Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, etc., made of base metal, but excludes power-driven tools, ceramic knives, and articles of precious metal. Goods of this chapter generally have hand-operated characteristics and are used for processing, cutting, trimming, etc., and are a common category of hardware and daily-use articles in international trade. Heading 8212 includes razors and razor blades (including razor blade blanks in strips), but excludes paper knives, etc., of heading 8214. This heading covers safety razors, razor blades, razor handles, and blade blanks, and is the core classification for personal care and barbering tools. First 2 digits 82 = tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal; digits 3-4, 12 = razors and razor blades (including razor blade blanks in strips); digits 5-6, 10 = razors, i.e., complete razor products, distinguished from other subheadings under the same heading (such as 821220 safety razor blades, 821290 other parts). The goods are complete razors, have a cutting function, and are made of base metal, meeting the description of heading 8212. They are not classified under 8211 (knives with cutting blades) because razors are specially used for shaving; not under 8214 (other cutlery) because razors are specifically named; and not under 8509 (domestic electromechanical appliances) because they are not electric.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, etc., made of base metal, but excludes power-driven tools, ceramic knives, and articles of precious metal. Goods of this chapter generally have hand-operated characteristics and are used for processing, cutting, trimming, etc., and are a common category of hardware and daily-use articles in international trade.
Heading
Heading 8212 includes razors and razor blades (including razor blade blanks in strips), but excludes paper knives, etc., of heading 8214. This heading covers safety razors, razor blades, razor handles, and blade blanks, and is the core classification for personal care and barbering tools.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 82 = tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal; digits 3-4, 12 = razors and razor blades (including razor blade blanks in strips); digits 5-6, 10 = razors, i.e., complete razor products, distinguished from other subheadings under the same heading (such as 821220 safety razor blades, 821290 other parts).
Classification Basis
The goods are complete razors, have a cutting function, and are made of base metal, meeting the description of heading 8212. They are not classified under 8211 (knives with cutting blades) because razors are specially used for shaving; not under 8214 (other cutlery) because razors are specifically named; and not under 8509 (domestic electromechanical appliances) because they are not electric.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods, which must be consistent with the actual goods, such as “razor” or “Razor.” Brand type: Fill in no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand (OEM), etc., which affects customs valuation and intellectual property rights. Material: The type of base metal used for the razor head and handle, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy, etc. Use: Clearly state that it is for shaving, to distinguish it from utility knives, peelers, etc. Whether electric: Declare whether it is an electric razor; electric razors are classified under 8510, while non-electric razors are classified under 8212. Packaging specifications: Quantity per unit package, such as 1 piece per box, 100 pieces per carton, etc., which affects statistics and duty calculation. Model: The model assigned by the manufacturer, used to identify the specific product and facilitate customs valuation and inspection. Product name: Razor; Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM); Material: Stainless steel head, plastic handle; Use: For shaving; Whether electric: No; Packaging specifications: Each piece in individual blister packaging, 1 piece per box; Model: RZ-2024. Incorrectly classifying an electric razor under 8212 when it should actually be classified under 8510. Ignoring the difference between blades and complete razors; 821210 is a complete razor, while 821220 is a safety razor blade. Failure to declare the brand, leading to customs questions regarding intellectual property or valuation issues.
Product name
The Chinese and foreign-language names of the declared goods, which must be consistent with the actual goods, such as “razor” or “Razor.”
⚠️ Misreporting as “razor blades” or “shaving razor,” resulting in incorrect classification.
Brand type
Fill in no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand (OEM), etc., which affects customs valuation and intellectual property rights.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring “no brand” when the actual goods bear a trademark.
Material
The type of base metal used for the razor head and handle, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy, etc.
⚠️ Writing only “metal” without specifying the steel type, leading to classification disputes.
Use
Clearly state that it is for shaving, to distinguish it from utility knives, peelers, etc.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as “for cutting,” which may easily lead to incorrect classification under 8211.
Whether electric
Declare whether it is an electric razor; electric razors are classified under 8510, while non-electric razors are classified under 8212.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring an electric razor as 8212, resulting in failure to comply with electrical appliance regulatory requirements.
Packaging specifications
Quantity per unit package, such as 1 piece per box, 100 pieces per carton, etc., which affects statistics and duty calculation.
⚠️ Declaring as “bulk” when there is actually retail packaging, affecting the price composition.
Model
The model assigned by the manufacturer, used to identify the specific product and facilitate customs valuation and inspection.
⚠️ Incomplete model declaration or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Example： Product name: Razor; Brand type: Foreign brand (OEM); Material: Stainless steel head, plastic handle; Use: For shaving; Whether electric: No; Packaging specifications: Each piece in individual blister packaging, 1 piece per box; Model: RZ-2024.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying an electric razor under 8212 when it should actually be classified under 8510.
Ignoring the difference between blades and complete razors; 821210 is a complete razor, while 821220 is a safety razor blade.
Failure to declare the brand, leading to customs questions regarding intellectual property or valuation issues.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: The goods are hand-held razors made of base metal, non-electric, with a shaving function. According to the notes to Chapter 82 and the heading text of the Import and Export Tariff, razors and razor blades are classified under 8212, and complete razors are classified under 821210. If they are electric razors, they are classified under 8510; if they are ceramic blades, they are classified under 6911 or 6912. 821220 Safety razor blades: 821220 is for razor blades presented separately, while 821210 is for complete razors (including handle and blade). If the razor and blades are packaged separately and declared separately, they should be classified separately. 821193 Other knives with interchangeable blades: 821193 covers utility knives, paper knives, etc., with interchangeable blades, used for cutting rather than shaving, and the blade shapes are different. 851010 Electric shavers: 851010 covers electric shavers powered by electricity; 821210 covers non-electric razors operated manually. 821410 Paper knives, letter openers, erasing knives: 821410 covers office paper knives, etc., which do not have a shaving function and usually have fixed blades or interchangeable blades. Is it non-electric? Is it a complete razor rather than a separate blade? Are the head and handle made of base metal? Is it specially used for shaving? Is it confused with 8510 electric razors?
