Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The goods in this chapter mainly function by hand operation or as tools, and are mainly made of base metal. It includes hand tools, mechanical tools, knives, razors, scissors, forks, etc. However, note that this chapter does not include powered tools or electric tools (classified in Chapter 84 or 85) or certain special knives (such as medical surgical knives classified in Chapter 90). Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, including knives with fixed blades and folding knives, but excludes machine knives and blades of heading 8208, hand-operated mechanical appliances of heading 8210, razors and razor blades of heading 8212, scissors of heading 8213, and other cutlery of heading 8214. It mainly includes: hunting knives, daggers, chef's knives, carving knives, fruit knives, letter openers, etc. The first 2 digits 82: indicates Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The 3rd-4th digits 11: indicates heading 8211, knives with cutting blades, including knives with fixed blades and folding knives, but excluding machine knives of 8208. The 5th-6th digits 91: indicates subheading 821191, knives with fixed blades. This subheading further distinguishes fixed blade knives from folding knives (821193) and other knives (821192). Fixed blade knives refer to knives whose blades cannot be folded or retracted, usually of one-piece construction or with the blade fixed to the handle. This product is a fixed blade knife, i.e., a knife whose blade cannot be folded or retracted, and falls under heading 8211. Because its blade is fixed, it is classified under subheading 821191, rather than folding knives (821193) or other knives (821192). At the same time, it must be distinguished from machine knives (8208), which are used in machines or mechanical appliances; from razors (8212), which are used for shaving; and from scissors (8213), which are double-bladed cutting tools.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The goods in this chapter mainly function by hand operation or as tools, and are mainly made of base metal. It includes hand tools, mechanical tools, knives, razors, scissors, forks, etc. However, note that this chapter does not include powered tools or electric tools (classified in Chapter 84 or 85) or certain special knives (such as medical surgical knives classified in Chapter 90).
Heading
Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, including knives with fixed blades and folding knives, but excludes machine knives and blades of heading 8208, hand-operated mechanical appliances of heading 8210, razors and razor blades of heading 8212, scissors of heading 8213, and other cutlery of heading 8214. It mainly includes: hunting knives, daggers, chef's knives, carving knives, fruit knives, letter openers, etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 82: indicates Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. The 3rd-4th digits 11: indicates heading 8211, knives with cutting blades, including knives with fixed blades and folding knives, but excluding machine knives of 8208. The 5th-6th digits 91: indicates subheading 821191, knives with fixed blades. This subheading further distinguishes fixed blade knives from folding knives (821193) and other knives (821192). Fixed blade knives refer to knives whose blades cannot be folded or retracted, usually of one-piece construction or with the blade fixed to the handle.
Classification Basis
This product is a fixed blade knife, i.e., a knife whose blade cannot be folded or retracted, and falls under heading 8211. Because its blade is fixed, it is classified under subheading 821191, rather than folding knives (821193) or other knives (821192). At the same time, it must be distinguished from machine knives (8208), which are used in machines or mechanical appliances; from razors (8212), which are used for shaving; and from scissors (8213), which are double-bladed cutting tools.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared goods should be specific and clear, such as "fixed blade hunting knife", "fixed blade chef's knife", etc., and avoid using the general term "knife". Brand type: Fill in the brand attribute, such as "no brand", "domestic independent brand", "foreign brand (OEM production)", etc., according to the actual trade situation. Export preference status: Fill in according to trade agreements, such as "export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country", "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country", etc. Material: Declare the materials of the blade and handle, such as "stainless steel blade, plastic handle", "high carbon steel blade, wooden handle", etc. Use: Explain the main use of the knife, such as "for outdoor hunting", "for kitchen meat cutting", "for daily cutting", etc., and it must be specific and clear. Whether the blade is fixed: Clearly state whether the blade can be folded or retracted, and declare as "fixed blade" or "non-fixed blade (folding knife)". This is a key classification element. Model: Fill in the model or item number of the goods to facilitate identification and distinction of products of different specifications. Brand: Fill in the brand name (if any); if there is no brand, fill in "none". It must correspond to the brand type. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fixed blade hunting knife
Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM production)
Export preference status: Export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country
Material: Stainless steel blade, wooden handle
Use: For outdoor hunting
Whether the blade is fixed: Fixed blade
Model: HK-2024
Brand: Mountain Hunter
Specifications: Total length 25 cm, blade length 12 cm
Quantity: 1000 pieces
Unit price: 8 USD
Total price: 8000 USD Misreporting a fixed blade knife as a folding knife, resulting in misclassification, which may affect tariffs and regulatory conditions. Material declaration is not specific, only writing "metal", without distinguishing stainless steel, high carbon steel, etc., which may cause classification disputes. Use declaration is too general, such as "for cutting", without specifying the specific scenario, and may be questioned by customs regarding classification. Ignoring brand type and brand declaration, resulting in failure to pass customs intellectual property protection verification.
