Classification · CBLE study guide
Classification: base metals (Ch. 72-83)
- 22past questions in CBLE Pass
- ≈1questions on a typical 80-question exam
- HTSUS Section XVwhere the rules live
Common traps
Wrong answers on past exams cluster around a few beliefs. Here is each one, and what the rule actually says.
Articles of two or more base metals
“The metal of the main function or highest value decides.”
The rule: Unless otherwise required, base-metal articles go by the metal that predominates by weight (Section XV, Note 7): 50% zinc → 7907.
Remember: Predominant metal by weight.
HTSUS Section XV, Note 7
Alloy vs. stainless steel
“Steel with nickel is stainless, or narrow-width headings apply.”
The rule: Stainless steel needs ≥10.5% chromium (Ch. 72 Note 1(e)); a high-nickel steel without chromium is 'other alloy steel' (7225 for width ≥600 mm).
Remember: Chromium decides stainless.
HTSUS Ch. 72 Note 1
Retail tool sets
“A tool set is classified by one tool or as a set within 8205.”
The rule: Tools of two or more of headings 8202–8205 put up in sets for retail sale are heading 8206.
Remember: Tools from several headings in a retail set → 8206.
HTSUS 8206.00 · Ch. 82 Note
Interchangeable tools
“Bits and needles go with screwdrivers or with the machine as parts.”
The rule: Interchangeable tools for hand tools or power hand tools (driver bits, tattoo needles) go in 8207; not suitable for cutting metal and for handtools → 8207.90.60.
Remember: Interchangeable tool → 8207.
HTSUS 8207.90 · HTSUS Ch. 82, Note 1
Gas cooking stoves
“Portable gas stoves are 'other' stoves or kitchen articles.”
The rule: Domestic cooking appliances of iron or steel for gas fuel are 7321.11; portable → 7321.11.10.
Remember: Portable gas stove → 7321.11.10.
HTSUS 7321.11
Steel doors
“Carbon steel doors are stainless doors, cast articles, or engine parts.”
The rule: Doors of iron or steel are 7308.30; stainless steel 7308.30.10, others 7308.30.50.
Remember: Material then stainless vs. other.
HTSUS 7308.30
Try a past question
October 2026 CBLE, question 37
Of the four choices below, which is the best CLASSIFICATION of a fixed-blade knife intended for use in hunting? The knife features a stainless-steel blade with an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic handle and comes in a substantial leather holster.
Show the answer and why
A. Incorrect. 8211.91 is table knives with fixed blades; a hunting knife is 'other fixed-blade' (8211.92).
B. Correct. Fixed-blade knife with a plastic handle → 8211.92.40.
C. Incorrect. 8211.92.60 is hunting knives with wood handles.
D. Incorrect. 8211.92.90 is other handles.
HTSUS 8211.92 · law as of 2026-11-09
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