Product classification
HS code for Cutlery sets: 8215.20
Cutlery, sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar), not plated with precious metal.
Classification of cutlery sets under HS 8215.20
HS code 8215.20 is applied to sets of assorted cutlery and kitchenware that do not contain components plated with precious metals. Chapter 82 covers tools and base metal implements. Heading 8215 specifically addresses spoons, forks, ladles, and similar kitchen or tableware. The classification logic for 8215.20 relies on the \"set\" principle. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs) and the specific notes to Chapter 82, a set must consist of different types of articles (e.g., a spoon and a fork) packaged together for retail sale. If a set contains even a single item plated with gold, silver, or platinum, the entire set is typically classified under 8215.10. Therefore, 8215.20 is the standard classification for common stainless steel or base metal cutlery sets used in households and restaurants. The items must be made of base metal; plastic cutlery sets are classified under Chapter 39. This code ensures that standard consumer kitchenware is distinguished from luxury items containing precious metal plating. The set must contain at least one item from heading 8215, but it may also include knives from heading 8211. This classification is critical for retailers and manufacturers to ensure that the correct tariffs are applied based on the material composition and the nature of the retail packaging.
- Covers
- Stainless steel spoon and fork sets
- Canteen sets of assorted cutlery
- Camping cutlery sets (base metal)
- Kitchen sets with ladles and skimmers
- Fish-knife and butter-knife sets
- Also under 8215.20
- IKEA 24-piece flatware set
- Cuisinart stainless steel cutlery set
- Oneida everyday dining set
- Tramontina steak knife set
- Gibson Home dinnerware set
Codes often confused with 8215.20
Common mistake. The primary misclassification occurs with 8215.10, which is for sets containing at least one article plated with precious metal. Another common error is classifying individual items under 8215.99; if they are sold as a set, 8215.20 takes precedence. Plastic cutlery is often wrongly placed here instead of 3924.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821520 (the code used for cutlery sets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821520 (the code used for cutlery sets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 65% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 821520, not only cutlery sets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $796M 65% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$109M 8.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $83M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $296M 28% of world imports
- 2 Germany $90M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 France $51M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 code for cutlery sets
Brazil classifies cutlery sets under NCM 8215.20.00: HS 8215.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cutlery sets
What is the HS code for Cutlery sets?
The HS code for Cutlery sets is 821520 (Cutlery; sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar), not plated with precious metal). The HS code for sets of assorted cutlery (spoons, forks, etc.) not plated with precious metal is 8215.20.
How do I classify Cutlery sets for customs?
Cutlery sets is classified under HS code 821520 — Cutlery; sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar), not plated with precious metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the set includes a knife?
If the set contains at least one item from heading 8215 (like a spoon), the whole set is classified here even if it includes knives from heading 8211.
Which countries are the top exporters of cutlery sets (HS 821520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821520 (the code used for cutlery sets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($796M, 65% of world exports), Vietnam (about $109M) and Germany ($83M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 cutlery sets (HS 821520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821520 (the code used for cutlery sets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($296M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($90M) and France ($51M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Cutlery sets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821520 for Cutlery sets 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 cutlery sets in Brazil?
In Brazil, cutlery sets (HS 821520) is classified under NCM 8215.20.00.