Product name
The standard name of the declared goods should be specific and clear, such as "fixed blade hunting knife", "fixed blade chef's knife", etc., and avoid using the general term "knife".
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "folding knife" or "multi-function knife", resulting in misclassification.
Brand type
Fill in the brand attribute, such as "no brand", "domestic independent brand", "foreign brand (OEM production)", etc., according to the actual trade situation.
⚠️ Omitting or incorrectly filling in the brand type, affecting customs statistics and intellectual property verification.
Export preference status
Fill in according to trade agreements, such as "export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country", "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country", etc.
⚠️ Failing to fill in according to the actual trade situation, resulting in inability to enjoy corresponding tariff preferences.
Material
Declare the materials of the blade and handle, such as "stainless steel blade, plastic handle", "high carbon steel blade, wooden handle", etc.
⚠️ Only declaring "metal", without distinguishing specific materials, affecting classification and customs valuation.
Use
Explain the main use of the knife, such as "for outdoor hunting", "for kitchen meat cutting", "for daily cutting", etc., and it must be specific and clear.
⚠️ Generally declaring as "for cutting", unable to distinguish the specific use, which may lead to classification disputes.
Whether the blade is fixed
Clearly state whether the blade can be folded or retracted, and declare as "fixed blade" or "non-fixed blade (folding knife)". This is a key classification element.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as "folding knife", resulting in classification under 821193 instead of 821191.
Model
Fill in the model or item number of the goods to facilitate identification and distinction of products of different specifications.
⚠️ Omitting or incompletely filling in, affecting customs inspection and subsequent supervision.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (if any); if there is no brand, fill in "none". It must correspond to the brand type.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with brand type, or infringing on others' intellectual property rights.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Fixed blade hunting knife
Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM production)
Export preference status: Export goods do not enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country
Material: Stainless steel blade, wooden handle
Use: For outdoor hunting
Whether the blade is fixed: Fixed blade
Model: HK-2024
Brand: Mountain Hunter
Specifications: Total length 25 cm, blade length 12 cm
Quantity: 1000 pieces
Unit price: 8 USD
Total price: 8000 USD
Common Mistakes:
Misreporting a fixed blade knife as a folding knife, resulting in misclassification, which may affect tariffs and regulatory conditions.
Material declaration is not specific, only writing "metal", without distinguishing stainless steel, high carbon steel, etc., which may cause classification disputes.
Use declaration is too general, such as "for cutting", without specifying the specific scenario, and may be questioned by customs regarding classification.
