Product classification
HS code for Woodworking blades: 8208.20
Tools, knives and cutting blades, for wood working machines or mechanical appliances.
Classification of woodworking blades under HS 8208.20
The classification of woodworking blades under HS code 8208.20 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically focusing on the material composition and the intended use of the article. Heading 8208 encompasses knives and cutting blades designed for machines or mechanical appliances. Within this heading, subheading 8208.20 is specifically reserved for those tools used in woodworking applications. These blades are typically made of base metal, such as high-speed steel, alloy steel, or tungsten carbide, and are engineered to withstand the high rotational speeds and heat generated during industrial wood processing. The classification applies to the cutting component itself, which is often a replaceable part of a larger machine tool. To qualify for this code, the blade must be intended for use with a machine rather than as a manual hand tool. The distinction is critical because it separates industrial components from consumer-grade hardware. Customs authorities look for specific physical characteristics, such as mounting holes, slots, or specialized edge geometries, that indicate the blade is meant for mechanical installation in equipment like planers, jointers, or chippers. Furthermore, according to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, these blades must be in the form of knives or cutting blades, which excludes circular or band saw blades that are classified elsewhere. The technical nature of the blade, including its hardness and edge profile, is designed for the specific density and fibrous nature of wood, cork, or similar hard materials.
- Covers
- Planer knives and blades
- Jointer knives
- Wood chipper blades
- Veneer slicing knives
- Molding and shaping blades
- Stave-cutting knives for barrel making
- Also under 8208.20
- Freud saw blades
- Leitz planer knives
- Amana Tool router bits
- CMT Orange Tools shaper cutters
- Leuco tooling
Codes often confused with 8208.20
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 8202, which covers hand saws and saw blades for saws of all kinds (including circular and band saw blades). While both 8202 and 8208 involve cutting wood, 8208 is strictly for non-sawing knives used in machines. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8466.92, which is for general parts of woodworking machines. However, Chapter 82 takes precedence for specific base metal tools like blades under Note 1 to Section XVI.
Top exporters and importers of HS 820820 (the code used for woodworking blades), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 820820 (the code used for woodworking blades) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 820820, not only woodworking blades.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $68M 17% of world exports
- 2 Germany $51M 13% of world exports
- 3 Austria $50M 13% of world exports
World total: $401M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $68M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $33M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Canada $31M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $369M 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 woodworking blades
Brazil classifies woodworking blades under NCM 8208.20.00: HS 8208.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about woodworking blades
What is the HS code for Woodworking blades?
The HS code for Woodworking blades is 820820 (Tools; knives and cutting blades, for wood working machines or mechanical appliances). The primary HS code for knives and cutting blades specifically designed for woodworking machines is 8208.20.
How do I classify Woodworking blades for customs?
Woodworking blades is classified under HS code 820820 — Tools; knives and cutting blades, for wood working machines or mechanical appliances. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include circular saw blades?
No, circular saw blades for woodworking are classified under HS code 8202.31 or 8202.39, depending on the material of the working part.
Which countries are the top exporters of woodworking blades (HS 820820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 820820 (the code used for woodworking blades) in UN Comtrade data were China ($68M, 17% of world exports), Germany ($51M) and Austria ($50M). World exports came to about $401M, 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 woodworking blades (HS 820820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 820820 (the code used for woodworking blades) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($68M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($33M) and Canada ($31M). World imports came to about $369M, 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 Woodworking blades the same in all countries?
The base HS code 820820 for Woodworking 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 woodworking blades in Brazil?
In Brazil, woodworking blades (HS 820820) is classified under NCM 8208.20.00.