Product classification
HS code for Folding knives: 8211.93
Knives, with cutting blades, (having other than fixed blades), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208.
Classification of folding knives under HS 8211.93
Folding knives are classified under HS code 8211.93 because they fall within the broader category of knives with cutting blades, specifically those that do not have fixed blades. The Harmonized System distinguishes between knives based on their mechanical construction and intended use. Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, serrated or not, including pruning knives. Subheading 8211.93 is reserved for knives with other than fixed blades, which encompasses various types of pocket knives, multi-tool knives, and folding utility knives. The classification is determined by the folding mechanism which allows the blade to be retracted into the handle, a primary characteristic that differentiates these items from fixed-blade kitchen or hunting knives. This code also includes knives with multiple folding blades or additional components like corkscrews or bottle openers, provided the knife remains the essential character of the item. The classification process involves evaluating the blade's ability to fold and the absence of a permanent, rigid attachment to the handle. This distinction is crucial for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, as folding knives are often subject to different import restrictions than fixed-blade weapons or kitchen cutlery. The materials used for the handle, whether plastic, wood, or metal, do not change this classification as long as the blade is foldable.
- Covers
- Pocket knives with single or multiple blades
- Folding camping and survival knives
- Lock-back folding knives
- Multi-tools where the primary component is a folding knife blade
- Switchblades and spring-assisted folding knives
- Folding utility knives with replaceable blades
- Also under 8211.93
- Swiss Army Knife
- Leatherman multi-tool
- Stanley utility knife
- Benchmade Bugout folding knife
- Spyderco Paramilitary 2
Codes often confused with 8211.93
Common mistake. Folding knives are frequently misclassified under HS code 8211.92, which is strictly for knives with fixed blades, such as hunting or kitchen knives. Another common error is using HS code 8214.10, which covers paper knives and letter openers; however, these are generally blunt and intended for office use rather than general cutting. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 9307.00, which applies to swords, cutlasses, and similar arms, but this code is reserved for ceremonial or combat weapons rather than utilitarian folding tools.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821193 (the code used for folding knives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821193 (the code used for folding knives) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 821193, not only folding knives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $259M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $109M 12% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $95M 11% of world exports
World total: $880M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $255M 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $110M 13% of world imports
- 3 Canada $43M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $827M 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 codes for folding knives
Brazil splits HS 8211.93 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8211.93.10Pruning knives and their parts
- 8211.93.20Penknives with one or more blades
- 8211.93.90Other knives with non-fixed blades
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about folding knives
What is the HS code for Folding knives?
The HS code for Folding knives is 821193 (Knives; with cutting blades, (having other than fixed blades), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208). The HS code for folding knives is 8211.93, which covers knives with cutting blades that are not fixed.
How do I classify Folding knives for customs?
Folding knives is classified under HS code 821193 — Knives; with cutting blades, (having other than fixed blades), serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are multi-tools classified as folding knives?
If the multi-tool's primary function is a knife, it is classified under 8211.93. However, if the tool is primarily pliers, it may fall under 8203.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of folding knives (HS 821193)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821193 (the code used for folding knives) in UN Comtrade data were China ($259M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($109M) and Switzerland ($95M). World exports came to about $880M, 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 folding knives (HS 821193)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821193 (the code used for folding knives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($255M, 31% of world imports), Germany ($110M) and Canada ($43M). World imports came to about $827M, 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 Folding knives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821193 for Folding knives 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 folding knives in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 821193 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for folding knives depends on the product's details: 8211.93.10 (Pruning knives and their parts), 8211.93.20 (Penknives with one or more blades), 8211.93.90 (Other knives with non-fixed blades).