Product classification
HS code for Table knives: 8211.91
Knives, table knives, having fixed cutting blades, serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208.
Classification of table knives under HS 8211.91
Table knives are classified under HS code 8211.91. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's hierarchical structure, where Chapter 82 encompasses tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Heading 8211 specifically addresses knives with cutting blades, whether serrated or not, including pruning knives, but excludes knives and blades of heading 8208. Within this heading, the 8211.91 subheading is dedicated to table knives with fixed blades. The classification process involves analyzing the physical characteristics of the knife, specifically its intended use at the table and the fact that the blade is permanently fixed to the handle. This distinguishes them from folding knives or knives used in industrial or professional settings. The material of the blade, typically stainless steel or other base metals, is a primary factor, though the handle may be made of different materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. Under General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 8211 explicitly mentions knives with cutting blades and 8211.91 specifies table knives with fixed blades, this code is the most specific and accurate designation for these products. Furthermore, Chapter 82 Note 3 clarifies that sets consisting of one or more knives of heading 8211 and at least an equal number of articles of heading 8215 (like spoons or forks) are classified in heading 8215. Therefore, 8211.91 is strictly for individual knives or sets consisting only of knives. The blade must be the primary functional component, and the item must be designed for use in food consumption rather than food preparation, which might otherwise lead to classification under kitchen knives in 8211.92. Additionally, if the knife is made entirely of precious metal or rolled precious metal, it would be excluded from Chapter 82 and classified under Chapter 71. However, base metal knives with silver or gold plating remain in Chapter 82.
- Covers
- Steak knives with fixed blades
- Dinner knives
- Butter knives (fixed blade)
- Dessert knives
- Fish knives (fixed blade)
- Also under 8211.91
- Wüsthof steak knives
- Laguiole dinner knives
- Oneida flatware knives
- Christofle table knives
- Victorinox table knives
Codes often confused with 8211.91
Common mistake. Table knives are frequently misclassified under 8215.99, which covers other cutlery like spoons and forks. However, 8215 is only appropriate for knives if they are part of a mixed set. Another common error is using 8211.92, which is reserved for other fixed-blade knives such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, or professional butcher knives. The distinction lies in the design; table knives typically have rounded tips and are intended for use at the dining table.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821191 (the code used for table knives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821191 (the code used for table knives) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 821191, not only table knives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $126M 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $33M 11% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$31M 9.9% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $313M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $88M 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $32M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $18M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $354M 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 code for table knives
Brazil classifies table knives under NCM 8211.91.00: HS 8211.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about table knives
What is the HS code for Table knives?
The HS code for Table knives is 821191 (Knives; table knives, having fixed cutting blades, serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208). The HS code for table knives with fixed cutting blades is 8211.91.
How do I classify Table knives for customs?
Table knives is classified under HS code 821191 — Knives; table knives, having fixed cutting blades, serrated or not, excluding knives and blades of heading no. 8208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are table knives in a set classified here?
If the set contains only knives, it remains under 8211. If the set contains spoons or forks, it is usually classified under heading 8215.
Which countries are the top exporters of table knives (HS 821191)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821191 (the code used for table knives) in UN Comtrade data were China ($126M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($33M) and Vietnam (about $31M). World exports came to about $313M, 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 table knives (HS 821191)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821191 (the code used for table knives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($88M, 25% of world imports), Germany ($32M) and South Korea ($18M). World imports came to about $354M, 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 Table knives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821191 for Table 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 table knives in Brazil?
In Brazil, table knives (HS 821191) is classified under NCM 8211.91.00.