Product classification
HS code for Scissors: 8213.00
Scissors, tailors' shears, similar shears and blades therefore.
Classification of scissors under HS 8213.00
HS Code 8213.00 is the specific international classification for scissors, tailors' shears, and similar shears, as well as their replacement blades. This code is part of Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. To fall under this heading, the item must be a hand-operated tool featuring two blades that move on a pivot. The classification is determined by the mechanical action of the blades passing each other to create a shearing cut. This includes a wide range of manual cutting tools used in domestic, professional, and industrial settings. The material of the blades is typically steel or another base metal, while the handles may be made of plastic, rubber, or metal. The code applies to the finished tool as well as the individual blades if they are imported or exported separately. It is important to note that the size of the scissors does not change the classification, provided they are hand-operated and not powered by an external energy source or motor. The essential character of the product is defined by its shearing mechanism and its manual operation.
- Covers
- Household and office scissors
- Tailors' shears and dressmaking scissors
- Embroidery and craft scissors
- Upholstery and industrial fabric shears
- Flower shears (non-secateur type)
- Replacement blades for manual shears
- Kitchen scissors for food preparation
- Also under 8213.00
- Fiskars scissors
- Gingher tailor's shears
- Kai dressmaking shears
- Wüsthof poultry shears
- Felco pruning shears
Codes often confused with 8213.00
Common mistake. Scissors are frequently misclassified under HS Code 9018, which covers medical, surgical, dental, or veterinary instruments. While surgical scissors are used for cutting, they are classified in Chapter 90 due to their specialized medical application and high-precision manufacturing standards. Another common error is using HS Code 8510 for hair clippers; however, 8510 is reserved for electric shavers and hair clippers with a self-contained electric motor. Manual hair-cutting scissors remain under 8213.00. Additionally, secateurs and similar one-handed pruners are classified under 8201.50, as they utilize a different mechanical action (often a blade against an anvil) compared to the two-blade shearing action of 8213.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821300 (the code used for scissors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821300 (the code used for scissors) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 821300, not only scissors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $693M 70% of world exports
- 2 Germany $61M 6.1% of world exports
- 3 Italy $35M 3.6% of world exports
World total: $996M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $137M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $62M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $43M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $808M 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 scissors
Brazil classifies scissors under NCM 8213.00.00: HS 8213.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about scissors
What is the HS code for Scissors?
The HS code for Scissors is 821300 (Scissors; tailors' shears, similar shears and blades therefore). The HS code for manual scissors and tailors' shears is 8213.00.
How do I classify Scissors for customs?
Scissors is classified under HS code 821300 — Scissors; tailors' shears, similar shears and blades therefore. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electric scissors classified here?
No, electric scissors or shears are typically classified under HS Code 8467 if they are pneumatic or have a self-contained electric motor, as they are considered power tools.
Which countries are the top exporters of scissors (HS 821300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821300 (the code used for scissors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($693M, 70% of world exports), Germany ($61M) and Italy ($35M). World exports came to about $996M, 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 scissors (HS 821300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821300 (the code used for scissors) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($137M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($62M) and Japan ($43M). World imports came to about $808M, 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 Scissors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821300 for Scissors 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 scissors in Brazil?
In Brazil, scissors (HS 821300) is classified under NCM 8213.00.00.