' Its scope is defined by the material (base metal) and the functional purpose of the articles, primarily focusing on hand-operated tools and implements, as well as kitchen and table cutlery. It generally excludes tools with working parts made of non-base metal materials like ceramics or industrial diamonds, unless the base metal component gives them their essential character. Crucially, it delineates simple hand tools and implements from more complex machinery and power-operated tools, which fall under Chapters 84 or 85. Key sub-categories include hand tools for agriculture and general use (e.g., spades, screwdrivers, wrenches), saws and saw blades, various cutting tools (knives, scissors, razors), and household cutlery (spoons, forks). Accurate classification under Chapter 82 is paramount for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable duty rates, eligibility for preferential trade agreements, and adherence to import/export regulations. Historically, the trade in tools has been fundamental to economic development, and this chapter reflects the globalized manufacturing and distribution of these ubiquitous items. Major headings within this chapter cover everything from agricultural hand tools (8201) and various pliers and files (8203) to interchangeable tools for machines (8207) and all forms of cutlery (8211-8215), underscoring its broad application in global trade.
- Covers
- Phillips head screwdrivers
- Adjustable crescent wrenches
- Needle-nose pliers
- Claw hammers
- Steel measuring tapes
- Retractable utility knives
- Garden trowels
- Round point shovels
- Wood chisels
- Metal files
- Hacksaw blades
- HSS drill bits
- Milling cutters for metalworking
- Chef's knives
- Stainless steel dinner forks
- Dessert spoons
- Table butter knives
- Manicure scissors
- Hairdressing shears
- Double-edge razor blades
- Meat cleavers
- Hand-operated can openers
- Corkscrews
- Nutcrackers
- Garden hoes
- Examples
A German manufacturer of high-quality hand tools, including chrome-vanadium steel wrenches and screwdrivers, exports a container load to a major industrial distributor in the United States via the North Atlantic shipping route. These tools are classified under various headings within Chapter 82, such as 8204 for wrenches and 8205 for screwdrivers and pliers, benefiting from specific tariff rates under the WTO Most Favored Nation (MFN) framework. Separately, a Chinese factory specializing in mass-produced stainless steel spoon and fork sets ships large volumes to supermarket chains across Europe, often utilizing sea freight through the Suez Canal. These household items are correctly categorized under heading 8215, requiring careful documentation to meet EU import regulations. An Indian company exports durable steel agricultural hand tools like spades, hoes, and rakes to developing nations in Africa and Southeast Asia. These essential farming implements fall under heading 8201, and their trade often benefits from preferential tariff treatment under various regional trade agreements, supporting agricultural development initiatives. Furthermore, a Japanese precision toolmaker ships specialized interchangeable carbide drill bits and milling inserts for industrial applications to automotive factories in Mexico and Canada, leveraging air freight for expedited delivery. These high-value items are classified under heading 8207, and their trade is streamlined by the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), ensuring duty-free access or reduced tariffs. Finally, a U.S. hardware wholesaler imports a mixed container of various hand tools, including hammers, utility knives, and measuring tapes, from Taiwan and Vietnam, destined for retail sale across the U.S., classified under headings like 8205 and 8211. The importer must navigate potential Section 301 tariffs on goods from certain origins while also exploring Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits for eligible products from Vietnam.
Headings in chapter 82 15
Codes often confused with 82
Common mistake. Common misclassifications in Chapter 82 often arise from confusing simple hand tools with power-operated tools or parts of machinery. For instance, an electric drill, despite performing a 'tool' function, is a power-operated hand tool and should be classified under Chapter 84 (e.g., 8467), not Chapter 82, which is for non-powered hand tools. Another frequent error involves distinguishing between machine knives (8208) and integral parts of specific machines classified elsewhere. While Chapter 82 covers 'parts thereof, of base metal,' a specialized cutting blade designed exclusively for a food processing machine (Chapter 84) might fall under that machine's chapter as a 'part' rather than in 8208. Similarly, interchangeable tools like drill bits (8207) must be correctly identified as tools rather than a machine's permanent fixture or part. Conversely, a base metal component of a machine that also has a 'tool-like' function but is primarily a machine part (e.g., a specific gear for a hand tool manufacturing machine) would likely be classified in Chapter 84 or 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 82, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 82 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $24.5B 32% of world exports
- 2 Germany $10.6B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $4.4B 5.8% of world exports
World total: $76.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $11.2B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $7.1B 9.7% of world imports
- 3 France $2.8B 3.9% of world imports
World total: $73.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 82
What is HS code 82?
HS code 82 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal. Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System (HS) encompasses a vast and diverse range of articles made primarily from base metals, which are essential for various industries, crafts, and everyday life. This chapter broadly covers 'Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal.' Its scope is defined by the material (base metal) and the functional purpose of the articles, primarily focusing on hand-operated tools and implements, as well as kitchen and table cutlery. It generally excludes tools with working parts made of non-base metal materials like ceramics or industrial diamonds, unless the base metal component gives them their essential character. Crucially, it delineates simple hand tools and implements from more complex machinery and power-operated tools, which fall under Chapters 84 or 85. Key sub-categories include hand tools for agriculture and general use (e.g., spades, screwdrivers, wrenches), saws and saw blades, various cutting tools (knives, scissors, razors), and household cutlery (spoons, forks). Accurate classification under Chapter 82 is paramount for trade compliance, directly impacting applicable duty rates, eligibility for preferential trade agreements, and adherence to import/export regulations. Historically, the trade in tools has been fundamental to economic development, and this chapter reflects the globalized manufacturing and distribution of these ubiquitous items. Major headings within this chapter cover everything from agricultural hand tools (8201) and various pliers and files (8203) to interchangeable tools for machines (8207) and all forms of cutlery (8211-8215), underscoring its broad application in global trade.
What products fall under HS code 82?
Phillips head screwdrivers, adjustable crescent wrenches, needle-nose pliers, claw hammers, steel measuring tapes, retractable utility knives, garden trowels, round point shovels, wood chisels, metal files, hacksaw blades, HSS drill bits, milling cutters for metalworking, chef's knives, stainless steel dinner forks, dessert spoons, table butter knives, manicure scissors, hairdressing shears, double-edge razor blades, meat cleavers, hand-operated can openers, corkscrews, nutcrackers, garden hoes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 82?
Common misclassifications in Chapter 82 often arise from confusing simple hand tools with power-operated tools or parts of machinery. For instance, an electric drill, despite performing a 'tool' function, is a power-operated hand tool and should be classified under Chapter 84 (e.g., 8467), not Chapter 82, which is for non-powered hand tools. Another frequent error involves distinguishing between machine knives (8208) and integral parts of specific machines classified elsewhere. While Chapter 82 covers 'parts thereof, of base metal,' a specialized cutting blade designed exclusively for a food processing machine (Chapter 84) might fall under that machine's chapter as a 'part' rather than in 8208. Similarly, interchangeable tools like drill bits (8207) must be correctly identified as tools rather than a machine's permanent fixture or part. Conversely, a base metal component of a machine that also has a 'tool-like' function but is primarily a machine part (e.g., a specific gear for a hand tool manufacturing machine) would likely be classified in Chapter 84 or 85.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 82?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 82 in UN Comtrade data were China ($24.5B, 32% of world exports), Germany ($10.6B) and the United States ($4.4B). World exports came to about $76.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 82?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 82 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11.2B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($7.1B) and France ($2.8B). World imports came to about $73.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 82 structured?
HS code 82 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.