HS Code 82.14 – Cutlery; other articles, (e.g. hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, choppers and mincing knives, paper knives), manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files)

HS code 8214 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cutlery; other articles, (e.g. hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, choppers and mincing knives, paper knives), manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files). Heading 8214 is a broad, residual category within Chapter 82, encompassing 'Cutlery; other articles, (e.g. hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, choppers and mincing knives, paper knives), manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files).' This heading serves as a catch-all for various hand tools and implements, primarily of base metal, that haven't been specifically classified in earlier headings of Chapter 82 (like 8210-8213) but are related to cutlery, personal grooming, or specific cutting tasks. The examples provided within the heading are illustrative, not exhaustive, indicating the diverse range of products covered, from kitchen implements to personal care tools. For trade compliance, 8214 is crucial for its comprehensive nature, ensuring that a wide array of commonly traded items finds its proper classification. The challenge often lies in correctly identifying if a product truly belongs here or if it should be in a more specific heading. For instance, it distinguishes manual hair clippers from electric ones (8510) and clarifies that items like nail files and manicure sets, despite their small size, are significant enough for their own classification. Its placement in Chapter 82 reinforces the base metal, non-powered nature of these tools. Historically, these 'other articles' represent a continuous evolution of specialized hand tools for domestic, personal, and culinary uses. Accurate classification under 8214 helps avoid misclassification with general hand tools (8203), other specific cutlery (8211), or even non-metal articles (which might fall into other chapters), ensuring correct duty assessment, adherence to product safety and labeling requirements, and efficient customs processing for a diverse range of consumer and professional goods.

Butchers' cleavers, kitchen cleavers, meat choppers, mincing knives, paper knives, letter openers, manual hair clippers, manual pet clippers, manicure sets, pedicure sets, nail files (metal), cuticle pushers, nail nippers, tweezers, eyebrow scissors (small), ear picks, corn knives, cheese knives, pizza cutters (non-mechanical), peelers (non-mechanical), vegetable scrapers, grapefruit knives, carving forks, sharpening steels (for knives), buttonhole cutters, sewing awls, drawing instruments (dividers, compasses if base metal).

One common misclassification involves electric versions of items mentioned, such as electric hair clippers, which belong to 8510 (Shavers, hair clippers and hair-removing appliances, with self-contained electric motor), not 8214. Another mistake is confusing specific knives listed here (e.g., cleavers) with general-purpose knives under 8211; while related, 8214 specifically calls out these heavier kitchen knives. Additionally, simple, non-cutting hand tools might sometimes be incorrectly placed here instead of more appropriate headings like 8205 (Other hand tools) if they don't fit the 'cutlery' or 'manicure/pedicure' context. The 'other articles' phrase requires careful consideration to ensure the item isn't better described elsewhere.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8214 in UN Comtrade data were China ($963M, 72% of world exports), Germany ($82M) and the United States ($31M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8214 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($154M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($71M) and Russia (about $33M). World imports came to about $994M, 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.

HS code 8214 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (82) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (14) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.