Basis
Core basis for classification: The goods are hand-held razors made of base metal, non-electric, with a shaving function. According to the notes to Chapter 82 and the heading text of the Import and Export Tariff, razors and razor blades are classified under 8212, and complete razors are classified under 821210. If they are electric razors, they are classified under 8510; if they are ceramic blades, they are classified under 6911 or 6912.
Confused Codes：
821220 - Safety razor blades
821220 is for razor blades presented separately, while 821210 is for complete razors (including handle and blade). If the razor and blades are packaged separately and declared separately, they should be classified separately.
821193 - Other knives with interchangeable blades
821193 covers utility knives, paper knives, etc., with interchangeable blades, used for cutting rather than shaving, and the blade shapes are different.
851010 - Electric shavers
851010 covers electric shavers powered by electricity; 821210 covers non-electric razors operated manually.
821410 - Paper knives, letter openers, erasing knives
821410 covers office paper knives, etc., which do not have a shaving function and usually have fixed blades or interchangeable blades.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it non-electric?
✓ Is it a complete razor rather than a separate blade?
✓ Are the head and handle made of base metal?
✓ Is it specially used for shaving?
✓ Is it confused with 8510 electric razors?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between HS code 821210 and 821220? 821210 is a complete razor, including handle and blade, ready for use; 821220 is a safety razor blade presented separately, usually as a replacement blade. If the razor and blades are packaged separately and declared separately, they should be classified under 821210 and 821220 respectively. Which code should an electric shaver be classified under? An electric shaver should be classified under 851010, not 821210. 821210 applies only to non-electric razors. If a razor has an electric auxiliary function (such as vibration), it may still be classified under 821210, depending on the primary function. How can I check the import tariff rate for 821210? It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and origin, so it is recommended to use official databases and confirm the latest version. How should the brand be filled in when declaring razors? The brand type must be truthfully filled in: no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand (OEM), foreign brand (other). If produced under OEM, a brand authorization letter must be provided to avoid infringement risks. Are razors with ceramic blades classified under 821210? If the blade is ceramic but the handle is base metal, the complete razor may still be classified under 821210, because heading 8212 covers razors made of base metal, but ceramic blades presented separately should be classified under 6911 or 6912. It is recommended to determine classification based on the overall material and primary function. What are the regulatory conditions for 821210? Generally there are no special regulatory conditions, but if brand intellectual property is involved, authorization must be provided; if used for medical device purposes (such as surgical razors), a medical device registration certificate may be required. The specific requirements are subject to the latest customs announcements. Which code is used for cross-border e-commerce retail export of razors? Cross-border e-commerce retail export also uses 821210, but attention must be paid to list declaration requirements. For simplified declaration, product name, quantity, value, etc., must be provided, and compliance with the standards of the destination country must be ensured. How should razors and blades packaged together be classified? If the razor and spare blades are packaged together as a retail set and the razor is the main item, they are usually classified as a razor under 821210; if the blades are sold separately, they are classified separately. It is recommended to determine classification based on packaging and sales condition.
Q: What is the difference between HS code 821210 and 821220?
A: 821210 is a complete razor, including handle and blade, ready for use; 821220 is a safety razor blade presented separately, usually as a replacement blade. If the razor and blades are packaged separately and declared separately, they should be classified under 821210 and 821220 respectively.
Q: Which code should an electric shaver be classified under?
A: An electric shaver should be classified under 851010, not 821210. 821210 applies only to non-electric razors. If a razor has an electric auxiliary function (such as vibration), it may still be classified under 821210, depending on the primary function.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 821210?
A: It can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. Tariff rates vary by country, trade agreement, and origin, so it is recommended to use official databases and confirm the latest version.
Q: How should the brand be filled in when declaring razors?
A: The brand type must be truthfully filled in: no brand, domestic independent brand, foreign brand (OEM), foreign brand (other). If produced under OEM, a brand authorization letter must be provided to avoid infringement risks.
Q: Are razors with ceramic blades classified under 821210?
A: If the blade is ceramic but the handle is base metal, the complete razor may still be classified under 821210, because heading 8212 covers razors made of base metal, but ceramic blades presented separately should be classified under 6911 or 6912. It is recommended to determine classification based on the overall material and primary function.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 821210?
A: Generally there are no special regulatory conditions, but if brand intellectual property is involved, authorization must be provided; if used for medical device purposes (such as surgical razors), a medical device registration certificate may be required. The specific requirements are subject to the latest customs announcements.
Q: Which code is used for cross-border e-commerce retail export of razors?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail export also uses 821210, but attention must be paid to list declaration requirements. For simplified declaration, product name, quantity, value, etc., must be provided, and compliance with the standards of the destination country must be ensured.
Q: How should razors and blades packaged together be classified?
A: If the razor and spare blades are packaged together as a retail set and the razor is the main item, they are usually classified as a razor under 821210; if the blades are sold separately, they are classified separately. It is recommended to determine classification based on packaging and sales condition.
⚠️ 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.