Ignoring brand type and brand declaration, resulting in failure to pass customs intellectual property protection verification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: whether the goods are knives with cutting blades, and whether the blade is fixed. According to the notes to Chapter 82 and the text of heading 8211, fixed blade knives are classified under 821191. Machine knives (8208), razors (8212), scissors (8213), etc. must be excluded. At the same time, factors such as the material of the knife (base metal), use (hand operation), and structure (fixed blade) must be considered. If the blade can be folded, it is classified under 821193; if it is another knife (such as a knife with a replaceable blade), it is classified under 821192. 821193 Folding knives: The blades of folding knives can be folded or retracted into the handle, while the blades of fixed blade knives cannot be folded. This is the core difference, and the product structure must be carefully checked during classification. 821192 Other knives: Other knives include knives with replaceable blades, knives with non-fixed blades, etc., but do not include fixed blade knives and folding knives. Fixed blade knives must have blades that are permanently fixed. 8208 Machine knives and blades: Machine knives are used in machines or mechanical appliances, such as paper cutting machine knives, machine tool knives, etc., while knives of 8211 are hand-operated knives. Use and installation method are the key differences. 8212 Razors and razor blades: Razors are specially used for shaving, including razor holders and blades, while knives of 8211 are general cutting knives. Razors have special designs, such as safety razors. 8213 Scissors: Scissors are double-bladed cutting tools that cut through the relative movement of two blades, while knives of 8211 are single-edged cutting tools. The structure and working principle are different. Is the blade permanently fixed and cannot be folded or retracted? Is it used for hand operation rather than in machines or mechanical appliances? Is the material base metal (such as stainless steel, high carbon steel)? Are razors, scissors, table knives and other specific knives excluded? Are elements such as brand, model, and use accurately declared?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: whether the goods are knives with cutting blades, and whether the blade is fixed. According to the notes to Chapter 82 and the text of heading 8211, fixed blade knives are classified under 821191. Machine knives (8208), razors (8212), scissors (8213), etc. must be excluded. At the same time, factors such as the material of the knife (base metal), use (hand operation), and structure (fixed blade) must be considered. If the blade can be folded, it is classified under 821193; if it is another knife (such as a knife with a replaceable blade), it is classified under 821192.
Confused Codes:
821193 - Folding knives
The blades of folding knives can be folded or retracted into the handle, while the blades of fixed blade knives cannot be folded. This is the core difference, and the product structure must be carefully checked during classification.
821192 - Other knives
Other knives include knives with replaceable blades, knives with non-fixed blades, etc., but do not include fixed blade knives and folding knives. Fixed blade knives must have blades that are permanently fixed.
8208 - Machine knives and blades
Machine knives are used in machines or mechanical appliances, such as paper cutting machine knives, machine tool knives, etc., while knives of 8211 are hand-operated knives. Use and installation method are the key differences.
8212 - Razors and razor blades
Razors are specially used for shaving, including razor holders and blades, while knives of 8211 are general cutting knives. Razors have special designs, such as safety razors.
8213 - Scissors
Scissors are double-bladed cutting tools that cut through the relative movement of two blades, while knives of 8211 are single-edged cutting tools. The structure and working principle are different.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the blade permanently fixed and cannot be folded or retracted?
✓ Is it used for hand operation rather than in machines or mechanical appliances?
✓ Is the material base metal (such as stainless steel, high carbon steel)?
✓ Are razors, scissors, table knives and other specific knives excluded?
✓ Are elements such as brand, model, and use accurately declared?
