Product classification
HS code for Nail files: 8214.20
Manicure or pedicure sets and instruments, (including nail files).
Classification of nail files under HS 8214.20
Nail files are classified under HS code 8214.20. This heading covers 'other articles of cutlery' and specifically includes manicure or pedicure sets and instruments. Nail files are considered instruments used for the grooming and shaping of nails. The classification applies to files made of various materials, including base metal, glass, or ceramic, provided they are designed for manicure or pedicure use. According to the Explanatory Notes to Heading 8214, this subheading includes nail files of all types, including folding files and those that are part of a larger tool like a pocket knife (though the latter may be classified elsewhere depending on the primary function). The classification is governed by GRI 1, as the heading text explicitly mentions manicure instruments, and GRI 6 for the specific subheading 8214.20.
- Covers
- Metal nail files
- Glass and crystal nail files
- Sapphire nail files
- Emery boards (rigid type)
- Electric nail file attachments (metal)
- Also under 8214.20
- Tweezerman manicure sets
- Victorinox nail files
- Seki Edge nail clippers
- Revlon nail tools
- Solingen manicure instruments
Codes often confused with 8214.20
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 6805.20, which covers abrasive paper or cloth. Disposable emery boards made of simple paper coated with abrasive powder are sometimes argued to fall under Chapter 68, but 8214.20 is generally preferred for items specifically shaped and marketed as manicure instruments. Another error is using 3304.30, which is for chemical preparations, not the physical filing tools.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821420 (the code used for nail files), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821420 (the code used for nail files) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 821420, not only nail files.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $441M 64% of world exports
- 2 Germany $47M 6.8% of world exports
- 3 Poland $24M 3.5% of world exports
World total: $687M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $112M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $42M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $18M 3.2% of world imports
World total: $576M 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 nail files
Brazil classifies nail files under NCM 8214.20.00: HS 8214.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nail files
What is the HS code for Nail files?
The HS code for Nail files is 821420 (Manicure or pedicure sets and instruments; (including nail files)). The HS code for nail files, whether sold individually or in sets, is 8214.20.
How do I classify Nail files for customs?
Nail files is classified under HS code 821420 — Manicure or pedicure sets and instruments; (including nail files). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are glass nail files classified differently than metal ones?
No, both glass and metal nail files are classified under 8214.20 as they are both considered manicure instruments regardless of the base material.
Which countries are the top exporters of nail files (HS 821420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821420 (the code used for nail files) in UN Comtrade data were China ($441M, 64% of world exports), Germany ($47M) and Poland ($24M). World exports came to about $687M, 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 nail files (HS 821420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821420 (the code used for nail files) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($112M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($42M) and the United Kingdom ($18M). World imports came to about $576M, 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 Nail files the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821420 for Nail files 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 nail files in Brazil?
In Brazil, nail files (HS 821420) is classified under NCM 8214.20.00.