HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 82.12 – Razors and razor blades; (including razor blade blanks in strips)
What HS 82.12 covers
Heading 8212 specifically covers razors and razor blades, including razor blade blanks in strips. This classification is precise, focusing exclusively on instruments designed for shaving and their associated cutting components. It encompasses both traditional safety razors, straight razors, and modern cartridge or disposable razors, along with the various types of blades they utilize. The inclusion of 'razor blade blanks in strips' highlights the classification's reach into the manufacturing stages of these products, ensuring that even semi-finished blade components are correctly categorized. This heading is crucial for trade compliance because it clearly separates these personal care items from other cutting tools or electro-mechanical shaving devices. Misclassifying razors as general knives (8211) or electric shavers (8510) would lead to incorrect tariff rates, regulatory non-compliance, and potential customs delays. The heading's placement within Chapter 82, 'Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal,' reflects that razors are fundamentally cutting tools, typically made of base metal, used in a personal grooming context. Historically, razors have evolved significantly from simple sharpened blades to complex multi-blade systems, but their core function and classification remain consistent. Accurate classification under 8212 is essential for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure proper duty assessment, adherence to product safety standards (e.g., for blade sharpness and material), and efficient movement through international supply chains.
- Covers
Disposable razors, safety razors, cartridge razors, straight razors, double-edge razor blades, single-edge razor blades, multi-blade razor cartridges, razor blade blanks (in strips), shaving heads (with blades), barber's razors, shavettes, system razors, women's razors, men's razors, shaving razors with lubricating strips, razor blade refills, electric razor heads (if containing only blades and not the electrical components), professional razors for barbers, travel razors, pivoting head razors.
- Examples
A multinational personal care company based in the United States imports millions of disposable razors and razor blade cartridges from its manufacturing facilities in Mexico and China, shipping them via ocean freight to distribution centers across North America and Europe. Meanwhile, a German manufacturer renowned for precision engineering exports high-quality safety razors and double-edge razor blades to specialty grooming stores and online retailers globally, often utilizing air cargo for efficient delivery to distant markets like Japan and Australia. In another scenario, a startup in India sources razor blade blanks in strips from a supplier in South Korea to assemble into their branded razors for the domestic and regional markets, typically transported by sea.
Subheadings under 82.12 3
Codes often confused with 82.12
Common mistake. A common error is confusing razors and razor blades with electric shavers, which are classified under 8510 (Shavers, hair clippers and hair-removing appliances, with self-contained electric motor). The crucial distinction is the presence of an electric motor; 8212 is strictly for non-electric, manual razors and their blades. Another mistake can be to classify individual razor blades as general cutting blades under 8211, but the specific mention of 'razor blades' in 8212 takes precedence. Occasionally, specialized industrial blades might be incorrectly considered, but the 'for shaving' context of 8212 is key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8212, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8212 in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 Poland $878M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $621M 13% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $577M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $608M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $345M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $257M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 82.12
What is HS code 8212?
HS code 8212 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Razors and razor blades; (including razor blade blanks in strips). Heading 8212 specifically covers razors and razor blades, including razor blade blanks in strips. This classification is precise, focusing exclusively on instruments designed for shaving and their associated cutting components. It encompasses both traditional safety razors, straight razors, and modern cartridge or disposable razors, along with the various types of blades they utilize. The inclusion of 'razor blade blanks in strips' highlights the classification's reach into the manufacturing stages of these products, ensuring that even semi-finished blade components are correctly categorized. This heading is crucial for trade compliance because it clearly separates these personal care items from other cutting tools or electro-mechanical shaving devices. Misclassifying razors as general knives (8211) or electric shavers (8510) would lead to incorrect tariff rates, regulatory non-compliance, and potential customs delays. The heading's placement within Chapter 82, 'Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons and forks, of base metal,' reflects that razors are fundamentally cutting tools, typically made of base metal, used in a personal grooming context. Historically, razors have evolved significantly from simple sharpened blades to complex multi-blade systems, but their core function and classification remain consistent. Accurate classification under 8212 is essential for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensure proper duty assessment, adherence to product safety standards (e.g., for blade sharpness and material), and efficient movement through international supply chains.
What products fall under HS code 8212?
Disposable razors, safety razors, cartridge razors, straight razors, double-edge razor blades, single-edge razor blades, multi-blade razor cartridges, razor blade blanks (in strips), shaving heads (with blades), barber's razors, shavettes, system razors, women's razors, men's razors, shaving razors with lubricating strips, razor blade refills, electric razor heads (if containing only blades and not the electrical components), professional razors for barbers, travel razors, pivoting head razors.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8212?
A common error is confusing razors and razor blades with electric shavers, which are classified under 8510 (Shavers, hair clippers and hair-removing appliances, with self-contained electric motor). The crucial distinction is the presence of an electric motor; 8212 is strictly for non-electric, manual razors and their blades. Another mistake can be to classify individual razor blades as general cutting blades under 8211, but the specific mention of 'razor blades' in 8212 takes precedence. Occasionally, specialized industrial blades might be incorrectly considered, but the 'for shaving' context of 8212 is key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8212?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8212 in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($878M, 19% of world exports), China ($621M) and Mexico ($577M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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 8212?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8212 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($608M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($345M) and Mexico ($257M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 8212 structured?
HS code 8212 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (82) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (12) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.