Product classification

HS code for Tin snips: 8203.30

Tools, hand, metal cutting shears and similar tools.

Classification of tin snips under HS 8203.30

Tin snips are classified under HS code 8203.30 because they are manually operated hand tools designed specifically for shearing or cutting metal. This classification falls within Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Specifically, heading 8203 includes files, rasps, pliers, pincers, tweezers, metal-cutting shears, and pipe-cutters. Subheading 8203.30 is reserved for metal-cutting shears and similar tools. The classification is determined by the tool's primary function—mechanical shearing of sheet metal through manual leverage—and its material composition, typically hardened steel. Unlike power-operated tools, these rely entirely on human force, which distinguishes them from machinery in Chapter 84. The design of the blades, which are often slightly curved or offset to allow the metal to pass during a cut, is a defining characteristic of this category.

Covers
  • Aviation snips (left, right, and straight cut)
  • Duckbill tin snips
  • Offset metal-cutting shears
  • Compound action snips
  • Straight-pattern tinners' snips
Also under 8203.30
  • Wiss Tin Snips
  • Klein Tools Bolt Cutters
  • Crescent Wire Cutters
  • Stanley Aviation Snips

Codes often confused with 8203.30

Common mistake. Tin snips are frequently confused with pliers or pincers under HS code 8203.20. While they share a similar handle structure, the cutting edge of a snip is designed for shearing flat sheets rather than gripping or nipping wire. They are also often misclassified under HS code 8462.39, which covers shearing machines. However, 8462 is reserved for industrial machine tools, whereas 8203.30 is strictly for hand-held, non-powered tools. Additionally, if the snips are powered by an electric motor or compressed air, they must be classified under HS code 8467.29 or 8467.11 respectively.

8203.20Tools, hand; pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools8462.39Machine-tools; shearing machines (excluding presses) for flat products, other than numerically controlled, other than combined punching and shearing machines, for working metal84.62Machine-tools (including presses) for working metal by forging, hammering or die forging (excluding rolling mills); machine-tools (including presses, slitting lines and cut-to-length lines) for working metal by bending, folding, straightening, flattening,8467.29Tools; for working in the hand, with self-contained electric motor; other than saws and drills8467.11Tools; for working in the hand, pneumatic, rotary type (including combined rotary-percussion)

Top exporters and importers of HS 820330 (the code used for tin snips), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820330 (the code used for tin snips) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 820330, not only tin snips.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $57M
  2. 2 Germany $40M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$31M

World total: $216M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $49M
  2. 2 Germany $15M
  3. 3 France $9.8M

World total: $213M 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 tin snips

Brazil classifies tin snips under NCM 8203.30.00: HS 8203.30 with 00 added.

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

Questions about tin snips

What is the HS code for Tin snips?

The HS code for Tin snips is 820330 (Tools, hand; metal cutting shears and similar tools). The HS code for manual tin snips is 8203.30, which covers metal-cutting shears and similar hand tools.

How do I classify Tin snips for customs?

Tin snips is classified under HS code 820330 — Tools, hand; metal cutting shears and similar tools. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are electric metal shears classified under this code?

No, electric or pneumatic metal shears are classified under heading 8467 as tools for working in the hand, with a self-contained motor.

Which countries are the top exporters of tin snips (HS 820330)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820330 (the code used for tin snips) in UN Comtrade data were China ($57M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($40M) and Taiwan (about $31M). World exports came to about $216M, 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 tin snips (HS 820330)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 820330 (the code used for tin snips) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($49M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($15M) and France ($9.8M). World imports came to about $213M, 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 Tin snips the same in all countries?

The base HS code 820330 for Tin snips 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 tin snips in Brazil?

In Brazil, tin snips (HS 820330) is classified under NCM 8203.30.00.