Product classification
HS code for Metal handle knives: 8211.95
Knives, with handles of base metal.
Classification of metal handle knives under HS 8211.95
Metal handle knives are classified under HS code 8211.95, which specifically covers knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading 82.08, and blades therefor. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Within this chapter, heading 82.11 is reserved for knives with cutting blades. The sub-classification 8211.95 is designated for knives with handles of base metal. This classification applies regardless of whether the blade is fixed or folding, provided the handle is constructed from base metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or copper. The durability and material composition of the handle are the primary factors in distinguishing this code from others in the 8211 series.
- Covers
- Stainless steel handle kitchen knives
- Aluminum handle folding pocket knives
- Brass handle decorative fixed-blade knives
- Copper handle utility knives
- Zinc alloy handle craft knives
- Base metal handle hunting knives
- Also under 8211.95
- Global knives
- Wüsthof Classic Ikon (some models)
- Shun Classic (some models)
- Victorinox Fibrox Pro (some metal handle versions)
- Zwilling J.A. Henckels Pro (some metal handle versions)
Codes often confused with 8211.95
Common mistake. Metal handle knives are frequently misclassified under HS code 8211.91, which is specifically for table knives having fixed blades. Another common error is using 8211.92, which covers other knives with fixed blades but typically implies different handle materials or general utility. Furthermore, if the handle is made of precious metal or plated with precious metal, the item may fall under Chapter 71 (specifically 7114) rather than Chapter 82. It is crucial to distinguish between base metal handles (8211.95) and those made of plastic or wood (8211.92 or 8211.93 depending on the blade type).
Top exporters and importers of HS 821195 (the code used for metal handle knives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821195 (the code used for metal handle knives) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% 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 821195, not only metal handle knives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $9.6M 55% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.9M 11% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$759K 4.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $17M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $4.2M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.4M 11% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $2.8M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $32M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 metal handle knives
Brazil classifies metal handle knives under NCM 8211.95.00: HS 8211.95 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metal handle knives
What is the HS code for Metal handle knives?
The HS code for Metal handle knives is 821195 (Knives; with handles of base metal). The primary HS code for knives with handles of base metal is 8211.95.
How do I classify Metal handle knives for customs?
Metal handle knives is classified under HS code 821195 — Knives; with handles of base metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include knives with silver-plated handles?
No, if the handle is plated with precious metal like silver or gold, it is generally classified under heading 7114 as articles of goldsmiths' or silversmiths' wares.
Which countries are the top exporters of metal handle knives (HS 821195)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821195 (the code used for metal handle knives) in UN Comtrade data were China ($9.6M, 55% of world exports), the United States ($1.9M) and Taiwan (about $759K). World exports came to about $17M, 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 metal handle knives (HS 821195)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821195 (the code used for metal handle knives) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($4.2M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($3.4M) and Saudi Arabia ($2.8M). World imports came to about $32M, 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 Metal handle knives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821195 for Metal handle 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 metal handle knives in Brazil?
In Brazil, metal handle knives (HS 821195) is classified under NCM 8211.95.00.