Product classification
HS code for Knife sets: 8211.10
Knives, with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), sets of assorted articles, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208.
Classification of knife sets under HS 8211.10
Knife sets are classified under HS code 8211.10 based on the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) regarding goods put up in sets for retail sale. Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, whether serrated or not, including pruning knives. Subheading 8211.10 is specifically designated for "sets of assorted articles." For a product to be classified here, it must consist of at least two or more different articles from heading 8211, or a combination of articles from heading 8211 and other headings, provided the knives give the set its essential character. This classification applies to sets packaged together for retail sale, such as a kitchen block containing various types of knives. The blades must be made of base metal to fall under this chapter. The classification ensures that assorted cutlery sets are treated as a single unit for duty purposes rather than being assessed as individual components, provided they meet the criteria for a "set" under the Harmonized System guidelines.
- Covers
- Kitchen knife blocks with assorted blades
- Steak knife sets in retail packaging
- Chef knife and paring knife combinations
- Camping knife sets with folding blades
- Professional culinary knife rolls containing assorted knives
- Also under 8211.10
- Wüsthof Classic knife block set
- Victorinox Fibrox Pro set
- Cuisinart knife set
- Kershaw knife assortment
- Global knife set
Codes often confused with 8211.10
Common mistake. A common error is classifying knife sets under 8215.10 or 8215.20. Heading 8215 covers spoons, forks, ladles, and similar kitchenware. If a set contains knives but also includes a significant number of spoons and forks, it may be classified under 8215 as a "set of assorted articles" of that heading. Another misclassification occurs with 8211.91, which is for individual table knives; this code should only be used if the knives are imported separately and not as part of an assorted set. Sets of knives for machines (e.g., industrial slicers) are excluded and fall under 8208.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821110 (the code used for knife sets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821110 (the code used for knife sets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 68% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% 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 821110, not only knife sets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $396M 68% of world exports
- 2 Germany $44M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 Spain $29M 5.0% of world exports
World total: $579M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $166M 34% of world imports
- 2 Germany $42M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $20M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $483M 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 knife sets
Brazil classifies knife sets under NCM 8211.10.00: HS 8211.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about knife sets
What is the HS code for Knife sets?
The HS code for Knife sets is 821110 (Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), sets of assorted articles, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208). The HS code for sets of assorted knives put up for retail sale is 8211.10.
How do I classify Knife sets for customs?
Knife sets is classified under HS code 821110 — Knives; with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), sets of assorted articles, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8211.10 include sets with a knife sharpener?
Yes, if the sharpener is an accessory to the knife set and the knives remain the essential character of the retail package, the entire set is typically classified under 8211.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of knife sets (HS 821110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821110 (the code used for knife sets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($396M, 68% of world exports), Germany ($44M) and Spain ($29M). World exports came to about $579M, 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 knife sets (HS 821110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821110 (the code used for knife sets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($166M, 34% of world imports), Germany ($42M) and the United Kingdom ($20M). World imports came to about $483M, 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 Knife sets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821110 for Knife sets 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 knife sets in Brazil?
In Brazil, knife sets (HS 821110) is classified under NCM 8211.10.00.