Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, and parts thereof, of base metal. This chapter includes hand tools, power tools, knives, scissors, nail clippers, razors, forks, spoons, etc. However, note that this chapter does not cover certain specific items, such as articles of precious metal (Chapter 71), knives for machines (part of Chapter 82 or Chapter 84), and weapons (Chapter 93). The classification principles of this chapter are mainly based on material, function, and use. Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, including folding knives, knives with fixed blades, hunting knives, daggers, etc., but excludes kitchen knives (8210), scissors (8213), nail clippers (8214), and machine blades (8208). This heading mainly includes knives used for cutting, whose blades may be fixed or folding, and whose handles are usually of base metal or non-metallic materials. HS code 821192 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 82 represent Chapter 82: Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, and parts thereof, of base metal. The 3rd-4th digits 11 represent heading 8211: Knives with cutting blades, including folding knives. The 5th-6th digits 92 represent subheading 821192: Other knives with cutting blades (including folding knives), but note that subheading 821192 specifically refers to 'other' folding knives, while 821191 is 'hunting knives or daggers'. Therefore, 821192 covers folding knives other than hunting knives and daggers, such as everyday folding knives, multi-purpose knives, etc. The product is a folding knife, which is a knife with a cutting blade, the blade can be folded, and it conforms to the description of heading 8211. Since it is not a hunting knife or dagger (821191), it is classified under 821192. Differences from adjacent codes: 821193 is knives with replaceable blades, 821194 is other blades, 821110 is hunting knives or daggers. If a folding knife is a multi-purpose tool, it may be classified under 821193, but if it has only a single folding blade, it is classified under 821192.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, and parts thereof, of base metal. This chapter includes hand tools, power tools, knives, scissors, nail clippers, razors, forks, spoons, etc. However, note that this chapter does not cover certain specific items, such as articles of precious metal (Chapter 71), knives for machines (part of Chapter 82 or Chapter 84), and weapons (Chapter 93). The classification principles of this chapter are mainly based on material, function, and use.
Heading
Heading 8211 covers knives with cutting blades, including folding knives, knives with fixed blades, hunting knives, daggers, etc., but excludes kitchen knives (8210), scissors (8213), nail clippers (8214), and machine blades (8208). This heading mainly includes knives used for cutting, whose blades may be fixed or folding, and whose handles are usually of base metal or non-metallic materials.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 821192 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 82 represent Chapter 82: Tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, and parts thereof, of base metal. The 3rd-4th digits 11 represent heading 8211: Knives with cutting blades, including folding knives. The 5th-6th digits 92 represent subheading 821192: Other knives with cutting blades (including folding knives), but note that subheading 821192 specifically refers to 'other' folding knives, while 821191 is 'hunting knives or daggers'. Therefore, 821192 covers folding knives other than hunting knives and daggers, such as everyday folding knives, multi-purpose knives, etc.
Classification Basis
The product is a folding knife, which is a knife with a cutting blade, the blade can be folded, and it conforms to the description of heading 8211. Since it is not a hunting knife or dagger (821191), it is classified under 821192. Differences from adjacent codes: 821193 is knives with replaceable blades, 821194 is other blades, 821110 is hunting knives or daggers. If a folding knife is a multi-purpose tool, it may be classified under 821193, but if it has only a single folding blade, it is classified under 821192.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the Chinese and English names of the goods, which should be accurately described as 'folding knife' or 'Folding knife', avoiding the general term 'knife'. Brand type: Fill in the brand name and type (e.g., no brand, domestic brand, foreign brand). The brand affects classification and intellectual property declaration. Material: Declare the materials of the blade and handle, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, aluminum alloy, etc. Material affects classification and valuation. Number of blades: Declare the number of blades of the folding knife, single blade or multiple blades. Multiple blades may be classified under other subheadings. Foldable or not: Declare whether the blade is foldable. A folding knife must clearly state 'foldable', otherwise it may be classified as a fixed knife. Use: Declare the main use, such as outdoor, daily, industrial, etc. Use affects classification (e.g., hunting knives under 821191). Model: Declare the specific model for customs identification and valuation. The model should be consistent with the actual product. Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging method and quantity, such as 1 piece per box, 100 pieces per carton, affecting taxation and statistics. Product name: Folding knife; Brand type: No brand; Material: Blade stainless steel, handle aluminum alloy; Number of blades: 1; Foldable: Yes; Use: Outdoor camping; Model: FK-2023; Packaging specifications: 1 piece per box, 50 pieces per carton. Incorrectly classifying a folding knife under 821193 (knives with replaceable blades). If the blade is not replaceable, it should be classified under 821192. Ignoring brand declaration. If it is a well-known brand, an authorization letter is required, otherwise infringement may occur. Not distinguishing hunting knives from ordinary folding knives. Hunting knives should be classified under 821191, ordinary folding knives under 821192.
