Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Goods in this chapter are generally made primarily of base metal (such as iron and steel, copper, aluminum) and have a tool or cutting function. Razor blades, as cutting implements for personal care, are classified in this chapter because their blades are cutlery of base metal. Note that this chapter does not include power-operated tools, medical instruments, etc., but manual razors and blades clearly fall within the scope of this chapter. Heading 8212 includes razors and razor blades (including blade blanks in strips), other than razors of heading 8214. Specifically, it covers safety razors, razor blades, double-edged blades, single-edged blades, razor holders, etc. This heading includes not only finished blades but also unsharpened blade blanks, provided they have the essential character of blades. However, electric shavers are classified under heading 8510, not this heading. Code 821220 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '82' represent Chapter 82, namely tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4 '12' represent heading 8212, namely razors and razor blades. Digits 5-6 '20' represent subheading 821220, specifically safety razor blades, including double-edged blades and single-edged blades. Note that 821210 is for razors (complete razors), 821220 is for blades, and 821230 is for other razor parts. Therefore, 821220 specifically refers to blades for safety razors, excluding razor holders or electric razors. Razor blades are cutlery of base metal and are blades specially designed for safety razors, conforming to the description of heading 8212. They are not classified under 8211 (knives) because 8211 covers knives with handles, such as table knives and hunting knives; nor under 8214 (other cutlery) because 8214 explicitly excludes razors. Meanwhile, electric razor blades, if specially designed for electric shavers, may be classified under 8510, but manual safety razor blades are always classified under 821220.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Goods in this chapter are generally made primarily of base metal (such as iron and steel, copper, aluminum) and have a tool or cutting function. Razor blades, as cutting implements for personal care, are classified in this chapter because their blades are cutlery of base metal. Note that this chapter does not include power-operated tools, medical instruments, etc., but manual razors and blades clearly fall within the scope of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8212 includes razors and razor blades (including blade blanks in strips), other than razors of heading 8214. Specifically, it covers safety razors, razor blades, double-edged blades, single-edged blades, razor holders, etc. This heading includes not only finished blades but also unsharpened blade blanks, provided they have the essential character of blades. However, electric shavers are classified under heading 8510, not this heading.
Digit Breakdown
Code 821220 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '82' represent Chapter 82, namely tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4 '12' represent heading 8212, namely razors and razor blades. Digits 5-6 '20' represent subheading 821220, specifically safety razor blades, including double-edged blades and single-edged blades. Note that 821210 is for razors (complete razors), 821220 is for blades, and 821230 is for other razor parts. Therefore, 821220 specifically refers to blades for safety razors, excluding razor holders or electric razors.
Classification Basis
Razor blades are cutlery of base metal and are blades specially designed for safety razors, conforming to the description of heading 8212. They are not classified under 8211 (knives) because 8211 covers knives with handles, such as table knives and hunting knives; nor under 8214 (other cutlery) because 8214 explicitly excludes razors. Meanwhile, electric razor blades, if specially designed for electric shavers, may be classified under 8510, but manual safety razor blades are always classified under 821220.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods should state 'razor blades' or 'safety razor blades', avoiding colloquial terms such as 'shaving blades'. Material: The type of base metal used for the blades, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, etc., must be specifically listed. Use: Clearly state for manual razors, such as 'for safety razors', 'for shaving'. Brand: Manufacturer or brand name, such as Gillette, Schick, etc.; if no brand, state 'unbranded'. Model: The specific model or specification of the blades, such as double-edged blades, single-edged blades, etc. Packaging Specification: The number of pieces per box or pack, such as 5 pieces/box, 10 pieces/pack. Electric or Not: Clearly state whether the blades are for electric shavers; manual razor blades should be filled in as 'non-electric'. Product Name: Safety razor blades; Material: Stainless steel; Use: Manual shaving; Brand: Gillette; Model: Double-edged blades; Packaging Specification: 5 pieces/box; Electric or Not: Non-electric. Confusing manual razor blades with electric shaver blades, the latter should be classified under 8510. Ignoring material declaration, making it impossible to determine whether they are of base metal. Declaring razor holders and blades together, but they should be classified separately. Not stating single-edged or double-edged, affecting subheading subdivision and statistics.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods should state 'razor blades' or 'safety razor blades', avoiding colloquial terms such as 'shaving blades'.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as 'blades' or 'shavers', leading to classification disputes.
Material
The type of base metal used for the blades, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, etc., must be specifically listed.
⚠️ Writing only 'metal' or 'steel' without distinguishing between stainless steel and carbon steel.
Use
Clearly state for manual razors, such as 'for safety razors', 'for shaving'.
⚠️ Mistakenly writing as 'industrial blades' or 'utility knife blades', leading to classification under other codes.
Brand
Manufacturer or brand name, such as Gillette, Schick, etc.; if no brand, state 'unbranded'.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring as 'unbranded' when there is actually a trademark.
Model
The specific model or specification of the blades, such as double-edged blades, single-edged blades, etc.
⚠️ Not stating single-edged/double-edged, affecting subheading subdivision.
Packaging Specification
The number of pieces per box or pack, such as 5 pieces/box, 10 pieces/pack.
⚠️ Writing only 'boxed' without providing the specific quantity.
Electric or Not
Clearly state whether the blades are for electric shavers; manual razor blades should be filled in as 'non-electric'.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring electric shaver blades as manual, leading to classification errors.
Confusing manual razor blades with electric shaver blades, the latter should be classified under 8510.
Ignoring material declaration, making it impossible to determine whether they are of base metal.
