Product classification
HS code for Utility knife blades: 8211.94
Blades, cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208.
Classification of utility knife blades under HS 8211.94
Utility knife blades are classified under HS code 821194. This classification is found within Chapter 82, which covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, and forks of base metal. Heading 8211 specifically includes knives with cutting blades, whether or not serrated, and subheading 821194 is dedicated to the blades themselves. These are considered parts of the knives described in the preceding subheadings. The classification applies to blades made of base metal (usually steel) designed for manual use in utility knives, box cutters, or hobby knives. Because these blades are interchangeable and sold separately from the handles, they require their own specific classification. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from machine blades or specialized medical blades based on their design for hand-operated tools and their general-purpose cutting nature.
- Covers
- Snap-off utility blades
- Trapezoid replacement blades
- Hooked blades for carpet cutting
- Standard heavy-duty utility blades
- Scraper blades designed for utility knife handles
- Also under 8211.94
- Stanley utility blades
- X-Acto craft blades
- Olfa snap-off blades
- Fein multi-tool blades
- Milwaukee Fastback blades
Codes often confused with 8211.94
Common mistake. Utility knife blades are often misclassified under HS code 8208, which covers knives and cutting blades for machines or mechanical appliances. The distinction lies in whether the blade is used by hand (8211) or in a machine (8208). Another common error is using HS code 8212, which is reserved for razors and razor blades. While utility blades are sharp, they are not intended for shaving and thus do not fall under 8212. Additionally, surgical blades are classified under 9018 and should not be confused with industrial or DIY utility blades.
Top exporters and importers of HS 821194 (the code used for utility knife blades), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 821194 (the code used for utility knife blades) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 821194, not only utility knife blades.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $71M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $31M 13% of world exports
- 3 Japan $24M 10% of world exports
World total: $240M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $27M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $24M 10% of world imports
- 3 Canada $13M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $240M 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 utility knife blades
Brazil classifies utility knife blades under NCM 8211.94.00: HS 8211.94 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about utility knife blades
What is the HS code for Utility knife blades?
The HS code for Utility knife blades is 821194 (Blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208). The HS code for blades for utility knives and other knives of heading 8211 is 821194.
How do I classify Utility knife blades for customs?
Utility knife blades is classified under HS code 821194 — Blades; cutting, serrated or not, excluding those of heading no. 8208. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ceramic utility blades classified here?
No, HS code 821194 is specifically for base metal blades. Ceramic blades are typically classified under Chapter 69 (Ceramic products), specifically heading 6909 or 6914.
Which countries are the top exporters of utility knife blades (HS 821194)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 821194 (the code used for utility knife blades) in UN Comtrade data were China ($71M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($31M) and Japan ($24M). World exports came to about $240M, 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 utility knife blades (HS 821194)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 821194 (the code used for utility knife blades) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($27M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($24M) and Canada ($13M). World imports came to about $240M, 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 Utility knife blades the same in all countries?
The base HS code 821194 for Utility knife blades 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 utility knife blades in Brazil?
In Brazil, utility knife blades (HS 821194) is classified under NCM 8211.94.00.