Product classification
HS code for Knives: 8215.99
Cutlery, other than plated with precious metal.
Classification of knives under HS 8215.99
Knives intended for table or kitchen use that are not plated with precious metal are classified under HS code 8215.99. Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System covers tools, implements, and cutlery made of base metal. Heading 8215 specifically addresses spoons, forks, ladles, and similar kitchen or tableware. The subheading 8215.99 is a residual category for individual pieces of cutlery that do not contain precious metal plating and are not sold in sets. The classification is determined by the primary function of the item as a dining or food preparation utensil. These items are typically made of stainless steel, carbon steel, or other base metals. The distinction is important because it separates everyday household cutlery from specialized cutting tools or professional instruments found elsewhere in the tariff schedule.
- Covers
- Stainless steel dinner knives
- Butter knives (non-precious metal)
- Steak knives with fixed blades for table use
- Individual kitchen paring knives
- Base metal cheese knives
- 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. A common error is classifying these under HS code 8211, which covers knives with cutting blades (like pocket knives or hunting knives). While 8211 includes many types of knives, 8215 is specific to tableware. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 7114, which is reserved for cutlery made of or plated with precious metals like silver or gold.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821599 (the code used for knives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821599 (the code used for knives) 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 knives.
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 knives
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 knives
What is the HS code for Knives?
The HS code for Knives is 821599 (Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal). For standard base metal table or kitchen knives not in sets, the HS code is 8215.99.
How do I classify Knives for customs?
Knives is classified under HS code 821599 — Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are sets of knives classified under this code?
No, sets containing at least one piece of plated cutlery are under 8215.10, while other sets are classified under 8215.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of knives (HS 821599)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821599 (the code used for knives) 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 knives (HS 821599)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821599 (the code used for knives) 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 Knives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821599 for Knives 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 knives in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 821599 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for knives 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).