Product classification
HS code for Sockets: 8204.20
Tools, hand, interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles.
Classification of sockets under HS 8204.20
Sockets used as interchangeable tool parts are classified under HS code 820420. This classification falls within Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, and cutlery of base metal. Heading 8204 specifically addresses hand-operated spanners and wrenches, including torque meter wrenches. Subheading 8204.20 is designated for interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles. These are mechanical components designed to fit onto a drive tool, such as a ratchet, a torque wrench, or a breaker bar, to tighten or loosen nuts and bolts. The classification is determined by the function of the tool as a manual spanner accessory. To meet the requirements of Chapter 82, these sockets must be made of base metal, typically chrome vanadium or similar high-strength alloy steel. The HS code 820420 applies regardless of the socket's drive size (e.g., 1/4", 3/8", 1/2") or its specific profile (e.g., 6-point, 12-point, or E-torx), as long as it is an interchangeable part for a hand-operated wrench.
- Covers
- Hexagonal and bi-hexagonal sockets
- Deep-well sockets
- Impact sockets (hand-operated type)
- Socket extensions and adapters
- Universal joints for sockets
- Bit sockets (e.g., Torx or Allen bits on a socket base)
- Also under 8204.20
- Snap-on Sockets
- Craftsman Sockets
- DeWalt Impact Sockets
- Tekton Sockets
Codes often confused with 8204.20
Common mistake. Sockets are frequently confused with electrical sockets, which are classified under HS code 8536.69. Furthermore, sockets designed exclusively for use with power-operated tools (machine tools) might be argued under 8466, though most interchangeable sockets remain in 8204.20. Another common error is using 8204.11, which is reserved for non-adjustable hand spanners and wrenches that are not interchangeable.
Top exporters and importers of HS 820420 (the code used for sockets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820420 (the code used for sockets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 820420, not only sockets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $656M 34% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$621M 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $147M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $449M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $139M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 France $76M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 sockets
Brazil classifies sockets under NCM 8204.20.00: HS 8204.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sockets
What is the HS code for Sockets?
The HS code for Sockets is 820420 (Tools, hand; interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles). The HS code for interchangeable spanner sockets is 820420.
How do I classify Sockets for customs?
Sockets is classified under HS code 820420 — Tools, hand; interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are socket sets classified under this code?
Socket sets are often classified under 8206.00 if they consist of tools from two or more headings (8202 to 8205) put up in sets for retail sale, but individual sockets or sets of only sockets remain in 820420.
Which countries are the top exporters of sockets (HS 820420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820420 (the code used for sockets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($656M, 34% of world exports), Taiwan (about $621M) and Germany ($147M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 sockets (HS 820420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 820420 (the code used for sockets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($449M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($139M) and France ($76M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Sockets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 820420 for Sockets 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 sockets in Brazil?
In Brazil, sockets (HS 820420) is classified under NCM 8204.20.00.