Tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar

HS v2022 Code: 8203

About tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar

HS code 8203 covers a diverse range of hand tools used in various industries, from construction and manufacturing to automotive repair and DIY projects. These tools are essential for tasks such as cutting, shaping, gripping, and perforating materials, making them indispensable for a wide range of applications. The global hand tools market is a significant contributor to the broader industrial and consumer goods sectors, with a growing demand driven by factors like infrastructure development, technological advancements, and the increasing emphasis on DIY and home improvement activities.

Production process

The production of hand tools under HS code 8203 typically involves a combination of metalworking techniques, including forging, casting, stamping, and machining. Manufacturers often start with raw materials such as steel, alloys, or high-quality plastics, which are then shaped, tempered, and finished to create the desired tool characteristics, such as strength, durability, and precision. Advanced manufacturing processes, including computer-numerical control (CNC) machining and automated assembly lines, have helped improve the efficiency and quality of hand tool production.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of hand tools under HS code 8203 include various types of metals (e.g., 7207 Steel in primary forms, 7301 Sheet piling of iron or steel, 7302 Railway or tramway track construction material of iron or steel), as well as specialized tools and machinery for metalworking, such as 8455 Metal-rolling mills and rolls therefor, 8462 Machine-tools for working metal by forging, hammering or die-stamping, and 8463 Other machine-tools for working metal or cermets, without removing material.

Production outputs

The hand tools covered under HS code 8203 are used in a wide range of industries and applications, including construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, DIY projects, and more. These tools are often consumed by other industries, such as 8207 Interchangeable tools for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine-tools, 8467 Tools for working in the hand, pneumatic, hydraulic or with self-contained electric or non-electric motor, and 8468 Machinery and apparatus for soldering, brazing or welding; gas-operated surface tempering machines and appliances.

Family tree for tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/82'>82: Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal; parts thereof, of base metal</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8203'>8203: Tools, hand; files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar</a>"]

    A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8201'>8201: Tools, hand; spades, shovels, mattocks, picks, hoes, forks, rakes; axes, bill hooks etc; secateurs and pruners of any kind; scythes, sickles, hay knives, hedge shears, timber wedges and other tools used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8202'>8202: Tools, hand; saws and blades for saws of all kinds (including slitting, slotting or toothless saw blades)</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8204'>8204: Tools, hand; hand-operated spanners and wrenches (including torque meter wrenches but not including tap wrenches), interchangeable spanner sockets, with or without handles</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8205'>8205: Tools, hand; (including glaziers' diamonds) n.e.c.; blow lamps; vices, clamps etc, other than accessories for and parts of, machine-tools or water-jet cutting machines; anvils; portable forges; hand or pedal operated grinding wheels with frameworks</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8206'>8206: Tools, hand; two or more of heading no. 8202 to 8205, put up in sets for retail sale</a>"]
A --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8207'>8207: Tools, interchangeable; for hand tools, whether or not power-operated, or for machine tools (pressing, stamping, punching, drilling etc), including dies for drawing or extruding metal, and rock drilling or earth boring tools</a>"]
A --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8208'>8208: Knives and cutting blades, for machines or for mechanical appliances</a>"]
A --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8209'>8209: Tools; plates, sticks, tips and the like for tools, unmounted, of sintered metal carbides or cermets</a>"]
A --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8210'>8210: Tools; hand-operated mechanical appliances, weighing 10kg or less, used in the preparation, conditioning or serving of food or drink</a>"]
A --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8211'>8211: Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading no. 8208, and blades therefore</a>"]
A --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8212'>8212: Razors and razor blades; (including razor blade blanks in strips)</a>"]
A --> N["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8213'>8213: Scissors; tailors' shears and similar shears, and blades therefore</a>"]
A --> O["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8214'>8214: Cutlery; other articles, (e.g. hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, choppers and mincing knives, paper knives), manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files)</a>"]
A --> P["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8215'>8215: Cutlery; spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar kitchen or tableware</a>"]

    B --> Q["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/820310'>820310: Tools, hand; files, rasps and similar tools</a>"]
B --> R["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/820320'>820320: Tools, hand; pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools</a>"]
B --> S["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/820330'>820330: Tools, hand; metal cutting shears and similar tools</a>"]
B --> T["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/820340'>820340: Tools, hand; pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar tools</a>"]


    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level4
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
class H level4
class I level4
class J level4
class K level4
class L level4
class M level4
class N level4
class O level4
class P level4
class Q level6
class R level6
class S level6
class T level6

  class B highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class B highlight