Valve Key
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8205595560 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8205598000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8007001050 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8007005000 | 37.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909940 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π οΈ Valve Key (Wrenches for Valves)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What exactly is a "Valve Key"?
A Valve Key (often called a Valve Wrench, Key Wrench, or Meter Key) is a specialized hand tool designed to operate valves that have non-standard stems, such as quarter-turn ball valves, gate valves, or meter boxes. Unlike standard adjustable wrenches, these tools are often shaped specifically to fit into the socket or square drive of a valve stem.
In international trade, these items are generally classified under Hand Tools. However, precise classification depends on the material of the key and its specific design purpose.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a standard hand tool (steel, iron, etc.) used for turning valves β Classified under Heading 8205.
- If it is made entirely of plastic (rare, usually for low-pressure plumbing) β Could fall under Plastics.
- Note: The provided data focuses on Base Metal Hand Tools and Specific Plastic Covers.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided <DATA>, the relevant HS Codes for Valve Keys (assuming they are base metal hand tools, which is the most common industrial/commercial case) are listed below. We will also include the plastic cover code if the item is a casing/accessory.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
8205.59.55.60 |
Other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: Other: Of iron or steel | Most Common Valve Keys | Iron/Steel |
8205.59.80.00 |
Other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: Other: Other | Non-Steel Base Metal Tools (e.g., Aluminum, Copper) | Other Base Metals |
3926.90.99.40 |
Other articles of plastics: Covers, rings and frames for manholes; catch basins... valve, service and meter boxes | Plastic Accessories/Covers | Plastic |
π Critical Note on Classification:
- A standard metal valve key is not classified under plumbing fixtures (Heading 73 or 84). It is a Hand Tool (Heading 82).
- If the "Valve Key" is actually a plastic cover for a meter box (not a wrench), it falls under3926.90.99.40.
- Do not misclassify a steel valve key as a plumbing part; it must go to8205.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Inferred from standard 301/IEEPA contexts in similar queries, but rates provided below are specific to the HS codes)
β Effective Time: Current 2026 Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 8205.59.55.60 ββ Handtools of Iron or Steel
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: Other: Other: Of iron or steel Other Other (including parts) |
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 0.0%" |
| Legal Basis | Standard US Tariff for Steel Hand Tools |
π Explanation:
- Valve keys made of iron or steel currently enjoy a 0% duty rate for basic tariffs.
- Crucially, the provided data indicates 0% additional taxes (no Section 301 or IEEPA penalties applicable to this specific sub-code in the provided snippet). This makes it a highly favorable HS code for importers.
π― 2. 8205.59.80.00 ββ Other Handtools (Non-Steel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Other handtools (including glass cutters) and parts thereof: Other: Other: Other |
| Basic Tariff | 3.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.7% |
| Tax Detail | "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 3.7%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 25.0%" |
| Legal Basis | USITC Footnote for Other Base Metal Hand Tools |
π Explanation:
- If your valve key is made of aluminum, copper, or other base metals (not iron/steel), it falls under "Other."
- This attracts a Basic Tariff of 3.7% PLUS a 25% Additional Tariff.
- Total Cost Impact: 28.7% of the CIF value. This is significantly higher than steel tools.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.40 ββ Plastic Covers for Valve/Meter Boxes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Other articles of plastics: Other: Other Covers, rings and frames for manholes; catch basins; drainage gates... valve, service and meter boxes |
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Detail | "εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 0.0%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 0.0%" |
| Legal Basis | Plastics Accessories |
π Explanation:
- This code is NOT for the wrench itself. It is for plastic covers, frames, or rings associated with valve/meter boxes.
- If you are importing a plastic valve key (rare), it might incorrectly fall here if not declared properly. Ensure it is declared as a Tool if it functions as a wrench. If it is purely a cover/cap, this 0% rate applies.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: Material (e.g., "Forged Steel"), Function ("Valve Operation Key"), and Dimensions. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the tool gripping a valve stem to prove it is a Hand Tool, not a plumbing fixture. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Steel Valve Key Wrench" or "Base Metal Hand Tool for Valve Operation". Avoid vague terms like "Plumbing Part." |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | β οΈ Recommended | Especially if the material is mixed (e.g., steel handle with plastic coating). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Metal is Tool, Plastic is Cover, Name it Right, Taxes Lower!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Valve Key | 8205.59.55.60 (Handtool) |
"Plumbing Valve Accessory" (Heading 73/84) | Potential misclassification, audit risk. But Bonus: 0% Tax! |
| Aluminum Valve Key | 8205.59.80.00 (Handtool) |
"Steel Tool" | Underpayment of duty β 28.7% Total Tax applies. |
| Plastic Cover for Meter | 3926.90.99.40 (Plastic Article) |
"Plastic Wrench" | If it doesn't grip/turn, it's a cover. 0% Tax. |
| Kit (Tool + Cover) | Split Declaration | Lump Sum "Valve Kit" | Each item must have its own HS Code to avoid rejection. |
β 3. Special Cases & Tips
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Coated/Plated Keys | If the steel key is plated with precious metal (gold/silver), it may be excluded from these codes. However, standard zinc/nickel plating does not change the HS Code. |
| "Glass Cutters" Confusion | Heading 8205 includes glass cutters. Do not use this code for valve keys unless it's a multi-tool. Stick to "Other Handtools." |
| Part of a Machine | If the key is a replaceable part of a specific water-jet cutting machine or lathe, it falls under the machine's heading (84 or 85), not 8205. The provided data explicitly excludes parts of machine tools. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Overview)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8205.59.55.60 |
0% | Best option for steel tools. Avoid 8205.59.80.00 (28.7%). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8205 59 00 |
~0-4% | VAT applies (19-25%). No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¨π³ China | 8205 59 00 |
~5-10% | Import VAT 13%. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8205 59 00 |
~0-4% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is favorable for Steel Valve Keys (8205.59.55.60) with 0% duty.
- Caution: Ensure the product is not considered a "Plumbing Fixture" (Heading 73), which might have different tariff histories. The "Hand Tool" classification is your best friend for low duty.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring a Steel Valve Key as "Plumbing Part" (HS 7326/8481)
π Result: While some plumbing parts have 0% duty, if the CBP determines it's a Tool, they may reassess. However, sticking to the provided 8205 code is safer because the provided data explicitly lists it with 0% tax. Misclassification can lead to delays.
β Error 2: Assuming all Base Metal Tools are 0%
π Result: Aluminum/Copper/Brass valve keys fall under 8205.59.80.00 with a 28.7% total tax. Always specify the exact alloy.
β Error 3: Confusing "Valve Key" with "Valve Cover"
π Result: Plastic covers (3926.90.99.40) are 0%. If you declare a plastic cover as a tool, or vice versa, it creates documentation mismatch. Describe the function: "Key" = Tool; "Cover" = Protection.
β Correct Approach:
"Valve Key, Forged Steel, 6-inch, for Operating Quarter-Turn Valves, No Electrical Parts, HS 8205.59.55.60"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Savings
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Steel Key = Tool = 0% Tax"
πΉ "Other Metal Key = Tool = 28.7% Tax"
πΉ "Plastic Cover = Cover = 0% Tax"
π Pro Tip:
If your valve key is made of steel, always use 8205.59.55.60. It offers the lowest duty burden (0%) in the provided dataset. If it is aluminum, budget for the 28.7% tax.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Provide precise material composition to your customs broker.
π Use the exact description: "Hand Tool, Iron/Steel".
π Secure your 0% duty rate by declaring correctly!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Save every penny by choosing the right HS Code!
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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.