single hole punch
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8205517500 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8205595560 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8472909080 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Single Hole Punch (Hand Tools & Office Equipment)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Single Hole Punch"?
A Single Hole Punch is a device used to create a single hole in paper, cardstock, or leather. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its mechanism, material, and intended use. It generally falls into two categories:
- Manual Hand Tools: Traditional punches operated by hand force, typically made of steel/iron, with no motor or electrical components.
- Electric/Desk Machines: Motorized or lever-assisted devices that may be classified under office machinery if they fit specific technical criteria.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a simple manual tool with no moving complex mechanisms β Classified under Chapter 82 (Hand Tools).
- If it is an electric device or a complex mechanical unit designed specifically for office automation β Classified under Chapter 84 (Machinery).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Mechanism Type |
|---|---|---|---|
8205.51.75.00 |
Other hand tools; Hole punches; Single-hole type | Standard manual punches, basic office use | β Manual (No Motor) |
8205.59.55.60 |
Other hand tools; Hole punches; Material: Iron/Steel | Heavy-duty or metal-frame manual punches | β Manual (Iron/Steel) |
8472.90.90.80 |
Parts of office machines; Punching machines | Electric or complex mechanical punchers | β Mechanical/Electric |
π Important Reminder:
- Most standard manual single-hole punches fall under 8205.51 or 8205.59.
- Only if the device is explicitly an "Office Machine" (e.g., electric punch) should it be classified under 8472.90. Misclassification can lead to significant tax discrepancies.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates apply as per 2025-2026 trade policies
π― 1. 8205.51.75.00 ββ Manual Single-Hole Punch (General Hand Tool)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade War Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Chinese Import Surcharge) |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High tariff rates usually exclude small packages from de minimis benefits) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8205.51.75 β 301:25% β 122:10% |
π Explanation:
- This is a standard hand tool classification.
- The 25% Section 301 tariff applies to most Chinese-made tools.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is an additional surcharge on certain Chinese goods.
- Total 38.7% is a significant cost factor for exporters.
π― 2. 8205.59.55.60 ββ Manual Single-Hole Punch (Iron/Steel Material)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade War Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Chinese Import Surcharge) |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8205.59.55 β 301:25% β 122:10% |
π Explanation:
- This code specifies iron or steel construction.
- The base rate is slightly higher (5.3% vs 3.7%), leading to a higher total tax (40.3%).
- Use this code if the punch is made of heavy-duty metal rather than lighter materials.
π― 3. 8472.90.90.80 ββ Electric/Office Machine Punch
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade War Tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Chinese Import Surcharge) |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8472.90.90 β 301:25% β 122:10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the lowest total tax rate (35.0%) among the three options.
- It applies only if the product is clearly an office machine (e.g., electric punch).
- Risk: Misclassifying a manual tool as an electric machine can lead to customs audits and penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (Steel/Iron), Mechanism (Manual/Electric), Use Case |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the punch, including any brand labels and mechanism parts |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Single Hole Punch" and HS Code |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight and dimensions for freight calculation |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required for determining Section 122 applicability |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
π₯ "Accuracy is Key: Manual vs. Electric!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Punch (Steel) | 8205.59.55.60 |
Misclassifying as 8472 (Office Machine) β Risk of audit |
| Manual Punch (General) | 8205.51.75.00 |
Calling it "Office Machine" β Higher tax risk |
| Electric Punch | 8472.90.90.80 |
Calling it "Hand Tool" β Missed potential lower base rate (but verify eligibility) |
| Accessories (e.g., replacement blades) | Separate HS Code | Lump-summing with main product β Complex valuation |
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Set of Punctures (e.g., 2-hole + 1-hole) | Declare as a single set under the primary componentβs HS Code |
| Leather Craft Punch | Ensure it is not classified as "Industrial Tool" (higher tax) if intended for light office use |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Bulk shipments may require additional packaging declarations to avoid damage claims |
| Section 122 Impact | Verify if your supplier qualifies for any exemptions or if the product is on the excluded list (rare for tools) |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Key Certifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8205.51.75.00 / 8205.59.55.60 |
38.7% / 40.3% | None specific | High tariffs due to 301 + 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 8205.51.75.00 |
~3.7% | CCC (if electric) | Lower tax for domestic trade |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8205.51.75.00 |
~3.7% | CE (if electric) | No Section 122 equivalent |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8205.51.75.00 |
~3.5% | PSE (if electric) | Competitive rate |
| π¬π§ UK | 8205.51.75.00 |
~3.5% | UKCA (if electric) | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tax rate due to the combination of Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) tariffs.
- Electric punches (8472) offer a slightly lower total rate (35.0%) but require strict adherence to "office machine" definitions.
- Manual punches are the most common and safest classification for standard products.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring an electric punch as a manual tool
π Consequence: Incorrect HS code β Potential audit or underpayment penalties.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Unexpected costs at customs β Cash flow issues.
β Mistake 3: Using vague descriptions like "Office Supply"
π Consequence: Customs delays for classification verification β Higher storage fees.
β Correct Approach:
"Manual Single Hole Punch, Steel Body, for Paper/Cardstock, Model XYZ, HS Code 8205.51.75.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Manual is 38.7%, Steel is 40.3%, Electric is 35.0%."
πΉ "Section 122 and 301 add 35% to base rates β plan accordingly!"
πΉ "Accurate description prevents customs delays and hidden costs."
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting to the USA, consider:
- Pre-classification ruling from CBP to confirm HS code.
- Supply chain review to see if alternatives (e.g., Southeast Asian origin) can bypass Section 122 tariffs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker to verify your productβs specific HS code.
π Optimize your supply chain to mitigate the 38.7%-40.3% tariff burden.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Efficiency Depends on Precise Tariff Management!
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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.