Product classification
HS code for Craft blades: 8211.94
Blades, cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208.
Classification of craft blades under HS 8211.94
Craft blades, specifically those used as replacement parts for hand-held knives, are classified under HS code 821194. Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Heading 8211 is dedicated to knives with cutting blades, whether serrated or not, including pruning knives. Subheading 821194 specifically identifies "blades" as a separate category from the complete knife assembly. These blades are typically made of high-carbon or stainless steel and are designed to be interchangeable within a handle or holder. The classification applies to various shapes, including pointed, curved, or chisel-edged blades used in hobbyist crafts, model making, and graphic arts. Under GRI 1, the product is classified according to the specific mention of "blades" in the subheading. Because these are components of hand tools rather than machine tools, they are excluded from Chapter 84 and placed firmly within the cutlery and hand tool provisions of Chapter 82.
- Covers
- Replacement blades for X-Acto style craft knives
- Snap-off blades for utility knives
- Scalpel blades used for artistic or craft purposes
- Rotary cutter replacement blades for fabric crafts
- Carving blades for linoleum or wood block printing
- Fine-point precision blades
- Also under 8211.94
- Stanley utility blades
- X-Acto craft blades
- Olfa snap-off blades
- Fein multi-tool blades
- Milwaukee Fastback blades
Codes often confused with 8211.94
Common mistake. Craft blades are often confused with machine blades classified under HS code 820890. However, 8208 is reserved for blades used in machines or mechanical appliances (like industrial paper cutters). Craft blades are for hand-operated tools. Another misclassification is 821410, which covers paper knives and letter openers; while similar, craft blades are considered cutting tools of 8211 rather than office stationery. Additionally, surgical blades are classified under 9018, so blades intended for medical use must be distinguished from those intended for crafts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821194 (the code used for craft blades), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821194 (the code used for craft blades) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 821194, not only craft blades.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $71M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $31M 13% of world exports
- 3 Japan $24M 10% of world exports
World total: $240M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $24M 10% of world imports
- 3 Canada $13M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $240M 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 code for craft blades
Brazil classifies craft blades under NCM 8211.94.00: HS 8211.94 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about craft blades
What is the HS code for Craft blades?
The HS code for Craft blades is 821194 (Blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208).
How do I classify Craft blades for customs?
Craft blades is classified under HS code 821194 — Blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for utility knife replacement blades?
Replacement blades for utility or craft knives are classified under HS code 821194.
Are rotary craft blades included in this code?
Yes, if they are blades for hand-operated rotary cutters used in crafts, they are generally classified under 821194 as blades for knives.
Which countries are the top exporters of craft blades (HS 821194)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821194 (the code used for craft blades) in UN Comtrade data were China ($71M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($31M) and Japan ($24M). World exports came to about $240M, 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 craft blades (HS 821194)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821194 (the code used for craft blades) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($24M) and Canada ($13M). World imports came to about $240M, 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.
Is the HS code for Craft blades the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821194 for Craft blades is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for craft blades in Brazil?
In Brazil, craft blades (HS 821194) is classified under NCM 8211.94.00.