Product name
Declare the Chinese and English names of the goods, which should be accurately described as 'folding knife' or 'Folding knife', avoiding the general term 'knife'.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'multi-function tool' or 'craft knife', leading to classification errors.
Brand type
Fill in the brand name and type (e.g., no brand, domestic brand, foreign brand). The brand affects classification and intellectual property declaration.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring as 'no brand', causing customs questioning.
Material
Declare the materials of the blade and handle, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, aluminum alloy, etc. Material affects classification and valuation.
⚠️ Only declaring 'metal', without specifying the specific material, which may affect classification.
Number of blades
Declare the number of blades of the folding knife, single blade or multiple blades. Multiple blades may be classified under other subheadings.
⚠️ Not declaring the number of blades, leading to incorrect subheading classification.
Foldable or not
Declare whether the blade is foldable. A folding knife must clearly state 'foldable', otherwise it may be classified as a fixed knife.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'fixed knife', leading to classification under 821110 or 821193.
Use
Declare the main use, such as outdoor, daily, industrial, etc. Use affects classification (e.g., hunting knives under 821191).
⚠️ Generally declaring as 'for cutting', without specifying the specific use.
Model
Declare the specific model for customs identification and valuation. The model should be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing model declaration, causing inspection difficulties.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging method and quantity, such as 1 piece per box, 100 pieces per carton, affecting taxation and statistics.
⚠️ Inaccurate packaging specifications declaration, leading to quantity discrepancies.
Example: Product name: Folding knife; Brand type: No brand; Material: Blade stainless steel, handle aluminum alloy; Number of blades: 1; Foldable: Yes; Use: Outdoor camping; Model: FK-2023; Packaging specifications: 1 piece per box, 50 pieces per carton.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrectly classifying a folding knife under 821193 (knives with replaceable blades). If the blade is not replaceable, it should be classified under 821192.
Ignoring brand declaration. If it is a well-known brand, an authorization letter is required, otherwise infringement may occur.
Not distinguishing hunting knives from ordinary folding knives. Hunting knives should be classified under 821191, ordinary folding knives under 821192.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the product is a knife with a cutting blade; 2. Whether the blade is foldable; 3. Whether it is a hunting knife or dagger; 4. Whether the blade is replaceable. If it is a folding knife and not a hunting knife/dagger, and the blade is not replaceable, it is classified under 821192. If the blade is replaceable, it is classified under 821193. If it is a hunting knife or dagger, it is classified under 821191. 821191 Hunting knives or daggers: Hunting knives or daggers usually have fixed or folding blades, but are designed for hunting or combat, while 821192 is other folding knives, such as everyday knives. 821193 Knives with replaceable blades: 821193 includes knives with replaceable blades, such as utility knives, while 821192 has fixed, non-replaceable blades. 821110 Hunting knives or daggers (fixed blade): 821110 is hunting knives or daggers with fixed blades, while 821192 is folding knives with foldable blades. 821300 Scissors: Scissors have double crossing blades, while folding knives have a single blade, so classification is different. 930700 Weapons: If a folding knife is designed as a weapon (e.g., switchblade), it may be classified under 930700, but general folding knives are classified under 821192. Is it confirmed that the blade is foldable? Is it confirmed that it is not a hunting knife or dagger? Is it confirmed that the blade is not replaceable? Is it confirmed that the material is base metal? Is it confirmed that the use is not as a professional weapon?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the product is a knife with a cutting blade; 2. Whether the blade is foldable; 3. Whether it is a hunting knife or dagger; 4. Whether the blade is replaceable. If it is a folding knife and not a hunting knife/dagger, and the blade is not replaceable, it is classified under 821192. If the blade is replaceable, it is classified under 821193. If it is a hunting knife or dagger, it is classified under 821191.
