Product classification
HS code for Industrial cutting blades: 8208.90
Tools, knives and cutting blades, for machines or mechanical appliances, n.e.c. in heading no. 8208.
Classification of industrial cutting blades under HS 8208.90
Industrial cutting blades are classified under HS code 8208.90. This code is found in Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Heading 8208 is specifically for knives and cutting blades designed for machines or mechanical appliances. Subheading 8208.90 is the residual category for blades used in industries not covered by the more specific subheadings (8208.10 for metal working, 8208.20 for wood working, 8208.30 for the food industry, and 8208.40 for agricultural machinery). This includes blades for cutting paper, plastics, textiles, leather, and other materials. These blades are characterized by their high-quality steel or carbide construction and are designed to be mounted on automated machinery. The classification is based on the blade's function as a machine component rather than a hand tool. If the blade is part of a hand-operated tool, it would likely be classified elsewhere in Chapter 82. The technical specifications, such as the mounting holes, edge geometry, and material hardness, are critical for determining the correct classification. Importers should ensure that the intended machine application is clearly documented to avoid confusion with general-purpose knives or parts of specific machine tools classified in Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Paper cutting guillotines and blades
- Textile cutting circular blades
- Plastic film slitting blades
- Leather skiving knives for machines
- Rubber cutting blades
- Tobacco processing knives
- Also under 8208.90
- Kadant paper machine blades
- TKM Group industrial knives
- Spilker rotary cutting tools
- Bosch packaging machine knives
- Shred-Tech shredder blades
Codes often confused with 8208.90
Common mistake. Industrial blades are frequently misclassified under 8208.10 (metal working) or 8208.20 (wood working) if the end-use industry is not clearly defined. They are also sometimes incorrectly classified as machine parts under 8466. However, heading 8208 is a specific heading for knives and blades, which takes precedence over general parts headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 820890 (the code used for industrial cutting blades), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820890 (the code used for industrial cutting blades) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 820890, not only industrial cutting blades.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $356M 22% of world exports
- 2 China $212M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $127M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $216M 12% of world imports
- 2 China $144M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $136M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 code for industrial cutting blades
Brazil classifies industrial cutting blades under NCM 8208.90.00: HS 8208.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial cutting blades
What is the HS code for Industrial cutting blades?
The HS code for Industrial cutting blades is 820890 (Tools; knives and cutting blades, for machines or mechanical appliances, n.e.c. in heading no. 8208). The HS code for industrial cutting blades for machines not used for metal, wood, food, or agriculture is 8208.90.
How do I classify Industrial cutting blades for customs?
Industrial cutting blades is classified under HS code 820890 — Tools; knives and cutting blades, for machines or mechanical appliances, n.e.c. in heading no. 8208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are circular saw blades classified under 8208.90?
No, circular saw blades are specifically classified under heading 8202, as they are considered saws rather than knives or cutting blades.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial cutting blades (HS 820890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820890 (the code used for industrial cutting blades) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($356M, 22% of world exports), China ($212M) and the United States ($127M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 industrial cutting blades (HS 820890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 820890 (the code used for industrial cutting blades) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($216M, 12% of world imports), China ($144M) and Germany ($136M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 Industrial cutting blades the same in all countries?
The base HS code 820890 for Industrial cutting blades 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 industrial cutting blades in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial cutting blades (HS 820890) is classified under NCM 8208.90.00.