HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 82.11 – Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading no. 8208, and blades therefore
What HS 82.11 covers
Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, whether serrated or not, encompassing a broad spectrum of utility, kitchen, and personal knives, with the notable exclusion of specific machine knives classified under 8208. This classification is vital for distinguishing general-purpose cutting instruments from highly specialized industrial tools or medical devices. The scope includes everything from everyday kitchen knives and professional chef's knives to hunting knives, pocket knives, and even pruning knives, as long as their primary function is cutting via a blade and they are not covered by 8208. It also explicitly includes blades for these knives, whether sold separately or as part of the complete tool. For trade compliance, the precise definition helps prevent misclassification with surgical instruments (typically 9018), which have different regulatory requirements and tariff rates, or with other cutting tools that fall into different categories due to their specific design or application (e.g., scissors in 8213, or razors in 8212). The heading's position within Chapter 82, which focuses on 'Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal,' highlights that these are typically handheld, non-powered implements primarily composed of base metal. Historically, knives are among humanity's oldest tools, and their continued trade significance reflects their indispensable role in daily life, culinary arts, and various professions. Accurate classification ensures correct duty assessments, adherence to import/export restrictions (especially for certain types of knives in some countries), and smooth customs clearance.
- Covers
- Chef's knives
- Utility knives
- Paring knives
- Bread knives (serrated)
- Carving knives
- Boning knives
- Fillet knives
- Steak knives
- Butter knives (with cutting edge)
- Hunting knives
- Survival knives
- Pocket knives
- Folding knives
- Switchblades (where legal)
- Pruning knives
- Grafting knives
- Palette knives (with cutting edge)
- Oyster knives
- Cleaver knives (for kitchen)
- Ceramic knives
- Knife blades (replacement)
- Knife blanks
- Tactical knives
- Dive knives
- Self-defense knives.
- Examples
A renowned Japanese cutlery manufacturer exports a large volume of high-carbon stainless steel chef's knives and sashimi knives to gourmet kitchenware stores across the United States and Europe, typically shipped via air freight for speed or ocean freight for larger orders. Concurrently, a major Chinese factory mass-produces millions of utility knives and general-purpose kitchen knife sets, shipping them to global retailers and discount stores in North America, South America, and Africa via large container vessels. Furthermore, a German company specializing in precision tools exports folding hunting knives and replacement blades to outdoor equipment distributors in Canada and Australia, often using express courier services for smaller, high-value shipments.
Subheadings under 82.11 6
Codes often confused with 82.11
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing knives under 8211 with surgical knives (9018), which are designed for medical applications and have distinct regulatory pathways and tariff implications. Another error is classifying industrial machine knives (e.g., for cutting textiles or paper in a manufacturing setting) under 8211; these correctly belong to 8208. The distinction lies in whether the knife is a general-purpose, handheld cutting tool or a specialized component of a machine or medical device. Misinterpreting the 'other than knives of heading no. 8208' clause can lead to significant compliance issues, as 8208 knives often have different duty rates and import restrictions.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8211, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8211 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.4B 41% of world exports
- 2 Germany $426M 13% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $192M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $823M 26% of world imports
- 2 Germany $347M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $132M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 82.11
What is HS code 8211?
HS code 8211 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading no. 8208, and blades therefore. Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, whether serrated or not, encompassing a broad spectrum of utility, kitchen, and personal knives, with the notable exclusion of specific machine knives classified under 8208. This classification is vital for distinguishing general-purpose cutting instruments from highly specialized industrial tools or medical devices. The scope includes everything from everyday kitchen knives and professional chef's knives to hunting knives, pocket knives, and even pruning knives, as long as their primary function is cutting via a blade and they are not covered by 8208. It also explicitly includes blades for these knives, whether sold separately or as part of the complete tool. For trade compliance, the precise definition helps prevent misclassification with surgical instruments (typically 9018), which have different regulatory requirements and tariff rates, or with other cutting tools that fall into different categories due to their specific design or application (e.g., scissors in 8213, or razors in 8212). The heading's position within Chapter 82, which focuses on 'Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal,' highlights that these are typically handheld, non-powered implements primarily composed of base metal. Historically, knives are among humanity's oldest tools, and their continued trade significance reflects their indispensable role in daily life, culinary arts, and various professions. Accurate classification ensures correct duty assessments, adherence to import/export restrictions (especially for certain types of knives in some countries), and smooth customs clearance.
What products fall under HS code 8211?
Chef's knives, utility knives, paring knives, bread knives (serrated), carving knives, boning knives, fillet knives, steak knives, butter knives (with cutting edge), hunting knives, survival knives, pocket knives, folding knives, switchblades (where legal), pruning knives, grafting knives, palette knives (with cutting edge), oyster knives, cleaver knives (for kitchen), ceramic knives, knife blades (replacement), knife blanks, tactical knives, dive knives, self-defense knives.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8211?
A common misclassification involves confusing knives under 8211 with surgical knives (9018), which are designed for medical applications and have distinct regulatory pathways and tariff implications. Another error is classifying industrial machine knives (e.g., for cutting textiles or paper in a manufacturing setting) under 8211; these correctly belong to 8208. The distinction lies in whether the knife is a general-purpose, handheld cutting tool or a specialized component of a machine or medical device. Misinterpreting the 'other than knives of heading no. 8208' clause can lead to significant compliance issues, as 8208 knives often have different duty rates and import restrictions.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8211?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8211 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 41% of world exports), Germany ($426M) and Switzerland ($192M). World exports came to about $3.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 8211?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8211 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($823M, 26% of world imports), Germany ($347M) and Canada ($132M). World imports came to about $3.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 8211 structured?
HS code 8211 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (82) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (11) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.