Product classification
HS code for Forks: 8215.99
Cutlery, other than plated with precious metal.
Classification of forks under HS 8215.99
Forks used for table or kitchen service are classified under HS code 8215.99, provided they are not plated with precious metal. Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System covers tools, implements, and cutlery of base metal. Heading 8215 is specifically dedicated to spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs, and similar kitchen or tableware. The classification process follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings. Within heading 8215, the subheadings distinguish between sets of assorted articles and individual items. Subheading 8215.99 serves as the residual category for individual forks made of base metals like stainless steel, brass, or chrome-plated steel that do not have a coating of gold, silver, or platinum. The material must be a base metal; forks made entirely of plastic or wood are classified in Chapters 39 and 44, respectively. This code is essential for the global trade of flatware and ensures that standard kitchen utensils are taxed and regulated appropriately based on their material value and utility.
- Covers
- Stainless steel dinner forks
- Dessert and pastry forks
- Carving forks for kitchen use
- Salad forks (individual)
- Oyster and cocktail forks
- Also under 8215.99
- 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. Forks are often misclassified under 8215.91 if the importer incorrectly assumes they are plated with precious metal. Code 8215.91 is strictly for items with gold, silver, or platinum plating. Another common error is classifying forks in sets under 8215.99; however, if they are sold in sets containing knives or spoons, they must be classified under 8215.10 or 8215.20. Additionally, large kitchen forks used for cooking (meat forks) are sometimes confused with 8211 (knives), but 8215 is the correct heading for all fork-type implements.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821599 (the code used for forks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821599 (the code used for forks) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 821599, not only forks.
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 forks
Brazil splits HS 8215.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8215.99.10Stainless steel spoons, forks and similar
- 8215.99.90Other spoons, forks and similar, base metal
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about forks
What is the HS code for Forks?
The HS code for Forks is 821599 (Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal). The HS code for individual forks made of base metal (not precious metal plated) is 8215.99.
How do I classify Forks for customs?
Forks is classified under HS code 821599 — Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the forks are part of a 24-piece cutlery set?
If the forks are imported as part of a set containing other items like knives or spoons, they should be classified under 8215.10 (if the set contains at least one item plated with precious metal) or 8215.20 (for other sets).
Which countries are the top exporters of forks (HS 821599)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821599 (the code used for forks) 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 forks (HS 821599)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821599 (the code used for forks) 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.
Is the HS code for Forks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821599 for Forks 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 forks in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 821599 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for forks depends on the product's details: 8215.99.10 (Stainless steel spoons, forks and similar), 8215.99.90 (Other spoons, forks and similar, base metal).