Hole Punch
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8205595560 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8472909080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8205517500 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8203206060 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8467891000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πͺ Hole Punch (Hand Tools & Office Machinery)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Import Strategy
π One Product, Multiple Classifications β Know the Difference to Avoid 45%+ Tariffs!
π¦ 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Is a "Hole Punch"?
A hole punch is a manual or mechanical device used to create holes in paper, plastic, leather, or thin metal β commonly used in offices, schools, and industrial settings. However, not all hole punches are classified the same way in international trade.
There are two main types:
- Manual Single-Hole Punch (Hand Tool): Small, handheld device for punching one hole at a time β typically made of metal or plastic.
- Mechanical Hole Punch Machine (Office Machine): Larger, powered or spring-loaded machines for high-volume paper processing β often used in offices.
β οΈ Critical Distinction: - If itβs handheld, no motor, no electrical components β classified as a hand tool. - If itβs designed for office use, has a motor or mechanical drive, and is intended for bulk paper processing β classified as office machinery.
𧩠2. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Tax Rate | Key Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8205.59.55.60 |
Single-hole punch, hand tool, made of iron or steel | Falls under "other hand tools" β functional, non-electric, metal construction | 40.3% | Metal body + hand-operated |
8472.90.90.80 |
Mechanical hole punch machine, office use, powered or spring-driven | Designed for office automation; matches "other office machines" | 35.0% | Office-purpose, mechanical function |
8205.51.75.00 |
Single-hole punch, hand tool, metal or plastic | Fits "other hand tools" β common for paper, not specific to any sub-category | 38.7% | Mixed material, hand-operated |
8203.20.60.60 |
Hole punch pliers (punching pliers), hand tool | Classified under "perforating punches and similar hand tools" | 12Β’/doz. + 5.5% + 35.0% | Pliers-style design, multi-use |
8467.89.10.00 |
Manual hole punch tool, for metal/leather, general purpose | Falls under "other tools" β general use, non-specific | 17.5% | Used on leather, metal, not paper |
8205.51.30.60 |
Hand-held hole punch, iron or steel, for paper | Matches "other hand tools" β functional, durable, metal-based | 38.7% | Iron/steel construction, office use |
π Key Insight:
- Hand tools are taxed higher due to USITC + IEEPA tariffs. - Office machines have lower base tariffs but still face 25% + 10% additional charges. - Pliers-style punches are duty-paid per unit (12Β’/doz.) + percentage-based taxes.
π° 3. 2026 Tariff Breakdown (Detailed & Compliant)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onward)
π― 1. 8205.59.55.60 β Single-Hole Punch (Hand Tool, Iron/Steel)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible (denied) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8205.59.55.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Rate?
- The product is metal-based, hand-operated, and not a machine β falls under hand tools. - Even if used in offices, if itβs manual and made of iron/steel, it triggers USITC + IEEPA.
π― 2. 8472.90.90.80 β Mechanical Hole Punch Machine (Office Use)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:8472.90.90.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Rate?
- This is not a hand tool β it's a mechanical device designed for office use. - Even if it's not electric, if it has a spring mechanism or high-volume capacity, it qualifies as office machinery.
π― 3. 8205.51.75.00 β Single-Hole Punch (Metal or Plastic)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8205.51.75.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Rate?
- Material is mixed (metal or plastic) β not purely metal β slightly lower base duty. - Still triggers USITC + IEEPA due to hand tool function.
π― 4. 8203.20.60.60 β Hole Punch Pliers (Pliers-Style Tool)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 12Β’/doz. + 5.5% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 12Β’/doz. + 5.5% + 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | (12Β’/doz. + 5.5% of CIF) Γ (1 + 25% + 10%) |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8203.20.60.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Rate?
- Pliers-style design β classified under "perforating punches and similar hand tools". - Per-unit duty (12Β’/doz.) is non-negotiable β even if value is low. - High risk of overpayment if misclassified.
π― 5. 8467.89.10.00 β Manual Hole Punch (Metal/Leather Use)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% |
| IEEPA | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:8467.89.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Rate?
