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82
Tariff Chapter 82
Handsaws; blades for saws of all kinds (including slitting, slotting or toothless saw blades)
What does heading 8202 of the customs tariff cover?
Heading 8202 covers hand saws and blades for saws of all kinds, including slitting, slotting and toothless saw blades. These products include tools and articles of base metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, tool steel and metal alloys. Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks of base metal. Customs duty rates are generally 0% to 5% depending on the product. Import of tools and cutlery requires correct tariff classification. Articles for food contact (cutlery, kitchen knives) must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Heading 8202 is part of Chapter 82 (base metals and metal products) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 8202 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 8202 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.
Duty rates and import requirements for heading 8202
Customs duty rates are generally 0% to 5% depending on the product. Import of tools and cutlery requires correct tariff classification. Correct tariff classification is crucial - Chapter 82 has many specific headings. Articles for food contact must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Hand and interchangeable tools must meet EN safety standards. Check whether imports under heading 8202 are subject to anti-dumping duties. When importing goods under heading 8202 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 8202 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 8202 are subject to quality and EN standard compliance controls. Required documentation includes: chemical composition analysis certificates, CE certificates (construction products), EU steel safeguard documentation. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.
Classification of goods under heading 8202 - key considerations
Heading 8202 covers hand saws and blades for saws of all kinds, including slitting. These products include tools and articles of base metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, tool steel and metal alloys. Distinction from 8201 (hand tools: spades, shovels, pickaxes, h) and 8203 (files, rasps, pliers, pincers, tweezers,) requires analysis of material, form and intended use. Decisive factor: precise determination of base material, processing stage and end-use of the product.
Frequently asked questions
What are the EU customs duty rates for hand saws and saw blades under heading 8202?
Customs duty rates for hand saws and saw blades under heading 8202 range from 0% to 2.7% depending on the product type. Band saw blades, circular saw blades, and frame saw blades may carry different rates within this range. The heading also covers slitting, slotting, and toothless saw blades. Correct tariff classification requires distinguishing between hand saws (heading 8202) and mechanical or power-operated saws (Chapters 84 or 85), which is critical for applying the correct duty rate. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents and quality requirements apply to importing saws and saw blades?
Importing hand saws and saw blades requires a customs declaration with CN code (heading 8202), a commercial invoice with detailed description (saw type, dimensions, material), certificate of origin, and documentation confirming compliance with safety standards. Blades made from tool steel, high-speed steel (HSS), or with cemented carbide tips require correct material classification. Products intended for food contact (e.g., bone saws) must comply with Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 on food contact materials. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply to saw and blade imports - packaging and classification?
Saws and saw blades require careful packaging due to sharp cutting edges - each blade should be individually protected with blade guards. Transport requires marking as sharp-edge goods. Correct distinction between hand saws (8202) and parts for cutting machines (Chapter 84) is critical. Bimetallic blades and carbide-tipped blades have higher value and may be subject to detailed customs inspection. Inspection includes verification of material composition, dimensions, and tooth configuration. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
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