Product classification

HS code for Pipe cutters: 8203.40

Tools, hand, pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar tools.

Classification of pipe cutters under HS 8203.40

Pipe cutters are classified under HS code 8203.40. This classification is found within Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Heading 8203 specifically includes files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal-cutting shears, pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches, and similar hand tools. Subheading 8203.40 is the specific category for pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, and similar tools. These are manual hand tools designed for cutting pipes or tubes through mechanical force applied by the user, typically using a cutting wheel or jaw mechanism. The classification is based on the tool's function and its manual operation. The materials used are generally base metals like steel or aluminum, which is a requirement for Chapter 82. This code excludes tools that are integrated into complex machinery or those that are powered by external energy sources.

Covers
  • Manual wheel-type pipe cutters
  • Ratchet-style plastic pipe cutters
  • Copper tube cutters
  • Bolt croppers and bolt cutters
  • Perforating punches (hand-operated)
  • Metal-cutting shears (hand-operated)
Also under 8203.40
  • Ridgid Pipe Cutters
  • Knipex Bolt Croppers
  • Greenlee Punches
  • Rothenberger Tube Cutters

Codes often confused with 8203.40

Common mistake. Pipe cutters are often misclassified under HS code 8461.50, which covers machine tools for sawing or cutting-off metal. The distinction lies in whether the tool is a hand tool (Chapter 82) or a machine tool (Chapter 84). Another common error is using HS code 8205.59, which is a "catch-all" for other hand tools; however, since pipe cutters are specifically named in 8203.40, that specific code must take precedence. Additionally, power-operated pipe cutters (electric or pneumatic) are classified under HS code 8467.29 as tools for working in the hand with a self-contained motor. Misidentifying the power source or the manual nature of the tool is the leading cause of classification errors in this category.

8461.50Machine-tools; sawing or cutting-off machines, working by removing metal, sintered metal carbides or cermets8205.59Tools, 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 screwdrivers8467.29Tools; for working in the hand, with self-contained electric motor; other than saws and drills

Top exporters and importers of HS 820340 (the code used for pipe cutters), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820340 (the code used for pipe 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 pipe cutters.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $62M
  2. 2 Germany $43M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$34M

World total: $278M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $73M
  2. 2 Germany $29M
  3. 3 Thailand $18M

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 pipe cutters

Brazil classifies pipe 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 pipe cutters

What is the HS code for Pipe cutters?

The HS code for Pipe cutters is 820340 (Tools, hand; pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar tools).

How do I classify Pipe cutters for customs?

Pipe 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.

What is the HS code for manual pipe cutters?

The HS code for manual pipe cutters is 8203.40, which includes various hand-operated tools for cutting pipes and bolts.

Does this code include electric pipe cutters?

No, electric or battery-powered pipe cutters are classified under heading 8467, as they are considered power tools rather than manual hand tools.

Which countries are the top exporters of pipe cutters (HS 820340)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820340 (the code used for pipe 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 pipe cutters (HS 820340)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 820340 (the code used for pipe 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 Pipe cutters the same in all countries?

The base HS code 820340 for Pipe 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 pipe cutters in Brazil?

In Brazil, pipe cutters (HS 820340) is classified under NCM 8203.40.00.