Product classification
HS code for Bolt cutters: 8203.40
Tools, hand, pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar tools.
Classification of bolt cutters under HS 8203.40
Bolt cutters are classified under HS code 8203.40, which encompasses hand tools such as pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, and perforating punches. The classification is determined by the tool's mechanical design, which utilizes a compound hinge system to apply high pressure to the cutting edges, specifically for shearing through metal rods, bolts, and chains. As a hand tool made of base metal, it falls under Chapter 82. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from standard pliers or shears based on their heavy-duty cropper mechanism. To qualify for this code, the tool must be manually operated and not powered by an external motor or pneumatic system. The construction typically involves forged steel jaws and long handles to provide the necessary leverage for industrial or construction-related cutting tasks.
- Covers
- Heavy-duty bolt croppers
- Center-cut bolt cutters
- Clipper-cut bolt cutters for flush cutting
- Compact bolt cutters for wire mesh
- Angular bolt cutters for awkward reaches
- Also under 8203.40
- Ridgid Pipe Cutters
- Knipex Bolt Croppers
- Greenlee Punches
- Rothenberger Tube Cutters
Codes often confused with 8203.40
Common mistake. Bolt cutters are often confused with HS code 8203.20, which covers pliers, pincers, and tweezers. While they look similar, the mechanical leverage and jaw design of a bolt cropper are distinct. They are also sometimes incorrectly filed under 8203.30, which is reserved for metal-cutting shears and tin snips. Furthermore, if the bolt cutter is powered by a pneumatic or hydraulic system, it must be classified under heading 84.67 rather than 82.03.
Top exporters and importers of HS 820340 (the code used for bolt cutters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820340 (the code used for bolt cutters) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 820340, not only bolt cutters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $62M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $43M 15% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$34M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $278M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $73M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $29M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $18M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $337M 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 bolt cutters
Brazil classifies bolt cutters under NCM 8203.40.00: HS 8203.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bolt cutters
What is the HS code for Bolt cutters?
The HS code for Bolt cutters is 820340 (Tools, hand; pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar tools). The standard HS code for manual bolt cutters and bolt croppers is 8203.40.
How do I classify Bolt cutters for customs?
Bolt cutters is classified under HS code 820340 — Tools, hand; pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar tools. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are hydraulic bolt cutters classified under 8203.40?
No, hydraulic or pneumatic bolt cutters are classified under HS code 8467.19 or 8467.89, as they are considered power tools rather than simple hand tools.
Which countries are the top exporters of bolt cutters (HS 820340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820340 (the code used for bolt cutters) in UN Comtrade data were China ($62M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($43M) and Taiwan (about $34M). World exports came to about $278M, 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 bolt cutters (HS 820340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 820340 (the code used for bolt cutters) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($73M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($29M) and Thailand ($18M). World imports came to about $337M, 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 Bolt cutters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 820340 for Bolt cutters 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 bolt cutters in Brazil?
In Brazil, bolt cutters (HS 820340) is classified under NCM 8203.40.00.