Craft Scissors
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8203300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8213006000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8213003000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8203206060 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Craft Scissors (Hand Scissors & Shears)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Entry Strategies
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Craft Scissors"?
Craft scissors are hand-held cutting tools primarily used for paper, fabric, foil, and light materials. In international trade, they are strictly categorized under Chapter 82 (Articles of Iron or Steel) as "Hand Tools." The specific classification depends heavily on the material composition, size, and specific design (e.g., serrated edges, decorative blades).
Key Distinction:
- Metal Scissors (General Hand Tools): Often fall under 8203.30 if considered general-purpose metal cutters.
- Tailoring/Craft Shears: Typically fall under 8213.00 (Scissors and Tailor's and similar Scissors).
- Small/Novelty Scissors: May fall under 8214.90 (Other Knives) or specific sub-categories based on price per unit.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the scissors are heavy-duty metal shears for general cutting β8203.30.00.00
- If they are standard craft/tailoring scissors β8213.00.xxxx
- If they are small, novelty, or specialized hand tools β8214.90.90.00
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate Summary (US/China Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|
8203.30.00.00 |
Metal scissors and similar hand tools; general purpose metal cutters | Heavy-duty metal shears, general workshop tools | 35.0% (Base 0% + 25% Sec 301 + 10% IEEPA) |
8213.00.60.00 |
Scissors, tailor's and similar; standard craft scissors | Standard paper/fabric craft scissors | 8Β’ each + 18% (Base 8Β’+8% + 10% IEEPA) |
8213.00.30.00 |
Scissors, tailor's and similar; specific small craft types | Small precision craft scissors, embroidery scissors | 1.7Β’ each + 14.3% (Base 1.7Β’+4.3% + 10% IEEPA) |
8214.90.90.00 |
Other knives and cutting blades; novelty/specialty hand tools | Novelty scissors, small multi-tools, non-standard shapes | 1.4Β’ each + 13.2% (Base 1.4Β’+3.2% + 10% IEEPA) |
8203.20.60.60 |
Pincers and tongs; metal cutting scissors (by dozen) | Scissors sold by dozen, specific metal-cutting variants | 12Β’/doz. + 40.5% (Base 12Β’/doz+5.5% + 25% Sec 301 + 10% IEEPA) |
π Important Note:
- Sec 301 Tariffs (25%) apply to most steel articles under8203if originating from China. - IEEPA Tariffs (10%) apply to all Chinese-origin goods under these sections effective Nov 10, 2025. - Specifics Matter:8213codes have variable specific duties (cents per unit) which can make small items more expensive per unit than percentage-based tariffs.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 10, 2025 Imports
π― 1. 8203.30.00.00 ββ General Metal Scissors (High Volume/Industrial)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8203.30.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for standard metal hand tools.
- The 25% Sec 301 is applied because these are steel articles subject to trade restrictions.
- Total 35% is a flat ad valorem rate, making it predictable for high-value bulk shipments.
π― 2. 8213.00.60.00 ββ Standard Craft/Tailoring Scissors
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8Β’ each + 8% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | 0% (Exempt from Sec 301) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Structure | 8Β’ each + 18% Total (8% base + 10% IEEPA) |
| Calculation | (8Β’ Γ Quantity) + (CIF Value Γ 18%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:8213.00.60.00 |
π Note:
- No Sec 301 surcharge for this sub-category.
- The specific duty (8Β’ each) adds up quickly for low-value items.
- Total effective rate depends heavily on unit price.
π― 3. 8213.00.30.00 ββ Small Precision Craft Scissors
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1.7Β’ each + 4.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | 0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Structure | 1.7Β’ each + 14.3% Total (4.3% base + 10% IEEPA) |
| Calculation | (1.7Β’ Γ Quantity) + (CIF Value Γ 14.3%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:8213.00.30.00 |
π Note:
- Lower specific duty and ad valorem rate compared to8213.00.60.
