HS 820320 Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools

Quick Answer: Pliers, cutting pliers, pincers, tweezers, and similar hand tools imported under HS code 820320 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 1.70% ad valorem, and the US with varied rates including 12¢/doz. + 5.5% and free entry for certain trade agreements. This classification covers a broad range of manual gripping and cutting implements. Importers should consult specific country tariff schedules, as the US, for instance, has multiple subheadings with differing duty rates and preferential treatment options. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for accurate duty assessment and compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8203200000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8203200000 1.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
820320 — — —
82032060 12¢/doz. + 5.5% Free (17 programs) —
8203206060 — — ["doz."]
8203202000 4% Free (17 programs) ["No."]
8203204000 12% Free (17 programs) ["doz."]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8203.20?

Imports of Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 15 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 820320 cover?

This subheading covers pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, and similar tools designed for gripping, bending, cutting, or manipulating objects. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these tools are characterized by their pivoted jaws operated by handles. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC system align with this definition, encompassing a wide array of hand tools used in mechanical, electrical, and general repair work, provided they fit the functional and structural criteria of pliers or similar gripping/cutting implements.

What falls outside HS 820320?

The following products are excluded from HS 820320: tools that do not possess the characteristic pivoted jaw mechanism of pliers or pincers, such as fixed-jaw wrenches or screwdrivers, which are classified under other headings within Chapter 82. Similarly, specialized surgical tweezers or laboratory instruments, even if they resemble pliers in form, are typically classified based on their specific function in Chapter 90. Tools primarily designed for specific trades, like locksmith's picks or electrician's wire strippers that do not function as general-purpose pliers, may also fall under different classifications.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 820320?

A common error is misclassifying tools that share a gripping function but lack the defining pivoted jaw mechanism of pliers. For instance, certain types of clamps or vices, which are designed for holding workpieces rather than for manual manipulation of objects, are not covered by this subheading. Additionally, confusion can arise with specialized cutting tools; if a tool's primary function is cutting and its gripping capability is secondary or absent, it may be classified under a different heading, such as 8201 for hand tools like shears, adhering to General Rule of Interpretation 1.

How should importers classify products under HS 820320?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 820320 involves a thorough examination of the tool's design and primary function. Importers and customs brokers should verify if the tool possesses pivoted jaws operated by handles for gripping, bending, or cutting. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes is crucial. Comparing the product's features against the descriptive text and any provided examples within these official sources will ensure accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 820320?

A pair of 8-inch combination pliers weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $15.00 USD would attract a US duty of $0.75. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($15.00 × 0.05 = $0.75). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for subheading 8203.20.00.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 820320?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 820320, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in Free entry for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for eligible goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement or a certificate of origin, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 820330 HS 820340 HS 820310 HS 820150 HS 820551 HS 820530

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 820320 (Pliers, pincers, tweezers, etc.) into the United States?

For imports into the United States, the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 820320 is 1.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, goods originating from Australia (AU) may enter duty-free. Always verify the specific country of origin and applicable trade agreement to determine the correct duty rate. Consult the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the most current rates.

How is the duty calculated for HS code 820320 if the rate is a combination of specific duty and ad valorem?

Some countries apply a combination duty rate. For instance, if a country's tariff schedule for HS 820320 specifies a rate of '$1.20 per dozen + 60% ad valorem', the duty calculation involves two parts. First, a specific duty is applied based on the quantity (e.g., $1.20 for every dozen pairs imported). Second, an ad valorem duty of 60% is applied to the declared customs value of the goods. The total duty is the sum of these two components. For example, if you import 10 dozen pairs of pliers valued at $500, the duty would be (10 dozen * $1.20/dozen) + (60% * $500) = $12.00 + $300.00 = $312.00.

What documentation is typically required when importing tools classified under HS code 820320?

Standard import documentation for HS code 820320 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of origin and the destination country's regulations, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. For certain specialized tools or if required by the importing country's customs authority, additional documentation such as product specifications or safety certifications might be necessary. Always check the specific import requirements of the destination country.

Are there specific criteria to distinguish between 'pliers' and other hand tools for HS classification under 820320?

HS code 820320 covers 'Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools'. The key classification criterion is the tool's primary function and design. Pliers are characterized by two pivoted arms that grip or cut. Cutting pliers are specifically designed for severing materials. Pincers are similar but often have jaws that meet at the tip. Tweezers are small, manually operated tools for grasping small objects. 'Similar tools' would include other hand-operated tools with a comparable gripping or cutting mechanism. Tools that do not fit this description, such as wrenches or screwdrivers, would be classified under different HS headings.

Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 820320 into the European Union?

The European Union's tariff system, TARIC, provides preferential duty rates for goods originating from countries with which the EU has trade agreements. For HS code 820320, duty-free or reduced rates are often available for imports from countries like Switzerland (CH), Norway (NO), Canada (CA), Japan (JP), and South Korea (KR), among others, under their respective EU Free Trade Agreements. Importers must ensure they have a valid Proof of Origin (e.g., EUR.1 certificate or origin declaration on invoice) to claim these preferential rates. Consult the EU TARIC database for specific details per country.