8201 - Handtools of the following kinds and base metal parts thereof: spades, shovels, mattocks, picks, hoes, forks and rakes; axes, bill hooks and similar hewing tools; secateurs and pruners of any kind; scythes, sickles, hay knives, hedge shears, timber wedges and other tools of a kind used in agriculture, horticulture or forestry:

Heading 8201 encompasses a wide array of essential handtools specifically designed for use in agricultural, horticultural, and forestry applications. This category includes implements such as spades, shovels, mattocks, picks, hoes, and rakes, all vital for soil preparation and cultivation. It also covers various cutting tools like axes and bill hooks used for felling trees or clearing brush, as well as specialized pruning shears for managing plant growth. The defining characteristic of items within this heading is their manual operation and their intended purpose in working with land, plants, or trees.

Unlike other headings within Section XV which might cover general metal articles or specific types of metal tools (e.g., cutlery or general workshop tools), 8201 is precisely focused on the tools employed in primary land-based industries. For instance, while Chapter 82 as a whole deals with tools and cutlery, 8201 specifically isolates those used in the field for agricultural and horticultural tasks, distinguishing them from tools for general domestic use or industrial manufacturing.

The subcategories within 8201 provide further specificity based on the tool's design and primary function. These subdivisions, such as spades and shovels (8201.10), mattocks, picks, hoes, and rakes (8201.30), and axes and hewing tools (8201.40), allow for precise classification of different types of implements. Further distinctions are made for secateurs and pruners (8201.50 and 8201.60) based on whether they are designed for one-handed or two-handed operation, and a residual category (8201.90) captures other specialized handtools not otherwise specified but still fitting the agricultural, horticultural, or forestry context.