HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8211.93 – Knives; with cutting blades, (having other than fixed blades), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208
HS code 8211.93 is the 6-digit subheading for knives, with cutting blades, (having other than fixed blades), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208. It is used for folding pocket knives, utility knives (retractable blade), multi-tools with knives, switchblades and butterfly knives.
What HS 8211.93 covers
This category specifically covers knives with cutting blades that are not fixed, meaning they are typically folding, retractable, or otherwise designed to be stored compactly. This includes a vast array of pocket knives, utility knives with retractable blades, multi-tools featuring a knife, and other similar portable cutting instruments. These are distinct from machine blades (8208). International trade is driven by consumer demand for everyday carry items, outdoor recreation, professional utility, and general household use, reflecting a global need for versatile and portable cutting tools. Importers are global markets with strong consumer spending and diverse recreational activities. Exporters are often countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities for precision mechanisms and blade production. Key aspects include the reliability of locking mechanisms, blade material, portability, ergonomic handle design, and multi-functionality in the case of multi-tools.
- Covers
- Folding pocket knives
- Utility knives (retractable blade)
- Multi-tools with knives
- Switchblades
- Butterfly knives
- Box cutters
- Craft knives (folding)
- Assisted-opening knives
- Examples
- Swiss Army Knife
- Leatherman multi-tool
- Stanley utility knife
- Benchmade Bugout folding knife
- Spyderco Paramilitary 2
Codes often confused with 8211.93
Common mistake. Often confused with 821192 (fixed blade knives) if the folding mechanism is overlooked, or with 8205 (other hand tools) if the knife is part of a larger, non-knife-centric tool.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 821193, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 821193 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 $259M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $109M 12% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $95M 11% of world exports
World total: $880M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $255M 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $110M 13% of world imports
- 3 Canada $43M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $827M 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.
Brazil NCM codes for 8211.93 3
Brazil splits HS 8211.93 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8211.93.10 Pruning knives and their partsPodadeiras e suas partes
- 8211.93.20 Penknives with one or more bladesCanivetes com uma ou várias lâminas ou outras peças
- 8211.93.90 Other knives with non-fixed bladesOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 82.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8211.93
What is HS code 821193?
HS code 821193 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Knives; with cutting blades, (having other than fixed blades), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208. This category specifically covers knives with cutting blades that are not fixed, meaning they are typically folding, retractable, or otherwise designed to be stored compactly. This includes a vast array of pocket knives, utility knives with retractable blades, multi-tools featuring a knife, and other similar portable cutting instruments. These are distinct from machine blades (8208). International trade is driven by consumer demand for everyday carry items, outdoor recreation, professional utility, and general household use, reflecting a global need for versatile and portable cutting tools. Importers are global markets with strong consumer spending and diverse recreational activities. Exporters are often countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities for precision mechanisms and blade production. Key aspects include the reliability of locking mechanisms, blade material, portability, ergonomic handle design, and multi-functionality in the case of multi-tools.
What products fall under HS code 821193?
Folding pocket knives, utility knives (retractable blade), multi-tools with knives, switchblades, butterfly knives, box cutters, craft knives (folding), assisted-opening knives
What are common misclassifications for HS code 821193?
Often confused with 821192 (fixed blade knives) if the folding mechanism is overlooked, or with 8205 (other hand tools) if the knife is part of a larger, non-knife-centric tool.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 821193?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 821193 in UN Comtrade data were China ($259M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($109M) and Switzerland ($95M). World exports came to about $880M, 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 821193?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 821193 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($255M, 31% of world imports), Germany ($110M) and Canada ($43M). World imports came to about $827M, 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 821193 structured?
HS code 821193 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (82) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (93) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 821193?
Brazil splits HS code 821193 into 3 NCM codes: 8211.93.10 (Pruning knives and their parts), 8211.93.20 (Penknives with one or more blades), 8211.93.90 (Other knives with non-fixed blades). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.