HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8215.99 – Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal
HS code 8215.99 is the 6-digit subheading for cutlery, other than plated with precious metal. It is used for stainless steel dinner spoons, individual stainless steel forks, kitchen ladles, serving skimmers and butter knives.
What HS 8215.99 covers
This broad HS code encompasses all individual pieces of cutlery made from base metals (like stainless steel, aluminum, or other alloys) that are not plated with precious metals and are not presented in sets. This is a massive category in global trade, covering everything from bulk restaurant supplies to individual kitchen utensils. Major importers include countries with large hospitality industries, growing populations, and significant retail sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and the UK, which source vast quantities for both consumer and commercial use. Exporters are predominantly manufacturing powerhouses like China, India, and Vietnam, leveraging economies of scale and efficient production lines. Key aspects for traders involve understanding material grades (e.g., 18/10 vs. 18/0 stainless steel), ergonomic design, durability, and compliance with food safety standards. The market is highly price-sensitive for mass-produced items, but also values innovation in design and functionality for specialized tools.
- Covers
- Stainless steel dinner spoons
- Individual stainless steel forks
- Kitchen ladles
- Serving skimmers
- Butter knives
- Cake servers
- Fruit knives
- Soup spoons
- Examples
- OXO Good Grips ladle
- Victorinox steak knife
- Fissler serving spoon
- Zyliss kitchen knife
- IKEA individual stainless steel fork
Codes often confused with 8215.99
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 821520 if individual items are mistakenly grouped as a set, or with 821591 if precious metal plating is present but overlooked, impacting customs duties and regulations.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 821599, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 821599 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 72% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$108M 5.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $74M 3.7% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $280M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $105M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 France $49M 3.5% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8215.99 2
Brazil splits HS 8215.99 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8215.99.10 Stainless steel spoons, forks and similarDe aço inoxidável
- 8215.99.90 Other spoons, forks and similar, base metalOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 82.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8215.99
What is HS code 821599?
HS code 821599 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal. This broad HS code encompasses all individual pieces of cutlery made from base metals (like stainless steel, aluminum, or other alloys) that are not plated with precious metals and are not presented in sets. This is a massive category in global trade, covering everything from bulk restaurant supplies to individual kitchen utensils. Major importers include countries with large hospitality industries, growing populations, and significant retail sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and the UK, which source vast quantities for both consumer and commercial use. Exporters are predominantly manufacturing powerhouses like China, India, and Vietnam, leveraging economies of scale and efficient production lines. Key aspects for traders involve understanding material grades (e.g., 18/10 vs. 18/0 stainless steel), ergonomic design, durability, and compliance with food safety standards. The market is highly price-sensitive for mass-produced items, but also values innovation in design and functionality for specialized tools.
What products fall under HS code 821599?
Stainless steel dinner spoons, individual stainless steel forks, kitchen ladles, serving skimmers, butter knives, cake servers, fruit knives, soup spoons
What are common misclassifications for HS code 821599?
This code is frequently confused with 821520 if individual items are mistakenly grouped as a set, or with 821591 if precious metal plating is present but overlooked, impacting customs duties and regulations.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 821599?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 821599 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 72% of world exports), Vietnam (about $108M) and Germany ($74M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 821599?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 821599 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($280M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($105M) and France ($49M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 821599 structured?
HS code 821599 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (82) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 821599?
Brazil splits HS code 821599 into 2 NCM codes: 8215.99.10 (Stainless steel spoons, forks and similar), 8215.99.90 (Other spoons, forks and similar, base metal). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.