How to export hand tools from the UK to China
Classify each tool, agree the import route and check CCC requirements before shipping. Chinese duty varies by tariff line, and import VAT adds to landed cost. Electric drills, grinders and hammers need particular attention to the certification change. Cambridge China Bridge’s own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Hand tools and power tools: UK exports under HS 8201-8467 (45 subheadings)
Start with a model-by-model classification and a decision between ordinary commercial imports and eligible cross-border retail sales. Hand-operated screwdrivers fall under HS6 820540; electric drills under HS6 846721. The CCC reference table matches electric drills, electric grinders and electric hammers, so a mixed catalogue needs separate compliance checks rather than one clearance decision for every tool. For machine tools, see our guide to exporting machine tools to China.
HMRC recorded £11.2m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 45 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £12.5m, -10.3%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £1.0m. January to July 2026: £5.5m against £5.5m in the same months of 2025 (+0%). These are UK exports under HS 8201-8467 (45 subheadings).
These figures cover the HS codes in this heading, including blades and parts. The largest UK export line to mainland China was 84679900, covering tool parts, at £2.6m in 2025. Treat that as a parts-market signal, rather than evidence of equivalent demand for finished drills.
Price against the Chinese tariff line
Most listed Chinese tool tariff lines have an MFN rate of 8%. Exceptions include household hand tools at 7% and several parts lines at 6%. The selected lines below show why the importer needs a Chinese classification before agreeing your price; duty and import VAT increase landed cost and shape the offer it can make.
The standard import VAT rate is 13%, subject to the law’s reduced-rate list and special rules. Its base is customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. Have the importer’s customs adviser confirm the applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to the tool.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 82054000 | 8% |
| 82055100 | 7% |
| 84672100 | 8% |
| 84679110 | 6% |
| 84679200 | 6% |
| 84679910 | 8% |
| 84679990 | 6% |
Resolve CCC before committing powered models
The CCC reference table identifies electric drills at 8467210000, electric grinders at 8467291000 and electric hammers at 8467299000 under the self-declaration evaluation method. Check each model’s scope with the relevant Chinese authority before accepting an order dependent on that route; the commodity-code match is a starting point for the product check.
These products change to third-party certification from 1 January 2027, with conversion completed by 31 December 2026. From the change date, they require a CCC certificate and CCC marking before import or sale. Plan for approval in months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides. Agree who will handle the certification work before fixing shipment commitments.
Prepare the UK export declaration by model
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify the goods using the correct UK commodity code. Keep the export schedule specific: screwdrivers under HS6 820540, retail tool sets under HS6 820600 and electric drills under HS6 846721 should not share a generic description that hides what is being shipped.
The export declaration needs the code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing-list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Align model descriptions with the information used for the Chinese tariff and CCC checks.
Use cross-border retail only for listed tools
The retail import list includes Chinese lines 82015000, 82032000, 82041100, 82052000, 82055100 and 82055900. Listed goods through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 are supervised as personal-use articles, with first-import licence, registration and filing requirements disapplied subject to the stated risk exceptions. Consumers must accept a risk notice and may not resell them. The overseas business retains quality responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability.
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Check the importer before sending stock
Ask a prospective importer to explain which models it wants, their Chinese tariff lines, the import route and how it will address CCC for the powered models. Compare its proposed retail or distribution channel with that route, particularly where cross-border purchases are restricted to personal use.
Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.
Through our export-to-China service, we prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and, where required, the cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners in China; your own filings remain yours. We check with those partners.
Frequently asked questions
Do my electric drills need CCC for China?
The CCC reference table matches electric drills at 8467210000. They move from self-declaration to third-party certification from 1 January 2027, with conversion completed by 31 December 2026.
Is Chinese duty the same for every tool?
No. The listed screwdriver line 82054000 is 8%, household hand tools at 82055100 are 7%, and pneumatic-tool parts at 84679200 are 6%. Confirm the Chinese tariff line before pricing.
Can I sell hand tools through cross-border retail?
The list includes selected lines, including pliers at 82032000 and hammers at 82052000. Eligible retail imports are for personal use and may not be resold; do not apply that route to your whole catalogue.
What UK paperwork should I prepare for a tool shipment?
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, prepare a GB EORI, correct commodity codes and the export declaration information, including invoice and packing-list references. The carrier needs the invoice and applicable licences or certificates.