- Suitable for small, precise craft scissors (e.g., embroidery, nail art).
π― 4. 8214.90.90.00 ββ Other Knives/Novelty Scissors
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1.4Β’ each + 3.2% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | 0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Structure | 1.4Β’ each + 13.2% Total (3.2% base + 10% IEEPA) |
| Calculation | (1.4Β’ Γ Quantity) + (CIF Value Γ 13.2%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:8214.90.90.00 |
π Note:
- For novelty or non-standard scissors not classified as "tailor's scissors."
- Lowest ad valorem rate among craft scissors.
π― 5. 8203.20.60.60 ββ Scissors by Dozen (Metal Cutting Type)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 12Β’/doz. + 5.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Structure | 12Β’/doz. + 40.5% Total (5.5% base + 25% Sec 301 + 10% IEEPA) |
| Calculation | (12Β’ Γ Dozens) + (CIF Value Γ 40.5%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8203.20.60.60 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Note:
- Highest effective rate due to Sec 301 inclusion.
- Only for specific metal-cutting scissors classified by dozen.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include blade material, length, handle type, intended use |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear shots of blade edge, handle, and overall shape |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Craft Scissors" or "Hand Scissors" with HS Code |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity per unit, weight, and dimensions |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If claiming preferential rates (not applicable for US/China in most cases) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Correct HS Code, Clear Description, No Splitting!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Craft Scissors | 8213.00.60.00 or 8213.00.30.00 |
Misclassifying as 8203.30 β Higher Sec 301 tax |
| Novelty/Decorative Scissors | 8214.90.90.00 |
Classifying as 8213 β Potential audit delay |
| Bulk Industrial Metal Shears | 8203.30.00.00 |
Classifying as 8213 β Incorrect duty structure |
| Scissors Sold by Dozen | 8203.20.60.60 |
Unit-based declaration β Calculation errors |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Scissors | Provide design specs to confirm if they are "Tailor's" (8213) or "General Metal" (8203) |
| Set of Scissors | Declare as a complete set under the principal itemβs HS Code; do not split |
| Blunted/Plastic-Coated Scissors | Still classified under Chapter 82 if metal blades; ensure material is stated |
| High-Value Collectible Scissors | May qualify for different classification if considered "Antiques" or "Art," but unlikely for craft use |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Req. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8213.00.60.00 |
8Β’+18% / 8203.30 35% |
No special certs | High scrutiny on steel articles |
| π¨π³ China | 8213.00.60.00 |
5-10% | N/A | Low duty for import |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8213.00.60.00 |
0% (if CE marked) | CE + RoHS | No Sec 301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 8213.00.60.00 |
2.4% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8213.00.60.00 |
0% | PSE (if electrical) | Low duty |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest complexity due to IEEPA + Sec 301 layers.
- EU/UK/Japan are simpler with lower or zero tariffs for craft scissors.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Using 8203.30 for all scissors
π Consequence: Unnecessary 25% Sec 301 tariff if not industrial metal cutters.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring specific duties (cents per unit)
π Consequence: For low-priced items, specific duties can exceed ad valorem rates.
β Mistake 3: Inconsistent product descriptions
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify, leading to delays and penalties.
β Mistake 4: Not declaring origin correctly
π Consequence: Loss of IEEPA exemption claims (if applicable to other regions).
β Correct Approach:
"Craft Scissors, Stainless Steel, 7-inch, with Decorative Handles, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Standard Craft? Use 8213. Industrial? Use 8203. Novelty? Use 8214."
πΉ "Sec 301 hurts steel, IEEPA hits all China goods."
πΉ "Specific duties add upβcheck cents per unit!"
π Pro Tip:
If your scissors are originally from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may exempt IEEPA tariffs.
Recommend pre-ruling for new product lines to avoid classification disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide product images + Apply for HS Code pre-ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, cost control, and market readiness!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in global trade!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.