Declaring razor holders and blades together, but they should be classified separately.
Not stating single-edged or double-edged, affecting subheading subdivision and statistics.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 82 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 8212. Razor blades must be of base metal and used for safety razors. If they are blades specially designed for electric shavers, they are classified under 8510. If they are other knives, such as surgical blades, they are classified under 9018. Also, note whether the blades are sharpened; unsharpened blanks that have the essential character of blades are still classified under 821220. 821210 Razors: 821210 is for complete razors (including holders), while 821220 is only for blades. If declaring a complete razor set, it should be classified under 821210. 821290 Other razor parts: 821290 covers other parts of razors, such as holders, handles, etc., while 821220 specifically refers to blades. 821194 Other blades: 821194 is for blades under heading 8211, used for knives with handles, such as hunting knives and table knives, while razor blades have a dedicated subheading. 851090 Electric shaver parts: 851090 is for parts specially designed for electric shavers; if blades are specially designed for electric shavers, they should be classified under this code. 901890 Medical instruments: Medical instruments such as surgical blades are classified under 9018, not 8212, because their use is medical rather than shaving. Confirm the blades are of base metal. Confirm they are used for manual safety razors. Confirm they are not specially designed for electric shavers. Confirm they are not classified under other headings such as 8211 or 8214. Confirm the declaration elements are complete and accurate.
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 82 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 8212. Razor blades must be of base metal and used for safety razors. If they are blades specially designed for electric shavers, they are classified under 8510. If they are other knives, such as surgical blades, they are classified under 9018. Also, note whether the blades are sharpened; unsharpened blanks that have the essential character of blades are still classified under 821220.
Confused Codes:
821210 - Razors
821210 is for complete razors (including holders), while 821220 is only for blades. If declaring a complete razor set, it should be classified under 821210.
821290 - Other razor parts
821290 covers other parts of razors, such as holders, handles, etc., while 821220 specifically refers to blades.
821194 - Other blades
821194 is for blades under heading 8211, used for knives with handles, such as hunting knives and table knives, while razor blades have a dedicated subheading.
851090 - Electric shaver parts
851090 is for parts specially designed for electric shavers; if blades are specially designed for electric shavers, they should be classified under this code.
901890 - Medical instruments
Medical instruments such as surgical blades are classified under 9018, not 8212, because their use is medical rather than shaving.
Self-Check:
✓ Confirm the blades are of base metal.
✓ Confirm they are used for manual safety razors.
✓ Confirm they are not specially designed for electric shavers.
✓ Confirm they are not classified under other headings such as 8211 or 8214.
✓ Confirm the declaration elements are complete and accurate.
❓ FAQ
How to check the import tariff rate for 821220? It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, the International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. The rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax (if applicable). Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest published version. Are both double-edged blades and single-edged blades classified under 821220? Yes, 821220 covers safety razor blades, including double-edged blades and single-edged blades. However, if they are of special shape or use, classification should be based on the actual situation. Which code are electric shaver blades classified under? Blades specially designed for electric shavers should be classified under 851090 as parts of electric shavers. If they are manual razor blades, they are classified under 821220. Can razor blades and razor holders be declared together? No, razor holders are classified under 821210 or 821290, and blades under 821220, and they should be declared separately. If sold as a complete set, classification should be based on the essential character; usually a complete razor set is classified under 821210. What are the declaration elements for 821220? They include product name, material, use, brand, model, packaging specification, electric or not, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China'. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting razor blades? Generally, there are no special regulatory conditions, but they must meet export quality and safety standards. If a brand is involved, attention should be paid to intellectual property issues. For details, check the customs regulatory condition codes. How to distinguish between 821220 and 821194? 821220 specifically refers to safety razor blades, while 821194 is for blades of other knives, such as hunting knives, table knives, etc. The key difference lies in the use and type of blade. Is there a consumption tax on razor blades? According to current tax law, razor blades are generally not subject to consumption tax. However, the latest policy should be confirmed; customs duties and VAT must be paid in accordance with relevant regulations.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 821220?
A: It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website, the International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff. The rates include MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax (if applicable). Note that rates may be adjusted with policy changes; it is recommended to refer to the latest published version.
Q: Are both double-edged blades and single-edged blades classified under 821220?
A: Yes, 821220 covers safety razor blades, including double-edged blades and single-edged blades. However, if they are of special shape or use, classification should be based on the actual situation.
Q: Which code are electric shaver blades classified under?
A: Blades specially designed for electric shavers should be classified under 851090 as parts of electric shavers. If they are manual razor blades, they are classified under 821220.
Q: Can razor blades and razor holders be declared together?
A: No, razor holders are classified under 821210 or 821290, and blades under 821220, and they should be declared separately. If sold as a complete set, classification should be based on the essential character; usually a complete razor set is classified under 821210.
Q: What are the declaration elements for 821220?
A: They include product name, material, use, brand, model, packaging specification, electric or not, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Customs Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China'.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for exporting razor blades?
A: Generally, there are no special regulatory conditions, but they must meet export quality and safety standards. If a brand is involved, attention should be paid to intellectual property issues. For details, check the customs regulatory condition codes.
Q: How to distinguish between 821220 and 821194?
A: 821220 specifically refers to safety razor blades, while 821194 is for blades of other knives, such as hunting knives, table knives, etc. The key difference lies in the use and type of blade.
Q: Is there a consumption tax on razor blades?
A: According to current tax law, razor blades are generally not subject to consumption tax. However, the latest policy should be confirmed; customs duties and VAT must be paid in accordance with relevant regulations.
⚠️ 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.