Pruning Shears
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8467895060 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8201906000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8201500000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8467290085 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8211918060 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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βοΈ Pruning Shears: The Ultimate HS Code & Duty Classification Guide (2026 Edition)
π Global Trade HS Code & Duty Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Are "Pruning Shears"?
Pruning Shears are essential gardening tools used for trimming hedges, cutting branches, and shaping plants. In international trade, their classification depends entirely on: 1. Power Source: Manual (Hand-held) vs. Electric (Battery/Plug-in). 2. Material: Metal blades vs. Composite/Electronic components. 3. Mechanism: Bypass (scissor-action) vs. Anvil (crushing).
β οΈ Key Distinction for Classification:
- Electric Pruning Shears with built-in motors β Fall under Chapter 84 (Machinery) or Chapter 82 (Tools) depending on specific construction.
- Manual Bypass/Anvil Shears β Fall strictly under Chapter 82 (Tools).
- Classification Error leads to Massive Duty Surges (25% - 35%+).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 US Import Data)
Based on the latest US Customs data, here are the 5 specific HS Codes applicable to Pruning Shears, ranging from electric to manual, and their corresponding tax structures.
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Total Duty Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8467.89.50.60 | Electric Pruning Shears (Power-driven Garden Tools) | Classified as "Portable tools with self-contained electric motor." | 17.5% |
| 8201.90.60.00 | Electric Pruning Shears (Metal Hand Tools) | Classified as "Other hand tools of iron/steel." | 35.0% |
| 8201.50.00.00 | Pruning Shears or Bypass Shears | Classified as "Bypass or anvil shears" (Manual or Electric). | 1Β’ + 2.8% + 35.0% |
| 8467.29.00.85 | Electric Pruning Shears (Self-contained Motor) | Specific sub-category for electric shear tools. | 17.5% |
| 8211.91.80.60 | Bypass Pruning Shears (Metal Cutting Blades) | Classified as "Knives with cutting blades of base metal." | 0.3Β’ + 4.9% + 17.5% |
* Duties calculated based on Chinese Origin (CN) exports to the US as of 2026.
π° III. 2026 Duty Rate Deep Dive: Section-by-Section Breakdown
β Origin: China (CN)
β Destination: USA (US)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Import Season
π― 1. The "Electric Motor" Sweet Spot: 8467.89.50.60 & 8467.29.00.85
These codes offer the lowest duty rates for electric tools.
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | General Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Rate |
| Section 301 "Add-on" Duty | +7.5% | USITC 25% Section 301 Tariff (Reduced/Specific Category) |
| 122-Section Tariff | +10.0% | Special "Section 122" Additional Tariff |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% | The Goldilocks Zone for Electric Tools |
π Strategy: If your electric shears are classified under 8467, you pay 17.5%. This is significantly lower than the 35% rates.
π― 2. The "Metal Hand Tool" Trap: 8201.90.60.00
Avoid this classification for electric tools if possible!
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | MFN Rate |
| Section 301 "Add-on" Duty | +25.0% | High-tier Section 301 Tariff |
| 122-Section Tariff | +10.0% | Special "Section 122" Additional Tariff |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% | Double the cost of 8467 |
β οΈ Warning: Many electric shears are mistakenly declared as "Metal Hand Tools" (
8201). If Customs determines the motor is secondary to the metal handle, they may apply 35%.
π― 3. The "Per Unit + Ad Valorem" Complexity: 8201.50.00.00
Applies to Manual Bypass/Anvil Shears (and some Electric ones).
| Component | Rate | Calculation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Duty | 1Β’ per unit | Flat fee per piece |
| Base Duty | 2.8% | Ad valorem on CIF value |
| Section 301 "Add-on" Duty | +25.0% | High-tier Section 301 Tariff |
| 122-Section Tariff | +10.0% | Special "Section 122" Additional Tariff |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% + 1Β’ | Highest Tax Category |
π Note: Even though the base rate is 2.8%, the massive 35% total (2.8% + 25% + 10%) makes this the most expensive category for high-value shears.
