Product classification
HS code for Hair clippers: 8214.90
Cutlery, hair clippers and mincing knives.
Classification of hair clippers under HS 8214.90
Hair clippers are classified under HS code 8214.90, which falls within Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System. This chapter generally covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Specifically, heading 8214 is reserved for "other articles of cutlery," such as nail clippers, hair clippers, and butchers' or kitchen cleavers. The classification of hair clippers under 8214.90 is determined by the primary function of the device as a cutting tool and its manual operation. It is important to distinguish between manual and electric versions, as the HS nomenclature separates mechanical tools from electro-mechanical appliances. For manual hair clippers, the cutting action is provided by the physical force of the user, which aligns with the criteria for Chapter 82. This code is used globally for customs declarations to ensure appropriate tariffs and trade regulations are applied to non-electric grooming tools. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, as the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and subheadings. Manual clippers are often made of stainless steel or carbon steel and do not contain an integrated motor. If a clipper contains an electric motor, it must be moved to Chapter 85.
- Covers
- Manual hair clippers for human use
- Hand-operated animal shearers
- Non-electric beard trimmers
- Manual barbering shears with clipper mechanisms
- Also under 8214.90
- Wahl manual hair clippers
- Wüsthof mincing knives
- F. Dick mezzaluna
- KitchenAid mincing knives (manual)
- Mundial mincing knives
Codes often confused with 8214.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with electric hair clippers, which should be classified under HS code 8510.20. While both perform the same function, Chapter 85 is specifically for electrical machinery. Another common error is using 8213.00 for scissors, but clippers have a distinct mechanical shearing action that differs from standard scissors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821490 (the code used for hair clippers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821490 (the code used for hair clippers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 80% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 821490, not only hair clippers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $280M 80% of world exports
- 2 Germany $11M 3.2% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 3.1% of world exports
World total: $351M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $13M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Russia* ~$10M 5.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $191M 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 hair clippers
Brazil splits HS 8214.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8214.90.10Hand shearing clippers and parts
- 8214.90.90Cleavers, choppers and other cutlery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hair clippers
What is the HS code for Hair clippers?
The HS code for Hair clippers is 821490 (Cutlery; hair clippers and mincing knives). The HS code for manual hair clippers is 8214.90. Electric hair clippers are classified under 8510.20.
How do I classify Hair clippers for customs?
Hair clippers is classified under HS code 821490 — Cutlery; hair clippers and mincing knives. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include animal clippers?
Yes, manual clippers designed for shearing sheep or grooming pets are included under 8214.90, provided they are not electrically powered.
Which countries are the top exporters of hair clippers (HS 821490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821490 (the code used for hair clippers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($280M, 80% of world exports), Germany ($11M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $351M, 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 hair clippers (HS 821490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821490 (the code used for hair clippers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($13M) and Russia (about $10M). World imports came to about $191M, 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 Hair clippers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821490 for Hair clippers 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 hair clippers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 821490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hair clippers depends on the product's details: 8214.90.10 (Hand shearing clippers and parts), 8214.90.90 (Cleavers, choppers and other cutlery).