❓ FAQ
How can I query the tariff rate for HS code 821191? You can obtain the latest tariff rate by entering HS code 821191 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or a professional query platform, and selecting the import/export direction, country of origin/final destination, trade mode, etc. Note that tariff rates may change, and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data. How are fixed blade knives and folding knives distinguished during customs declaration? The main point is whether the blade can be folded or retracted into the handle. The blade of a fixed blade knife is permanently fixed and cannot be folded; the blade of a folding knife can be folded. During customs declaration, "whether the blade is fixed" must be truthfully declared, and product pictures or descriptions should be provided so that customs can classify correctly. What certifications are required to export fixed blade knives to the United States? Exports to the United States generally need to comply with the requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and may require children's safety test reports (if applicable), California Proposition 65 warning labels, etc. The specifics depend on the product use and sales channel, and it is recommended to consult a professional testing institution. What are the customs regulatory conditions for fixed blade knives? According to Chinese customs regulations, knives may involve regulatory conditions such as "A" import goods customs clearance form, "B" export goods customs clearance form, etc., depending on the type and use of the knife. Some knives may be controlled, such as controlled knives requiring approval from the public security department. It is recommended to check the latest "Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table". What should be noted when selling fixed blade knives via cross-border e-commerce? Selling knives via cross-border e-commerce requires compliance with platform rules and destination laws and regulations. For example, Amazon prohibits the sale of certain types of knives and requires compliance certificates. At the same time, attention must be paid to intellectual property, product safety, labeling requirements, etc. It is recommended to understand the target market regulations in advance. In the declaration elements for fixed blade knives, how should the material be filled in? The materials of the blade and handle should be declared separately, such as "stainless steel blade, plastic handle". Avoid writing only "metal", because different materials may affect classification (such as ceramic blades classified in other chapters) and customs valuation. If a fixed blade knife is used in the kitchen, is it classified under 821191? Yes, kitchen fixed blade knives (such as chef's knives, carving knives), if hand-operated, made of base metal, and with a fixed blade, are still classified under 821191. However, note that if it is an electric kitchen knife, it is classified under 8509; if it has a ceramic blade, it may be classified under 6911 or 8211 depending on the blade material. What is the main difference between HS code 821191 and 821192? 821191 is for fixed blade knives, with blades permanently fixed; 821192 is for other knives, including knives with replaceable blades, knives with non-fixed blades, etc. The core difference lies in whether the blade is fixed. During customs declaration, the product structure must be accurately described to avoid confusion.
Q: How can I query the tariff rate for HS code 821191?
A: You can obtain the latest tariff rate by entering HS code 821191 on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the International Trade Single Window, or a professional query platform, and selecting the import/export direction, country of origin/final destination, trade mode, etc. Note that tariff rates may change, and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data.
Q: How are fixed blade knives and folding knives distinguished during customs declaration?
A: The main point is whether the blade can be folded or retracted into the handle. The blade of a fixed blade knife is permanently fixed and cannot be folded; the blade of a folding knife can be folded. During customs declaration, "whether the blade is fixed" must be truthfully declared, and product pictures or descriptions should be provided so that customs can classify correctly.
Q: What certifications are required to export fixed blade knives to the United States?
A: Exports to the United States generally need to comply with the requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and may require children's safety test reports (if applicable), California Proposition 65 warning labels, etc. The specifics depend on the product use and sales channel, and it is recommended to consult a professional testing institution.
Q: What are the customs regulatory conditions for fixed blade knives?
A: According to Chinese customs regulations, knives may involve regulatory conditions such as "A" import goods customs clearance form, "B" export goods customs clearance form, etc., depending on the type and use of the knife. Some knives may be controlled, such as controlled knives requiring approval from the public security department. It is recommended to check the latest "Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table".
Q: What should be noted when selling fixed blade knives via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Selling knives via cross-border e-commerce requires compliance with platform rules and destination laws and regulations. For example, Amazon prohibits the sale of certain types of knives and requires compliance certificates. At the same time, attention must be paid to intellectual property, product safety, labeling requirements, etc. It is recommended to understand the target market regulations in advance.
Q: In the declaration elements for fixed blade knives, how should the material be filled in?
A: The materials of the blade and handle should be declared separately, such as "stainless steel blade, plastic handle". Avoid writing only "metal", because different materials may affect classification (such as ceramic blades classified in other chapters) and customs valuation.
Q: If a fixed blade knife is used in the kitchen, is it classified under 821191?
A: Yes, kitchen fixed blade knives (such as chef's knives, carving knives), if hand-operated, made of base metal, and with a fixed blade, are still classified under 821191. However, note that if it is an electric kitchen knife, it is classified under 8509; if it has a ceramic blade, it may be classified under 6911 or 8211 depending on the blade material.
Q: What is the main difference between HS code 821191 and 821192?
A: 821191 is for fixed blade knives, with blades permanently fixed; 821192 is for other knives, including knives with replaceable blades, knives with non-fixed blades, etc. The core difference lies in whether the blade is fixed. During customs declaration, the product structure must be accurately described to avoid confusion.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.