Product classification
HS code for Billhooks: 8201.40
Tools, hand, axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools, of a kind used in agriculture, horticulture or forestry.
Classification of billhooks under HS 8201.40
The HS code 8201.40 is designated for billhooks, axes, and similar hewing tools. This classification is situated within Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Heading 8201 specifically addresses hand tools of a kind used in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry. The billhook is a traditional tool used for cutting smaller woody material, such as hedging, thinning, and brush clearing. Its classification under 8201.40 is determined by its physical form—typically a single-edged blade with a hooked end—and its manual operation. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) require that the tool be made primarily of base metal to fall under this chapter. Furthermore, the tool must be designed for hand use; any version of a billhook that is integrated into a machine or powered by a motor would be classified elsewhere, likely in Chapter 84. The distinction between a billhook and a standard knife (Chapter 8211) is based on its heavy-duty construction and its specific agricultural or forestry application.
- Covers
- Traditional curved billhooks
- Brush hooks
- Slasher tools for forestry
- Hand-held hewing tools
- Also under 8201.40
- Gränsfors Bruk Felling Axe
- Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe
- Husqvarna Forest Axe
- Estwing Camp Axe
Codes often confused with 8201.40
Common mistake. Billhooks are sometimes misclassified under 8201.90, which is a residual category for other hand tools. They may also be confused with hand saws (8202.10) or general-purpose knives (8211.92). If the tool is part of a power-operated agricultural machine, it would be classified under 8436.80 rather than as a hand tool.
Top exporters and importers of HS 820140 (the code used for billhooks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820140 (the code used for billhooks) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 820140, not only billhooks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $106M 40% of world exports
- 2 Colombia $21M 8.0% of world exports
- 3 El Salvador $13M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $266M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $39M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $18M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Poland $13M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $243M 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.
Brazil NCM code for billhooks
Brazil classifies billhooks under NCM 8201.40.00: HS 8201.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about billhooks
What is the HS code for Billhooks?
The HS code for Billhooks is 820140 (Tools, hand; axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools, of a kind used in agriculture, horticulture or forestry). The HS code for billhooks and similar hewing tools is 8201.40.
How do I classify Billhooks for customs?
Billhooks is classified under HS code 820140 — Tools, hand; axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools, of a kind used in agriculture, horticulture or forestry. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a machete classified under this code?
Machetes are often classified under 8201.40 as similar hewing tools, though some jurisdictions may place them under 8211 depending on blade design.
Which countries are the top exporters of billhooks (HS 820140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820140 (the code used for billhooks) in UN Comtrade data were China ($106M, 40% of world exports), Colombia ($21M) and El Salvador ($13M). World exports came to about $266M, 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 billhooks (HS 820140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 820140 (the code used for billhooks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($39M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($18M) and Poland ($13M). World imports came to about $243M, 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.
Is the HS code for Billhooks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 820140 for Billhooks is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for billhooks in Brazil?
In Brazil, billhooks (HS 820140) is classified under NCM 8201.40.00.