Product classification

HS code for Flatware 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 flatware sets under HS 8215.20

Flatware sets are classified under HS code 8215.20 because they consist of assorted articles of cutlery, such as spoons, forks, and ladles, which are packaged together for retail sale. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), sets are typically classified based on the component that gives them their essential character; however, heading 8215 specifically provides for sets of assorted articles, making it the most specific heading. The sub-heading 8215.20 is designated for sets that do not contain any articles plated with precious metal. If the set includes knives with cutting blades (which normally fall under heading 8211), it is still classified under 8215 if the spoons and forks are the predominant components or if the set is marketed as a general cutlery set. The classification depends heavily on the material composition, specifically ensuring the base metal is not coated with gold, silver, or platinum. These sets are common in household and restaurant environments and are distinguished from individual pieces by their packaging and assortment.

Covers
  • Stainless steel spoon and fork sets
  • Assorted kitchen service sets (skimmers, ladles, cake-servers)
  • Non-plated fish-knife and butter-knife sets
  • Sugar tongs and similar assorted kitchen tools
  • Complete dinner service sets for retail sale
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. A frequent error is classifying these sets under 8215.10, which is reserved for sets containing at least one article plated with precious metal. If even one small spoon in a large set is silver-plated, the entire set moves to 8215.10. Another common mistake is using 8211.10 for sets of knives; while 8211 covers knives, 8215 is the superior heading for mixed sets of spoons, forks, and knives. Additionally, plastic cutlery sets should not be placed here; they belong in 3924.10.

8215.10Cutlery; sets of assorted articles (e.g. spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs and similar), with at least one article plated with precious metal8211.10Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), sets of assorted articles, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 820882.11Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading no. 8208, and blades therefore82.15Cutlery; spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter knives, sugar tongs and similar kitchen or tableware3924.10Plastics; tableware and kitchenware

Top exporters and importers of HS 821520 (the code used for flatware sets), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821520 (the code used for flatware 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 flatware sets.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $796M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$109M
  3. 3 Germany $83M

World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $296M
  2. 2 Germany $90M
  3. 3 France $51M

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 flatware sets

Brazil classifies flatware 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 flatware sets

What is the HS code for Flatware sets?

The HS code for Flatware 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 flatware sets not plated with precious metal is 8215.20.

How do I classify Flatware sets for customs?

Flatware 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.

Does this code include plastic cutlery?

No, plastic cutlery is classified under heading 3924 as tableware and kitchenware of plastics, rather than base metal cutlery.

Which countries are the top exporters of flatware sets (HS 821520)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821520 (the code used for flatware 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 flatware sets (HS 821520)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 821520 (the code used for flatware 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 Flatware sets the same in all countries?

The base HS code 821520 for Flatware 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 flatware sets in Brazil?

In Brazil, flatware sets (HS 821520) is classified under NCM 8215.20.00.