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TOOLS, IMPLEMENTS, CUTLERY, SPOONS AND FORKS, OF BASE METAL; PARTS THEREOF OF BASE METAL›Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal-cutting shears, pipe-cutters, bolt croppers, perforating punches and similar hand tools

Pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers and similar tools

Standard EU duty
1.7%
VAT
23%
Additional duties / sanctions
0 rules
Docs required
13 docs
X844Y719Y745X834X840Y708+7
Standard rates
Applies toTypeRateConditionsRegulation
ERGA OMNESThird country duty1.7%-R2261/98
Preferences
ERGA OMNES 0%ERGA OMNES 0%AD 0%AL 0%BA 0%CA 0%CAMER 0%CARI 0%CH 0%CI 0%CL 0%CM 0%CO 0%DZ 0%EBA 0%EC 0%EEA 0%EG 0%EH 0%ESA 0%EUCA 0%FJ 0%FO 0%GB 0%GE 0%GH 0%GSP 0%GSP+ 0%IL 0%JO 0%JP 0%KE 0%KR 0%LB 0%LOMB 0%MA 0%MD 0%ME 0%MK 0%MX 0%NZ 0%PE 0%PG 0%PS 0%SADC EPA 0%SB 0%SG 0%SM 0%SWITZ 0%SY 0%TN 0%TR 0%UA 0%VN 0%WS 0%XC 0%XK 0%XL 0%XS 0%ZA 0%
Notes
TM5101. Customs duties shall be suspended in respect of goods intended for incorporation in the ships, boats or other vessels classified at the following CN codes 8901 10 10; 8901 20 10; 8901 30 10; 8901 90 10; 8902 00 10; 8903 91 10; 8903 92 10; 8904 00 10; 8904 00 91; 8905 10 10; 8905 90 10; 8906 10 00; 8906 90 10 for the purposes of their construction, repair, maintenance or conversion, and in respect of goods intended for fitting to or equipping such ships, boats or other vessels.2. Customs duties shall be suspended in respect of:(a) goods intended for incorporation in drilling or production platforms:(1) fixed, of subheading ex 8430 49, operating in or outside the territorial sea of Member States, or(2) floating or submersible, of subheading 8905 20, for the purposes of their construction, repair, maintenance or conversion, and in respect of goods intended for equipping the said platforms.(b) tubes, pipes, cables and their connection pieces, linking these drilling or production platforms to the mainland.
EU003According to The Special Provisions of Section II (A) (3) of the Preliminary Provisions of the Combined Nomenclature the suspension of customs duties for goods for certain categories of ships, boats and other vessels and for drilling or production platforms shall be subject to conditions laid down in the relevant provisions of the European Union with a view to customs control of the use of such goods.
CD333The autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties laid down in Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 for parts, components and other goods of a kind to be incorporated in or used for aircraft and parts thereof in the course of their manufacture, repair, maintenance, rebuilding, modification or conversion is suspended.In order to benefit from the suspension, the declarant shall present to the customs authorities an Authorised Release Certificate — EASA Form 1, as set out in Appendix I to Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012, or an equivalent certificate.The certificates which are deemed to be equivalent to Authorised Release Certificates are listed in Annex II to the Regulation (EU) 2018/1517.
CD303The relief from or reduction of customs duties shall be subject to the specific request expressed by the declarant in box 44 "Additional information/Documents produced/Certificates and authorisations", of the Single Administrative Document (SAD)
TM904Preferences granted under the agreement between the European Union and Morocco in force from 19 July 2019.As of 3 October 2025, products originating in Western Sahara subject to controls by the customs authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall benefit from trade preferences under the terms of the new Agreement in the form of exchange of letters between the EU and Morocco, The European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed to allow those products to be identified by reference to the region of origin to be included in the proof of origin and as provided for in Protocol 4.In view of the application of these measures, the origin certificates codes U179 and U180 must be declared.The country code to be entered in the origin declaration when these proofs of origin are used is “EH”.
CD727Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of an origin declaration stating the European Union origin of the goods, in the context of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CD906The list of non-eligible locations and their postal codes is available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/customs/technical-arrangement_postal-codes.pdf
CD500Eligibility to benefit from this preference is subject to the presentation of a proof of origin stating the community origin of the goods, in the context of the agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation.
5

Binding Tariff Information

BTI classification examples

FRgold25-03666

Mechanical crimping pliers for electrical terminals

steelGRI 1GRI 6
DEgold546/25-1

Slant/straight tweezers for cosmetic use

base metal (steel)GRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold080/24-1

Hose clamp pliers for clamps up to 48mm

base metalGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold593/24-1

Multi-tool set with pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and case

base metalGRI 1GRI 3bGRI 5aGRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold853/24-1

Fishing hook removal pliers with cutter

carbon steelGRI 1GRI 6

BTI (Binding Tariff Information) is an official EU customs decision confirming the classification of goods. Valid for 3 years, binding across all EU member states.