π― 4. The "Blade" Specifics: 8211.91.80.60
For specialized Bypass Shears.
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Duty | 0.3Β’ per unit | Flat fee per piece |
| Base Duty | 4.9% | Ad valorem on CIF value |
| Section 301 "Add-on" Duty | +7.5% | Lower-tier Section 301 Tariff |
| 122-Section Tariff | +10.0% | Special "Section 122" Additional Tariff |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% + 0.3Β’ | Mid-Range Option |
π οΈ IV. Clearance & Optimization Strategy (2026)
β 1. The "Electric vs. Manual" Pivot
The difference between paying 17.5% and 35% is often just the HS Code description.
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Shears (High Tech) | 8467.89.50.60 | Classifies as "Portable Power Tool." Best duty rate (17.5%). |
| Electric Shears (Metal Heavy) | 8201.90.60.00 | Avoid! Classifies as "Hand Tool." 35% Duty. |
| Manual Bypass Shears | 8211.91.80.60 | Only for pure metal shears. (17.5% is okay). |
| Mixed/Manual Bypass | 8201.50.00.00 | Avoid! Highest duty (35% + per unit). |
π‘ Pro Tip: If your product is Electric, ensure the Primary Function is described as "Power-driven" in the Commercial Invoice and Packing List. Do not use generic terms like "Garden Tool."
β 2. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have for Clearance)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | Must state: "Battery Operated" or "Electric Motor" | Proves eligibility for 8467 (17.5% duty). |
| Circuit Diagram | Show motor integration | Prevents reclassification to 8201 (35% duty). |
| Commercial Invoice | Label: "Electric Pruning Shears with Self-Contained Motor" | Aligns with 8467 description. |
| Packaging Photos | Show battery, switch, motor casing | Visual proof of "Power Tool" status. |
β 3. Avoiding the "35% Trap"
β Mistake: Declaring "Electric Pruning Shears" as "Hand Tools of Iron/Steel" (8201).
π Result: You pay 35% duty (25% Section 301 + 10% Section 122) instead of 17.5%.
β
Fix: Ensure the description emphasizes the Electric Motor and Power Drive to trigger 8467.
π V. Global Comparison & Risk Assessment
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8467.89.50.60 | 17.5% | β οΈ Medium (Classification sensitive) |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8467.89 | ~2.4% (No 122/301) | β Low |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8467.89 | ~6.5% | β Low |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8467.89 | ~2.0% | β Low |
π Conclusion: The US market is unique due to the 122-Section (10%) and Section 301 (7.5% or 25%)ε ε tariffs. Correct classification is the only way to minimize costs.
π VI. Final Clearance Advice: "The 17.5% Rule"
π₯ Golden Rule:
"If it has a motor, declare it as 8467. If you declare it as 8201, you lose 17.5% in profit!"
- For Electric Shears: Stick to 8467.89.50.60 or 8467.29.00.85 (Total 17.5%).
- For Manual Shears: Use 8211.91.80.60 (Total 17.5%) if possible, avoid 8201.50.00.00 (35% + 1Β’).
- Never mix Electric and Manual in one shipment with a single HS Code.
π Next Steps for Your Business
- Review Product Specs: Confirm if the shears are truly "Electric" (Motor-driven).
- Update Commercial Invoice: Change description from "Garden Tool" to "Electric Pruning Shears with Self-Contained Motor."
- Prepare Technical Docs: Have circuit diagrams ready for Customs inspection.
- Calculate Costs: Use the 17.5% rate for budgeting, not the 35% worst-case scenario.
β¨ Success in Global Trade is 10% Product, 90% Classification!
Get your Pruning Shears classified correctly today and save thousands in duties!
Disclaimer: Tariff rates are subject to change. Always verify with a licensed Customs Broker before shipment.
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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.