Product classification
HS code for Kitchen sieves: 9604.00
Hand sieves and hand riddles.
Classification of kitchen sieves under HS 9604.00
Hand sieves and hand riddles are classified under HS code 9604.00. This code is part of Chapter 96, which covers miscellaneous manufactured articles. Unlike many other kitchen tools that might be classified based on their material (such as plastic or base metal), hand sieves are specifically named in this heading regardless of the material they are constructed from. This includes sieves made of wire mesh, plastic, or even hair. The classification applies to tools operated by hand used for separating fine particles from coarser ones or for straining liquids in a culinary context. This specific heading is unique because it takes precedence over the general kitchenware headings in Chapters 39, 73, or 82. The Harmonized System provides this dedicated spot for sifting tools to ensure uniformity, as their function as a sieve is more defining than the material of the frame or the mesh. Whether used for flour, powdered sugar, or straining stocks, if it is a hand-operated sifting tool, it falls here.
- Covers
- Flour sifters (hand-operated)
- Mesh kitchen strainers
- Hand-held sieves for powdered sugar
- Conical strainers (chinois)
- Hand riddles for kitchen use
- Also under 9604.00
- OXO Good Grips sieves
- Cuisinart strainers
- Norpro sieves
- Fiskars garden riddles
- Gilmour garden sieves
Codes often confused with 9604.00
Common mistake. Kitchen sieves are frequently misclassified based on their material. For example, stainless steel strainers are often wrongly placed in 7323.93 (table or kitchenware of stainless steel), and plastic sieves are wrongly placed in 3924.10 (plastic kitchenware). However, because 9604.00 specifically names "hand sieves," it must be used according to GRI 1. Another error is confusing them with industrial sifting machinery, which falls under 8474.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960400 (the code used for kitchen sieves), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960400 (the code used for kitchen sieves) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 16% 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 960400, not only kitchen sieves.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $10M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $4.0M 9.0% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $3.5M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $44M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $13M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $12M 14% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $3.7M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $80M 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 kitchen sieves
Brazil classifies kitchen sieves under NCM 9604.00.00: HS 9604.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about kitchen sieves
What is the HS code for Kitchen sieves?
The HS code for Kitchen sieves is 960400 (Hand sieves and hand riddles). The HS code for all hand-operated kitchen sieves and strainers is 9604.00.
How do I classify Kitchen sieves for customs?
Kitchen sieves is classified under HS code 960400 — Hand sieves and hand riddles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include colanders?
It depends on the design. If the item is a perforated bowl used for draining (colander), it is usually classified by material (e.g., 7323). If it has a fine mesh for sifting, it is classified under 9604.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of kitchen sieves (HS 960400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960400 (the code used for kitchen sieves) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($10M, 23% of world exports), China ($4.0M) and the United Kingdom ($3.5M). World exports came to about $44M, 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 kitchen sieves (HS 960400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960400 (the code used for kitchen sieves) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($13M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($12M) and the United Kingdom ($3.7M). World imports came to about $80M, 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 Kitchen sieves the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960400 for Kitchen sieves 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 kitchen sieves in Brazil?
In Brazil, kitchen sieves (HS 960400) is classified under NCM 9604.00.00.