HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8203.30 – Tools, hand; metal cutting shears and similar tools
HS code 8203.30 is the 6-digit subheading for tools, hand, metal cutting shears and similar tools. It is used for tin snips, aviation snips, bolt cutters (small hand-held), heavy-duty wire cutters and sheet metal shears.
What HS 8203.30 covers
This HS code covers hand-operated tools specifically engineered for cutting metal, ranging from thin sheets and wires to small rods. These tools are indispensable in sectors like sheet metal fabrication, HVAC installation, automotive repair, and electrical work, where precise and efficient metal cutting is required. Importers include industrial suppliers, construction material distributors, and automotive parts retailers, catering to both professional trades and specialized manufacturing. Exporters are often specialized tool manufacturers known for producing robust, high-leverage cutting solutions that can withstand demanding use. Key features influencing trade include the blade material (e.g., hardened steel), the tool's cutting capacity for different metal gauges, and ergonomic handle designs that facilitate efficient force transfer and reduce user fatigue during prolonged use.
- Covers
- Tin snips
- Aviation snips
- Bolt cutters (small hand-held)
- Heavy-duty wire cutters
- Sheet metal shears
- Rebar cutters (manual)
- Cable cutters
- Compound action snips
- Examples
- Wiss Tin Snips
- Klein Tools Bolt Cutters
- Crescent Wire Cutters
- Stanley Aviation Snips
Codes often confused with 8203.30
Common mistake. Can be confused with general-purpose scissors (821300) if not clearly designed for metal, or with power-operated cutting tools (Chapter 84) if not hand-operated.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 820330, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 820330 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 $57M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $40M 19% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$31M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $216M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $49M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $15M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 France $9.8M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $213M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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.
Brazil NCM code for 8203.30
Brazil does not split HS 8203.30: its NCM code is 8203.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 82.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8203.30
What is HS code 820330?
HS code 820330 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tools, hand; metal cutting shears and similar tools. This HS code covers hand-operated tools specifically engineered for cutting metal, ranging from thin sheets and wires to small rods. These tools are indispensable in sectors like sheet metal fabrication, HVAC installation, automotive repair, and electrical work, where precise and efficient metal cutting is required. Importers include industrial suppliers, construction material distributors, and automotive parts retailers, catering to both professional trades and specialized manufacturing. Exporters are often specialized tool manufacturers known for producing robust, high-leverage cutting solutions that can withstand demanding use. Key features influencing trade include the blade material (e.g., hardened steel), the tool's cutting capacity for different metal gauges, and ergonomic handle designs that facilitate efficient force transfer and reduce user fatigue during prolonged use.
What products fall under HS code 820330?
Tin snips, aviation snips, bolt cutters (small hand-held), heavy-duty wire cutters, sheet metal shears, rebar cutters (manual), cable cutters, compound action snips
What are common misclassifications for HS code 820330?
Can be confused with general-purpose scissors (821300) if not clearly designed for metal, or with power-operated cutting tools (Chapter 84) if not hand-operated.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 820330?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 820330 in UN Comtrade data were China ($57M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($40M) and Taiwan (about $31M). World exports came to about $216M, 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 820330?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 820330 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($49M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($15M) and France ($9.8M). World imports came to about $213M, 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 820330 structured?
HS code 820330 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (82) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 820330?
In Brazil, HS code 820330 is NCM 8203.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.