sickle
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8201300080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8201906000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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✂️ Sickle (Agricultural Hand Tool)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand the "Sickle"?
The Sickle is a classic agricultural handtool, primarily used for harvesting grain or cutting grass. In international trade, it is strictly categorized under Chapter 82 (Tools, implements, cutlery...) specifically within the heading for agricultural handtools.
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- Sickles are classified under the broader category of "Other handtools used in agriculture..." because they do not fit into the specific sub-categories of spades, shovels, mattocks, picks, hoes, forks, rakes, axes, or secateurs. - Parts made of base metal are also included under the relevant "Other" headings.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided , the sickle falls into the following HS Codes. Note that 8201.30.00.80 is explicitly excluded for sickles, as it covers Mattocks, Picks, Hoes, and Rakes. Therefore, Sickles fall under 8201.90.60.00.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (US Import from CN) |
|---|---|---|---|
8201.30.00.80 |
Mattocks, picks, hoes and rakes, and parts thereof (Other) | NOT APPLICABLE to Sickles. This code is for digging/cultivating tools like hoes and rakes. | N/A for Sickles |
8201.90.60.00 |
Other handtools of a kind used in agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and parts thereof: Other | APPLICABLE to Sickles, Hay Knives, Hedge Shears, Bill Hooks, and similar cutting tools not listed in 8201.10-8201.30. | 25.0% |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Sickles are NOT Mattocks, Picks, Hoes, or Rakes. Therefore, they do not go to8201.30.00.80.
- They fall under the residual category "Other" in heading 8201.90.
- The specific sub-code for "Other handtools... and parts thereof: Other" is 8201.90.60.00.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: Ongoing (Subject to USITC 301 Tariffs)
🎯 1. 8201.90.60.00 —— Sickle / Other Agricultural Handtools
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | ❌ No (Deny De Minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:8201.90.60.00 → FOOTNOTE:301 |
📌 Explanation:
- The Base Tariff is 0%, meaning there is no standard duty.
- However, the 25% Additional Tariff applies to all goods from China under Section 301, including agricultural handtools classified under 8201.90.60.00.
- Total Cost Impact: For every $100 CIF value, you pay $25 in additional duties.
- Note: Unlike electronics or machinery, simple handtools like sickles rarely qualify for exclusions under the 301 Tariff program.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Preparation Checklist (Indispensable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification | ✔️ | Clearly state "Sickle" or "Agricultural Handtool". Do not use vague terms like "Cultivation Tool". |
| ✅ Material Declaration | ✔️ | Specify "Base Metal" (e.g., Carbon Steel). Parts must also be identified as base metal. |
| ✅ Usage Declaration | ✔️ | Must confirm use in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Forestry. If used for combat or decorative purposes, classification may change. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must explicitly mention "Sickle" and HS Code 8201.90.60.00. |
| ✅ Packaging List | ✔️ | Ensure quantity matches invoice. |
| ✅ Origin Certificate | ✔️ | Required to determine eligibility for any potential future exclusions (though unlikely for 301). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Sickle is not a Hoe! Use 8201.90, not .30!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Sickle | 8201.90.60.00 |
Misclassify as 8201.30.00.80 (Hoes/Rakes) → Potential penalty for misdeclaration. |
| Sickle with Wooden Handle | Still 8201.90.60.00 |
Do not split into "Metal Part" + "Wood Part". The whole tool is classified as the tool. |
| Electric Pruner | NOT 8201 | Goes to Chapter 84 or 85. Do not misclassify electric tools as 8201 handtools. |
| Decorative Knife (Non-Agri) | NOT 8201 | Goes to Chapter 82 Cutlery (8211) or Chapter 82 Knives (8214). |
✅ 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Parts Only (Metal Blades) | If sold separately as "Sickle Blades," still classify under 8201.90.60.00 as "parts thereof." |
| Kit with Multiple Tools | If a kit includes a Sickle AND a Hoe, split the values. Hoe goes to 8201.30.00.80, Sickle goes to 8201.90.60.00. Both have 25% tariff, but correct classification avoids audits. |
| Custom/Handmade Sickles | Same classification. Artisanal nature does not change the functional classification under HTSUS. |
| Anti-Dumping/Countervailing | Generally not applicable to basic agricultural handtools, but always verify current trade remedy lists. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 8201.90.60.00 |
25% (Total) | None specific | High tariff due to Section 301. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 8201.90.60.00 |
Varies (Check EXIM) | None specific | Export may require standard compliance. |
| 🇪🇺 European Union | 8201.90.90 |
0% - 2.7% | CE (if applicable), REACH | No additional tariffs like US 301. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 8201.90.000 |
0% - 14% | JIS Standard (optional) | Often lower duties for agricultural tools. |
| 🇮🇳 India | 8201.90.00 |
Varies (Basic + SWS) | BIS Certification | Check for specific SWS (Social Welfare Surcharge). |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US is the most challenging market due to the flat 25% additional tariff.
- EU and Japan offer more favorable tariff environments for simple agricultural handtools.
- Strategy: If targeting the US, factor the 25% cost into your pricing. Consider sourcing from non-China origins if tariffs become prohibitive.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Classifying a Sickle under 8201.30.00.80 (Hoes/Rakes)
👉 Consequence: Incorrect classification. While both have 25% tariff, accuracy is required for customs audits. Misdeclaration can lead to fines.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Parts" aspect
👉 Consequence: If you import replacement blades, they must also be declared under 8201.90.60.00. Declaring them as "Metal Tools" generally may trigger different scrutiny.
❌ Mistake 3: Failing to declare the specific use
👉 Consequence: If the invoice says "Knife" without specifying "Agricultural," Customs may reclassify as general cutlery (8211) or even weapons-related items, causing delays.
❌ Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis (Section 321) applies
👉 Consequence: No! Goods subject to Section 301 tariffs (like these) are explicitly excluded from the $800 de minimis exemption for imports from China. You MUST pay the 25% tax even for small packages.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"SICKLE, AGRICULTURAL HANDTOOL, BASE METAL, MODEL XYZ, ORIGIN: CHINA, HS CODE: 8201.90.60.00"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Sickle is NOT a Hoe! Use 8201.90.60!"
🔹 "Base Metal + Agri Use = 25% US Tariff!"
🔹 "No De Minimis for China Origin Section 301 Goods!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider:
1. Advance Ruling: Apply for a binding tariff ruling from CBP to confirm classification and avoid disputes.
2. Supply Chain Diversification: If margins are thin, consider sourcing from Vietnam or Thailand to avoid the China-specific 301 tariff.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify your supplier's exact material composition.
📄 Prepare invoices explicitly stating "Agricultural Sickle."
💰 Calculate landed cost including the 25% additional tariff.
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every percentage point of tariff affects your bottom line!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.