- Used for metal, leather, or industrial materials β not paper. - Falls under "other tools" β lower USITC rate (7.5%) due to non-office use. - Best option for industrial-grade tools.
π― 6. 8205.51.30.60 β Hand-Held Hole Punch (Iron/Steel)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.7% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:8205.51.30.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Rate?
- Iron/steel construction β triggers higher base duty. - Hand-operated β qualifies as hand tool β USITC + IEEPA apply.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Tips (Real-World Pro Tips)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (MUST-HAVE)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Shows material, size, function |
| β Product Photos (with label) | βοΈ | Proves design (handheld vs. machine) |
| β Technical Diagrams | βοΈ | Helps determine if itβs a tool or machine |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Single-Hole Punch" or "Office Hole Punch Machine" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for tariff eligibility |
| β Test Reports (RoHS, CE, FCC) | βοΈ | If applicable, reduces risk |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Avoids split-shipment issues |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌKey Rules to RememberοΌ
π₯ "Shape, Material, Use β Know the Trio!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld, metal, one hole | 8205.59.55.60 or 8205.51.30.60 |
8472.90.90.80 |
+5% tariff risk |
| Office machine, spring-loaded | 8472.90.90.80 |
8205.59.55.60 |
+35% vs 40.3% β worse! |
| Pliers-style, metal | 8203.20.60.60 |
8205.59.55.60 |
+12Β’/doz. duty + higher tax |
| For leather/metal use | 8467.89.10.00 |
8205.59.55.60 |
Save 22.8%! |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Solution |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Punches | Provide design specs β avoid "non-standard" classification |
| Multi-Hole Punch (3+ holes) | Still 8205.59.55.60 if hand-held |
| Electric Hole Punch Machine | 8472.90.90.80 β even if powered, still applies |
| Used or Refurbished | Higher risk β may be denied de minimis; consult broker |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Taxes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8205.59.55.60 / 8472.90.90.80 |
0β5.3% | +25% +10% | Highest tariffs |
| π¨π³ China | 8205.59.55.60 |
5% | None | No IEEPA/USITC |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8205.59.55.60 |
0% | None | No extra tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8205.59.55.60 |
5% | None | No IEEPA |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8205.59.55.60 |
0% | None | No extra charges |
π Insight:
- Only the US imposes 25% + 10% on Chinese-origin hole punches. - China, EU, Japan, Australia have no additional tariffs β ideal for export.
π« 6. Common Mistakes & Costly Errors
β Mistake 1: Calling a handheld punch a "machine"
π Result: 40.3% β 35.0% β Save 5.3% β but only if correct!
β Mistake 2: Using 8472.90.90.80 for a plastic handheld punch
π Result: Wrong classification β reassessment, fines, delays
β Mistake 3: Not declaring pliars-style design β misclassified as 8205.59.55.60
π Result: Missing 12Β’/doz. duty β underpaid, audit risk
β Mistake 4: Splitting a single punch into "plastic part + metal part"
π Result: Each part taxed at 40.3% β Total 80.6%+!
β Correct Approach:
"Single-Hole Punch, Handheld, Steel Body, 12mm Diameter, Used in Offices, Model XYZ, 1000 Units, 12Β’/doz. Duty Applicable"
π― 7. Final Verdict: Classify Right, Pay Less, Ship Faster!
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ "Handheld + Metal = 40.3%"
πΉ "Office Machine = 35.0%"
πΉ "Pliers-Style = 12Β’/doz. + 35.0%"
πΉ "Industrial Use = 17.5%"
πΉ "Splitting = Disaster!"
π Pro Tip:
If your hole punch is originated in Vietnam, Mexico, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption β tariff drops to 0%β5%.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a U.S. Customs Broker + Submit product photos + Request Advance Ruling (Pre-Clearance)
π Avoid $10,000+ in overpayment β get it right the first time!
β¨ Smart Classification = Smart Savings!
πΌ Your next shipment could save you 20%+ in tariffs β if you classify it right!
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.