Product classification
HS code for Hand tools: 8205.59
Tools, hand, other hand tools (including glaziers diamonds), excluding household tools, drilling, threading or tapping tools, hammers and sledge hammers, planes, chisels, gouges and similar cutting tools for working wood, and screwdrivers.
Classification of hand tools under HS 8205.59
HS code 8205.59 serves as a residual category for hand tools that are not specifically named in other subheadings of 8205. Chapter 82 deals with base metal tools. While 8205 covers a wide range of manual implements, 8205.59 is used for "other" tools such as those used by masons, molders, or painters. This classification is determined by the tool's manual operation and its construction primarily from base metal. It excludes tools specifically mentioned elsewhere, such as hammers (8205.20) or screwdrivers (8205.40). The classification process involves verifying that the tool does not fit into more specific categories like 8201 (agricultural tools) or 8203 (files, pliers, tweezers). It is a catch-all for various professional and DIY manual tools that do not have a dedicated four-digit or six-digit code. This includes tools for specialized trades like glazing, tiling, and heavy construction that rely on manual force.
- Covers
- Crowbars and pry bars
- Riveting tools (manual)
- Wall scrapers and putty knives
- Caulking guns (manual)
- Grease guns (manual)
- Palette knives for artists
- Glass cutters (glaziers' diamonds)
- Cold chisels for stone or metal
- Bolt croppers
- Also under 8205.59
- Knipex Pliers Wrench
- Ridgid Pipe Cutter
- Crescent Combination Wrench
- Irwin Vise-Grip Locking Pliers
Codes often confused with 8205.59
Common mistake. Hand tools in 8205.59 are often confused with household tools classified under 8205.51. The distinction lies in the intended use; 8205.51 is for domestic kitchen or home use, while 8205.59 is for professional or general use. Another common error is misclassifying power tools under this code; any tool with an integrated motor must go to 8467. Additionally, tools made primarily of plastic without a base metal working part may be classified in Chapter 39. Interchangeable tool bits (like drill bits) are also excluded and fall under 8207.
Top exporters and importers of HS 820559 (the code used for hand tools), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820559 (the code used for hand tools) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.7% of its exports here ($36M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 820559, not only hand tools.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $399M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$394M 8.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.7% of its exports here ($36M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $681M 16% of world imports
- 2 France $399M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $308M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 hand tools
Brazil classifies hand tools under NCM 8205.59.00: HS 8205.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hand tools
What is the HS code for Hand tools?
The HS code for Hand tools is 820559 (Tools, hand; other hand tools (including glaziers diamonds), excluding household tools, drilling, threading or tapping tools, hammers and sledge hammers, planes, chisels, gouges and similar cutting tools for working wood, and screwdrivers).
How do I classify Hand tools for customs?
Hand tools is classified under HS code 820559 — Tools, hand; other hand tools (including glaziers diamonds), excluding household tools, drilling, threading or tapping tools, hammers and sledge hammers, planes, chisels, gouges and similar cutting tools for working wood, and screwdrivers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for general hand tools?
General manual hand tools not specified elsewhere are classified under HS code 8205.59.
Does this code include power tools?
No, power tools (electric or pneumatic) are classified under heading 8467. HS code 8205.59 is strictly for manual tools.
Which countries are the top exporters of hand tools (HS 820559)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820559 (the code used for hand tools) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 39% of world exports), Germany ($399M) and Taiwan (about $394M). World exports came to about $4.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 6.7% of its exports here ($36M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of hand tools (HS 820559)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 820559 (the code used for hand tools) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($681M, 16% of world imports), France ($399M) and Germany ($308M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 Hand tools the same in all countries?
The base HS code 820559 for Hand tools 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 hand tools in Brazil?
In Brazil, hand tools (HS 820559) is classified under NCM 8205.59.00.