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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

Metal-cutting shears 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

DEgold738/24-1

Band shear for cutting stainless steel bands

base metal (steel)GRI 1GRI 6
DEgold206/24-1

Metal shears for cutting steel sheets

steelGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEsilver657/25-1

2-piece set of metal shears

steelGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold543/25-1

Metal cutting shears with millimeter scale

steelGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 6
DEgold216/25-1

Revolving hole punch pliers

steelGRI 1GRI 5bGRI 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.

Classification and scope of subheading 8203 30 - metal shears

Subheading 8203 30 of the Combined Nomenclature covers hand-operated metal cutting shears and similar cutting tools, including tin snips, sheet metal shears, wire mesh cutting shears and related tools operated by hand force. These tools consist of two hardened steel blades pivoted on a rivet or bolt that transfer the force of the hand grip to the cutting edge, shearing sheet metal, mesh and shaped sections without removing material. The subheading covers straight-blade snips, compound-action aviation shears with offset handles for curved and straight cuts, as well as ergonomic-grip designs. The distinction from neighbouring subheading 8203 40 (pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches) is functional: subheading 8203 30 tools cut by shearing between two blades, without piercing or squeezing. Tools with electric or pneumatic power must be classified in chapters 84 or 85. For sets of mixed tools, General Interpretive Rules 3b or 3c of the Combined Nomenclature apply. In cases of doubt, Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the competent customs authority is the recommended course of action.

Import requirements and technical regulations for metal shears 8203 30

Importing hand metal cutting shears classified under subheading 8203 30 into the European Union is subject to the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number and lodge a customs declaration with the correct CN code. Required import documents include a commercial invoice describing the goods and their technical parameters, a transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB), the manufacturer's specification and a proof of origin if the importer wishes to benefit from preferential duty rates under EU free trade agreements. Hand tools for metal working intended for professional use in the EU must comply with general product safety requirements under Regulation (EU) 2023/988, and when used as work equipment by employees, they fall within the scope of Directive 2009/104/EC. Products sold on the EU retail market must carry the necessary markings and comply with national product safety legislation of the country of destination. Goods under chapter 82 are not subject to the CBAM mechanism. Current MFN duty rates, preferential rates under EU FTAs and rules of origin requirements should be verified in the TARIC database of the European Commission.

Trade defence measures for metal shears - subheading 8203 30

Imports of hand metal cutting shears covered by subheading 8203 30 may be subject to EU trade defence measures. Hand tools from China under chapter 82 have historically been the subject of EU anti-dumping proceedings - the importer must always verify in the TARIC database whether anti-dumping or countervailing duties are currently active for the specific subheading and country of origin code. Imports of steel tools from Russia and Belarus may be subject to prohibitions and restrictions under EU sanctions packages (Council Regulation (EU) 2022/428 and subsequent regulations). Preferential duty rates may be available under EU free trade agreements, including CETA (Canada), JEFTA (Japan), the agreement with the Republic of Korea, Vietnam (EVFTA) and under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP/GSP+). Entitlement to preferences requires compliance with rules of origin and submission of a valid EUR.1 movement certificate, an invoice declaration by an approved exporter or REX registration. The total cost of importation includes customs duty, VAT (standard rate 23% in Poland) and any other charges. All current trade measures are available in the TARIC database on the European Commission website.

Safety requirements for metal cutting shears imported into the EU

CN code 8203 30 covers metal cutting shears 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 do I distinguish metal shears 8203 30 from bolt cutters 8203 40 for customs classification?
The distinguishing criterion is the tool's operating principle. Subheading 8203 30 covers shears that cut metal by shearing action between two pivoting blades - they cut sheet metal, mesh and flat sections. Subheading 8203 40 covers pipe cutters, bolt cutters and perforating punches that work by squeezing, rotating a cutting wheel or stamping a hole. If the tool cuts material through two blades pivoting on a common axis, it belongs to 8203 30. For classification uncertainty, applying for Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling from the customs authority is recommended. MFN duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Do hand metal shears under subheading 8203 30 require a CE mark?
Hand metal shears, as non-powered tools without an electric or pneumatic drive, are generally not subject to the Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 and do not require CE marking under that directive. They are, however, subject to the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, which means the manufacturer or importer must ensure the product is safe and does not pose a risk to users. For professional use as workplace equipment, Directive 2009/104/EC applies. The importer should obtain a safety declaration and product documentation from the manufacturer before placing the goods on the EU market.
What anti-dumping measures may apply to metal shears imported from China?
Imports of hand steel tools from China, including metal cutting shears under subheading 8203 30, may be subject to EU anti-dumping measures. The level of any additional anti-dumping duties depends on the currently applicable Council Regulation and the individual status of the exporting producer. Steel safeguard measures under the TRQ system may also apply to certain categories of hand tools from chapter 82. The current status of all trade measures for this subheading and country of origin must always be verified in the European Commission TARIC database before placing an import order.
What standards must metal cutting shears CN 8203 30 meet?
Metal cutting shears CN 8203 30 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.

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Related glossary terms
Customs DutyCustoms ValueMFN Rate