9507.20 - Fish hooks, whether or not snelled:

This HTS category, 9507.20, specifically addresses fish hooks designed for angling. It encompasses a wide array of individual hooks and hooks that are attached to fishing line, commonly referred to as snelled hooks. The defining characteristic for inclusion here is the fundamental purpose of the item: to catch fish through enticement and piercing.

While this category focuses on the hook itself, it is crucial to distinguish it from its siblings. Heading 9507.10.00 pertains to fishing rods and their associated parts and accessories, such as reels and line. Similarly, 9507.30 covers fishing reels and their components. Heading 9507.90, conversely, acts as a catch-all for other fishing tackle and hunting equipment not otherwise specified within Chapter 95. Therefore, 9507.20 isolates the hook component as its primary classification criterion.

Within 9507.20, further subdivisions exist to refine classification. The subcategories differentiate between hooks that are pre-rigged with line (snelled hooks) and those that are not. This distinction is important for inventory management, sales, and potentially different duty rates or import requirements. The presence of line already attached is the primary factor differentiating 9507.20.40.00 (Snelled hooks) from 9507.20.80.00 (Other hooks).