Product classification

HS code for Pliers: 8203.20

Tools, hand, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools.

Classification of pliers under HS 8203.20

Pliers are classified under HS code 8203.20. This code is found in 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 8203.20 is the specific category for pliers, pincers, tweezers, and similar tools. The classification is based on the tool's design for gripping, twisting, or cutting small objects or wires. These tools are typically made of base metal, such as carbon steel or chromium-vanadium steel, and may feature insulated or plastic-coated handles for comfort or electrical safety. However, the primary classification remains under 8203.20 regardless of the handle material or the presence of a spring mechanism. The mechanical action of the two-handled tool pivoting on a central pin or bolt is the core identifying feature for customs classification. This code covers a wide variety of manual hand tools used in plumbing, electrical work, automotive repair, and general maintenance. It is important to note that this code only applies to hand-operated tools; power-operated versions are classified elsewhere.

Covers
  • Needle-nose and long-nose pliers
  • Combination pliers and slip-joint pliers
  • Diagonal cutting pliers (wire cutters)
  • Locking pliers (e.g., Vise-Grips)
  • Tweezers (non-medical) and pincers
  • Circlip and snap-ring pliers
Also under 8203.20
  • Knipex Pliers
  • Channellock Pliers
  • Vise-Grip Locking Pliers
  • Klein Tools Lineman's Pliers

Codes often confused with 8203.20

Common mistake. Pliers are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8204, which is reserved for hand-operated spanners and wrenches. While some locking pliers function like wrenches, they are still classified as pliers. Another common error is using HS code 8205 for "other" hand tools; however, because pliers are specifically named in 8203, that heading takes precedence. Medical or surgical tweezers must be classified under 9018 and not 8203.20.

82.04Tools, hand; hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches but not including tap wrenches), interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles82.05Tools, hand; (including glaziers' diamonds) n.e.c.; blow lamps; vices, clamps etc, other than accessories for and parts of, machine-tools or water-jet cutting machines; anvils; portable forges; hand or pedal operated grinding wheels with frameworks82.03Tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar90.18Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight testing instruments

Top exporters and importers of HS 820320 (the code used for pliers), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820320 (the code used for pliers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% 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 820320, not only pliers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $952M
  2. 2 Germany $422M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$177M

World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $334M
  2. 2 Germany $170M
  3. 3 France $93M

World total: $2.0B 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 codes for pliers

Brazil splits HS 8203.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about pliers

What is the HS code for Pliers?

The HS code for Pliers is 820320 (Tools, hand; pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools). The international HS code for pliers, pincers, and tweezers is 8203.20.

How do I classify Pliers for customs?

Pliers is classified under HS code 820320 — Tools, hand; pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are surgical tweezers classified under this code?

No, surgical or medical tweezers are classified under HS code 9018 as medical instruments, whereas 8203.20 is for general-purpose hand tools.

Which countries are the top exporters of pliers (HS 820320)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820320 (the code used for pliers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($952M, 41% of world exports), Germany ($422M) and Taiwan (about $177M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 pliers (HS 820320)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 820320 (the code used for pliers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($334M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($170M) and France ($93M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Pliers the same in all countries?

The base HS code 820320 for Pliers 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 pliers in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 820320 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for pliers depends on the product's details: 8203.20.10 (Pliers, including cutting pliers), 8203.20.90 (Pincers, tweezers and similar tools).