Product classification
HS code for Spoons: 8215.99
Cutlery, other than plated with precious metal.
Classification of spoons under HS 8215.99
Spoons are classified under HS code 8215.99, which falls within Chapter 82 of the Harmonized System, covering tools, implements, and cutlery of base metal. The classification is driven by the function of the item as a piece of tableware or kitchenware. Heading 8215 specifically includes spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs, and similar kitchen or tableware. Within this heading, the code 8215.99 is a residual category for individual items that are not part of a set and are not plated with precious metal. The classification process involves determining the material composition (base metal such as stainless steel or brass) and the presentation (individual versus sets). If the spoon is made of base metal and sold individually, it defaults to 8215.99. This code is critical for international trade as it separates functional base-metal cutlery from luxury items made of or plated with precious metals, which are subject to different regulatory and duty frameworks under Chapter 71.
- Covers
- Stainless steel table spoons
- Base metal dessert spoons
- Soup spoons (non-precious metal)
- Tea and coffee spoons
- Kitchen measuring spoons of base metal
- Serving spoons sold individually
- 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 frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8215.10, which is reserved for sets of assorted articles containing at least one article plated with precious metal. If spoons are sold in a box with forks and knives, they must be classified under the set codes (8215.10 or 8215.20) rather than the individual item code 8215.99. Additionally, spoons made entirely of precious metals (like solid silver) or plated with precious metals are often confused with 8215.99 but should be classified under 7114 or 8215.91 respectively. Plastic spoons are also a common source of error; these must be classified under 3924.10 as plastic tableware, not under the metal cutlery heading of 8215.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821599 (the code used for spoons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821599 (the code used for spoons) 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 spoons.
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 spoons
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 spoons
What is the HS code for Spoons?
The HS code for Spoons is 821599 (Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal). The HS code for individual spoons made of base metal (such as stainless steel) that are not plated with precious metal is 8215.99.
How do I classify Spoons for customs?
Spoons is classified under HS code 821599 — Cutlery; other than plated with precious metal. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are wooden spoons classified?
Wooden spoons are not classified under 8215; they fall under HS code 4419.11 or 4419.90, depending on the type of wood, as they are considered wooden kitchenware.
Which countries are the top exporters of spoons (HS 821599)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821599 (the code used for spoons) 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 spoons (HS 821599)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821599 (the code used for spoons) 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 Spoons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821599 for Spoons 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 spoons in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 821599 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for spoons 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).