Confused Codes:
821191 - Hunting knives or daggers
Hunting knives or daggers usually have fixed or folding blades, but are designed for hunting or combat, while 821192 is other folding knives, such as everyday knives.
821193 - Knives with replaceable blades
821193 includes knives with replaceable blades, such as utility knives, while 821192 has fixed, non-replaceable blades.
821110 - Hunting knives or daggers (fixed blade)
821110 is hunting knives or daggers with fixed blades, while 821192 is folding knives with foldable blades.
821300 - Scissors
Scissors have double crossing blades, while folding knives have a single blade, so classification is different.
930700 - Weapons
If a folding knife is designed as a weapon (e.g., switchblade), it may be classified under 930700, but general folding knives are classified under 821192.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it confirmed that the blade is foldable?
✓ Is it confirmed that it is not a hunting knife or dagger?
✓ Is it confirmed that the blade is not replaceable?
✓ Is it confirmed that the material is base metal?
✓ Is it confirmed that the use is not as a professional weapon?
❓ FAQ
How to inquire about the tax rate for HS code 821192? You can check on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Enter code 821192 to view the latest import and export tax rates. Tax rates may change, so it is recommended to refer to the latest official publication. What is the difference in HS codes between folding knives and hunting knives? If a folding knife is for general use, it is classified under 821192; if designed as a hunting knife or dagger, it is classified under 821191. The difference lies in use and design. Hunting knives usually have fixed blades or special shapes. When declaring a folding knife, is the brand mandatory to declare? Yes, the brand is one of the declaration elements. If there is no brand, declare 'no brand'. If it is a well-known brand, an authorization letter is required to avoid infringement. How to classify a folding knife with multi-function tools? If the main function of the folding knife is as a knife with other tools attached, it is still classified under 821192; if the main function is as a multi-function tool, it may be classified under 8205 or 821193, depending on the main function. What certifications are required to export folding knives to the United States? The United States has federal and state regulations for knife imports, which may require compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. It is advisable to consult a professional customs broker for specifics. In the declaration elements for a folding knife, how to fill in the material? The materials of the blade and handle should be declared separately, such as 'blade stainless steel, handle plastic'. Material affects classification and valuation, so it must be accurate. What are the consequences if a folding knife is incorrectly classified? It may lead to tariff differences, customs inspection, fines, or even cargo detention. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary. For cross-border e-commerce selling folding knives, how to choose the HS code? Based on product characteristics, if it is an ordinary folding knife, choose 821192; if it has replaceable blades, choose 821193. Accurate declaration information is required to avoid customs clearance issues.
Q: How to inquire about the tax rate for HS code 821192?
A: You can check on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Enter code 821192 to view the latest import and export tax rates. Tax rates may change, so it is recommended to refer to the latest official publication.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between folding knives and hunting knives?
A: If a folding knife is for general use, it is classified under 821192; if designed as a hunting knife or dagger, it is classified under 821191. The difference lies in use and design. Hunting knives usually have fixed blades or special shapes.
Q: When declaring a folding knife, is the brand mandatory to declare?
A: Yes, the brand is one of the declaration elements. If there is no brand, declare 'no brand'. If it is a well-known brand, an authorization letter is required to avoid infringement.
Q: How to classify a folding knife with multi-function tools?
A: If the main function of the folding knife is as a knife with other tools attached, it is still classified under 821192; if the main function is as a multi-function tool, it may be classified under 8205 or 821193, depending on the main function.
Q: What certifications are required to export folding knives to the United States?
A: The United States has federal and state regulations for knife imports, which may require compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. It is advisable to consult a professional customs broker for specifics.
Q: In the declaration elements for a folding knife, how to fill in the material?
A: The materials of the blade and handle should be declared separately, such as 'blade stainless steel, handle plastic'. Material affects classification and valuation, so it must be accurate.
Q: What are the consequences if a folding knife is incorrectly classified?
A: It may lead to tariff differences, customs inspection, fines, or even cargo detention. It is recommended to declare truthfully and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce selling folding knives, how to choose the HS code?
A: Based on product characteristics, if it is an ordinary folding knife, choose 821192; if it has replaceable blades, choose 821193. Accurate declaration information is required to avoid customs clearance issues.
⚠️ 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.