HS 820150 Secateurs and similar one-handed pruners and shears (including poultry shears)

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What products does HS 820150 cover?

This subheading covers secateurs, also known as pruning shears, and similar one-handed pruners and shears designed for cutting branches, stems, or other plant material. It explicitly includes poultry shears, which are specialized shears for processing poultry. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these tools are characterized by their one-handed operation and cutting action, typically employing a scissor-like mechanism. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on hand-operated cutting tools for horticultural or domestic use.

What falls outside HS 820150?

The following products are excluded from HS 820150: larger, two-handed lopping shears (classified under 820130), hedge shears (classified under 820130), saws (classified under Chapter 82), knives (classified under Chapter 82), and industrial cutting tools not designed for hand operation. For instance, electric pruning shears, even if one-handed, would typically fall under a different heading based on their power source, and large hydraulic shears used in industrial settings are not covered by this subheading. Poultry shears are the only exception to the horticultural focus within this specific code.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 820150?

A common error is misclassifying two-handed lopping shears or hedge shears under this subheading. These larger tools, requiring two hands for operation, are specifically excluded by the WCO HS nomenclature and are classified under HS 820130. Another mistake involves classifying specialized cutting tools, such as grafting knives or bud-grafting tools, which may have unique designs and purposes beyond general pruning, under 820150. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 and 3 is crucial to ensure accurate classification based on the most specific heading and its Section/Chapter Notes.

How should importers classify products under HS 820150?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 820150 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and method of operation. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and reference the WCO HS Explanatory Notes. Key considerations include whether the tool is one-handed, its cutting mechanism, and its primary function. If the product is a one-handed pruner or shear for horticultural use, or a poultry shear, it likely falls under this subheading.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 820150?

A pair of "Felco F2" one-handed pruning shears, weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $30 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8201.50.00, applied to the declared value: 5% × $30 = $1.50. For a specific quantity-based duty, if the rate were per unit, the calculation would be rate per unit × number of units.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 820150?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 820150, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods from Canada and Mexico can enter the US duty-free. Documentation required to claim this preference typically involves a self-certified origin statement on the commercial invoice or a separate certificate of origin. While not directly applicable to this specific product category for all countries, general preferential schemes like the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) might offer reduced rates for certain developing countries, requiring a GSP Form A.

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