Product classification
HS code for Shears: 8213.00
Scissors, tailors' shears, similar shears and blades therefore.
Classification of shears under HS 8213.00
Tailors' shears and similar professional shears are classified under HS code 8213.00. This code is dedicated to scissors, tailors' shears, and similar shears, as well as the blades specifically designed for them. The classification is based on the mechanical design of the tool: it must consist of two blades that move on a central pivot or hinge. Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, and cutlery of base metal. Heading 8213 is specific to the shearing action of two overlapping blades. This includes everything from small embroidery scissors to large, heavy-duty tailors' shears used in industrial garment manufacturing. The material of the handle (plastic, rubber, or metal) does not change the classification, provided the blades are made of base metal. This heading is distinct from other cutting tools because of the specific pivoting mechanism. It is important to note that this code covers hand-operated tools; if the shears are powered by an external motor or are part of a complex machine, they would be classified elsewhere in the tariff schedule.
- Covers
- Professional tailors' shears
- Dressmaking scissors
- Upholstery shears
- Embroidery scissors
- Replacement blades for scissors and shears
- Left-handed cutting shears
- Pinking shears
- 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. Shears are often confused with HS code 8201.50, which covers one-handed secateurs and pruning shears used in gardening. Another common error is HS code 8201.60, which applies to two-handed hedge shears. The distinction lies in the intended use: 8213.00 is for general purpose or textile cutting, while 8201 is for agricultural or horticultural use. Additionally, electric shears are classified under 8467.29 as electromechanical tools with self-contained electric motors, not under 8213.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821300 (the code used for shears), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821300 (the code used for shears) 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 shears.
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 shears
Brazil classifies shears 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 shears
What is the HS code for Shears?
The HS code for Shears 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 Shears for customs?
Shears is classified under HS code 821300 — Scissors; tailors' shears, similar shears and blades therefore. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are garden shears classified under the same code as tailors' shears?
No, garden shears (like hedge shears) are classified under 8201.60, as they are considered agricultural hand tools rather than general cutlery.
Which countries are the top exporters of shears (HS 821300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821300 (the code used for shears) 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 shears (HS 821300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821300 (the code used for shears) 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 Shears the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821300 for Shears 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 shears in Brazil?
In Brazil, shears (HS 821300) is classified under NCM 8213.00.00.