What CN 820320 covers: types of pliers and pincers

CN code 820320 covers pliers, pincers, tweezers and similar tools that grip, hold, bend or cut material using a lever mechanism rotating about a pivot rivet or bolt. The category includes combination pliers, long-nose pliers, diagonal cutting pliers, end-cutting nippers, round-nose pliers, adjustable slip-joint pliers, pipe wrenches, locking pliers, and circlip pliers for internal and external snap rings. These tools are manufactured from chrome steel, chrome-vanadium steel or chrome-molybdenum steel depending on the intended application and quality tier. Jaw surfaces may be left machined, induction-hardened or coated with anti-corrosion finishes. Handle inserts are typically made from rubber or thermoplastic elastomers and, for insulated versions designed for live electrical work up to 1000 V AC, must meet the requirements of IEC 60900.

Professional and consumer market segments

Pliers and similar tools classified under CN 820320 are among the most widely used hand tools across every skilled trade. Electricians rely on combination pliers, side cutters and long-nose pliers for cable preparation and termination. Plumbers and heating engineers use adjustable slip-joint pliers and pipe wrenches for fittings in confined spaces. Automotive mechanics use locking pliers and circlip pliers for component disassembly. The consumer segment is supplied largely by imports from China and Taiwan, while European and Japanese brands dominate the professional segment with higher manufacturing tolerances, premium steel grades and ergonomically tested handle designs. Quality differentiation is based on jaw hardness, coating durability, handle comfort and the precision of the pivot mechanism.

Customs classification and import compliance

Correct classification under CN 820320 requires confirming that the tool operates on a lever principle with a rotating pivot and is designed for gripping or cutting. Adjustable spanners and wrenches used solely for tightening fasteners are classified under heading 8204 and should not be confused with slip-joint pliers. Scissors, garden shears and secateurs are classified under headings 8213 or 8201 respectively and fall outside the scope of 8203. Imports of pliers and pincers from China may be affected by anti-dumping or trade protection measures applicable to specific TARIC subcodes. Importers should verify the TARIC database prior to each shipment and retain documentation supporting the declared transaction value, including any tooling, royalty or commissions paid in connection with the goods. Proof of preferential origin must be presented when claiming reduced duty rates under applicable EU trade agreements.

Ergonomics and safety for pliers and pincers imported into the EU

CN code 8203 20 covers pliers and pincers of base metal. Hand tools imported into the EU must comply with harmonised EN ISO safety and ergonomics standards. TARIC duty rates depend on country of origin, with preferential rates available under EU trade agreements. Customs declarations require a commercial invoice, certificate of origin and manufacturer's declaration of conformity.

Frequently asked questions

How is CN 820320 for pliers distinguished from CN 820430 for adjustable spanners?
Pliers and pincers under CN 820320 work on a pivot-lever principle and are designed to grip, hold, bend or cut workpieces of varying shapes. Adjustable spanners and wrenches under CN 820430 are designed specifically for turning nuts and bolts, with jaws shaped to engage flat surfaces. A tool with jaws that conform to a hexagonal nut profile and is used primarily for tightening is a spanner, not a plier, regardless of its adjustable feature.
Are insulated 1000 V pliers classified differently from standard pliers?
No, insulated pliers rated for work at voltages up to 1000 V AC are classified under the same CN 820320 code as standard pliers. The presence of insulating handle sleeves does not alter the tariff classification. However, insulated tools must comply with IEC 60900 and carry the 1000 V double-triangle symbol before they can be legally sold for live electrical work in the EU and other markets that recognise this standard.
What proof of origin is required for pliers imported from Vietnam under the EVFTA?
Under the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, pliers and similar tools of Vietnamese origin may qualify for preferential tariff rates. The required proof of origin is either a statement on invoice made out by a registered exporter holding a REX number, or a movement certificate EUR.1 issued by Vietnamese customs. The goods must satisfy the applicable rules of origin, which generally require sufficient processing within Vietnam. Importers should verify the specific product rule in the EVFTA Protocol on Rules of Origin.
What standards must pliers and pincers CN 8203 20 meet?
Pliers and pincers CN 8203 20 must comply with EN ISO hand tool safety standards. A manufacturer's declaration of conformity is required, and insulated tools must additionally meet VDE standards.

Useful tools & resources

Customs calculators
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Related glossary terms
Customs DutyCustoms ValueMFN Rate