HS 820520 Hammers and sledge hammers
Quick Answer: Hammers and sledge hammers imported under HS 820520 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.70%, and the US with rates varying from 6.2% to 45%, with some trade agreements offering duty-free entry. This classification specifically covers striking tools such as claw hammers, ball-peen hammers, and sledgehammers, designed for driving nails or striking other objects. Importers should be aware of potential Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates and preferential duty rates available under various trade agreements, particularly in the US market. CustomTariffs aggregates this tariff data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific country-of-origin and trade agreement impacts for accurate duty assessment.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8205200000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8205200000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8205203000 | 6.2% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
| 820520 | — | — | — |
| 8205206000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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 8205.20?
Imports of Hammers and sledge hammers 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 14 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 Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 820520 cover?
This subheading covers hammers and sledge hammers, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. These are tools designed for striking, typically featuring a weighted head affixed to a handle. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes various types of hammers, such as claw hammers, ball-peen hammers, and demolition hammers, all intended for manual impact applications.
What falls outside HS 820520?
The following products are excluded from HS 820520: tools designed for specialized striking functions not typically associated with general hammering, such as pneumatic hammers (classified under 8467.19) or power-driven hammers (classified under 8467.29). Also excluded are striking tools that are part of a larger assembly or machine, or those with a primary function other than striking, like certain types of mallets made of rubber or plastic (often classified under 4017.90 or 3926.90).
What are common classification mistakes for HS 820520?
A common error is misclassifying power-driven hammers or tools with secondary striking functions under this heading. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. For instance, electric hammers, which perform a powered striking action, are typically classified under heading 8467, not 8205.
How should importers classify products under HS 820520?
The correct procedure for classifying hammers and sledge hammers involves first identifying the product's primary function and construction. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff. They must then compare the product's characteristics against the descriptive notes for heading 8205 and subheading 820520, ensuring it meets the criteria for manual striking tools.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 820520?
A 2.5 kg steel sledge hammer, declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.25. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 2.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($50 USD × 0.025 = $1.25). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 820520?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 820520, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for eligible goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For goods originating from countries benefiting from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), the US offers preferential rates, potentially Free. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA and a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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 820520 (Hammers and sledge hammers)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 820520 is typically 3.70% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available for goods originating from countries with trade agreements with the importing nation. For example, under certain agreements, rates can be as low as Free (e.g., from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), Singapore (SG)). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the country of origin to determine the applicable rate. Sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, EU TARIC database, or the UK Trade Tariff provide detailed rate information.
How is the import duty for hammers (HS 820520) calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 820520 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of hammers (HS 820520) has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate is 3.70%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0370 (Duty Rate) = $370.00. If the tariff also specifies a per-unit duty, the calculation would be the higher of the two. Always confirm the exact calculation basis (ad valorem, specific, or compound) with the official tariff schedule.
What are the key classification criteria for classifying goods under HS code 820520 for hammers and sledge hammers?
HS code 820520 covers 'Hammers and sledge hammers'. The primary classification criterion is the tool's design and function: it must be a hand-operated tool with a weighted head affixed to a handle, designed for striking. This includes various types of hammers such as claw hammers, ball-peen hammers, mallets (if primarily for striking, not shaping), and sledgehammers. Tools that are powered (e.g., pneumatic hammers) or have different primary functions (e.g., mallets for shaping delicate materials) would fall under different HS codes. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on distinguishing between similar tools.
What documentation is typically required for importing hammers and sledge hammers (HS 820520)?
Standard import documentation for HS code 820520 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the quantity, description, unit price, and total value of the hammers; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill for transportation. Crucially, importers must be prepared to provide proof of origin if claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. This could be a Certificate of Origin or a declaration on the invoice, depending on the specific agreement's requirements. A manufacturer's declaration or product specification sheet might also be requested to confirm the product's characteristics and ensure compliance with any safety or quality standards.
Which common trade agreements might offer reduced or Free duty rates for HS code 820520?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 820520. For instance, the United States has agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) and bilateral agreements with countries such as Australia (AU), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR), which often grant Free entry for many goods, including tools. The European Union's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and various Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with developing countries also offer reduced rates. Importers should consult the tariff schedule of the destination country and the specific trade agreement text to confirm eligibility and required proof of origin for preferential treatment.