Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, etc., of base metal. It includes hand tools (such as hammers, screwdrivers), mechanical tools (such as hand saws), cutlery (such as scissors, paper cutters), nail files, razors, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have practical functions and are made of base metal, but do not include iron or steel articles of Chapter 73 or machinery of Chapter 84. Heading 8213 specifically covers scissors, tailors' shears and similar shears, including their blades. Regardless of whether their use is household, tailoring, barbering, gardening or professional, as long as they fall within the category of scissors, they are classified under this heading. Note, however, that nail clippers (classified under 8214), scissor-type razors (classified under 8212) or electric scissors (classified under 8508 or 8467) are not included. The first 2 digits 82 represent Chapter 82: tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, of base metal. Digits 3-4, 13, represent heading 8213: scissors, tailors' shears and similar shears. Digits 5-6 are the subheading, but there is no further subdivision under 8213, so the complete code is 821300. This means that all scissor-type goods under this heading are uniformly classified under this code, without further distinction based on material, use or size. Scissors are classified under 8213 rather than 8214 (other articles of cutlery) or 8211 (knives), because they are designed with two blades connected by a pivot for shearing. 8214 covers nail clippers, manicure knives, etc., while 8211 covers knives with fixed blades. The shearing function and structural characteristics of scissors clearly classify them under 8213.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, etc., of base metal. It includes hand tools (such as hammers, screwdrivers), mechanical tools (such as hand saws), cutlery (such as scissors, paper cutters), nail files, razors, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have practical functions and are made of base metal, but do not include iron or steel articles of Chapter 73 or machinery of Chapter 84.
Heading
Heading 8213 specifically covers scissors, tailors' shears and similar shears, including their blades. Regardless of whether their use is household, tailoring, barbering, gardening or professional, as long as they fall within the category of scissors, they are classified under this heading. Note, however, that nail clippers (classified under 8214), scissor-type razors (classified under 8212) or electric scissors (classified under 8508 or 8467) are not included.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 82 represent Chapter 82: tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks, of base metal. Digits 3-4, 13, represent heading 8213: scissors, tailors' shears and similar shears. Digits 5-6 are the subheading, but there is no further subdivision under 8213, so the complete code is 821300. This means that all scissor-type goods under this heading are uniformly classified under this code, without further distinction based on material, use or size.
Classification Basis
Scissors are classified under 8213 rather than 8214 (other articles of cutlery) or 8211 (knives), because they are designed with two blades connected by a pivot for shearing. 8214 covers nail clippers, manicure knives, etc., while 8211 covers knives with fixed blades. The shearing function and structural characteristics of scissors clearly classify them under 8213.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as scissors, tailors' shears, barber's scissors, etc. It should accurately reflect the use and type of the commodity. Material: Declare the materials of the scissor blades and handles, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, etc. Material affects classification and tariff rates. Use: Explain the main use of the scissors, such as household, tailoring, barbering, gardening, kitchen, etc. Use may affect subheading classification. Brand: Declare the brand name of the commodity; if there is no brand, declare as "unbranded". Brand affects intellectual property rights and customs inspection. Model: Declare the model or item number of the commodity to facilitate identification of the specific product. If there is no model, declare as "no model". Size: Declare the total length or blade length of the scissors, usually expressed in centimeters or inches. Size may affect classification. Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging method of the commodity, such as each piece individually packaged, 12 pieces per box, etc. It affects tax calculation and statistics. Product Name: Stainless steel tailors' shears; Material: stainless steel blades, plastic handles; Use: tailoring; Brand: ABC; Model: SC-100; Size: total length 20 cm; Packaging Specifications: each piece in individual blister packaging, 100 pieces per carton. Incorrectly classifying nail clippers under 8213, when they should actually be classified under 8214. Failing to distinguish electric scissors from manual scissors; electric scissors should be classified under 8508 or 8467. Ignoring material declaration; different materials may affect classification and tariff rates.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as scissors, tailors' shears, barber's scissors, etc. It should accurately reflect the use and type of the commodity.
⚠️ Declaring generally as "scissors" without distinguishing the specific use.
Material
Declare the materials of the scissor blades and handles, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, etc. Material affects classification and tariff rates.
⚠️ Declaring only "metal" without specifying the exact type.
Use
Explain the main use of the scissors, such as household, tailoring, barbering, gardening, kitchen, etc. Use may affect subheading classification.
⚠️ Failing to declare the use, or declaring it as "general purpose".
Brand
Declare the brand name of the commodity; if there is no brand, declare as "unbranded". Brand affects intellectual property rights and customs inspection.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring the brand.
Model
Declare the model or item number of the commodity to facilitate identification of the specific product. If there is no model, declare as "no model".
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Size
Declare the total length or blade length of the scissors, usually expressed in centimeters or inches. Size may affect classification.
⚠️ Failing to declare size or incorrect units.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging method of the commodity, such as each piece individually packaged, 12 pieces per box, etc. It affects tax calculation and statistics.
⚠️ Inaccurate declaration of packaging specifications.
Example： Product Name: Stainless steel tailors' shears; Material: stainless steel blades, plastic handles; Use: tailoring; Brand: ABC; Model: SC-100; Size: total length 20 cm; Packaging Specifications: each piece in individual blister packaging, 100 pieces per carton.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying nail clippers under 8213, when they should actually be classified under 8214.
Failing to distinguish electric scissors from manual scissors; electric scissors should be classified under 8508 or 8467.
Ignoring material declaration; different materials may affect classification and tariff rates.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the structure and function of the commodity. Scissors must consist of two blades connected by a pivot for shearing. The material is usually base metal, but plastic handles do not affect classification. If they have other functions (such as a bottle opener), they are still primarily scissors. Electric scissors are not classified under this heading. 8214 Other articles of cutlery: 8214 covers nail clippers, manicure knives, razors, etc., while 8213 specifically refers to scissors. Although nail clippers are similar to scissors, their function is trimming nails, so they are classified under 8214. 8211 Knives: 8211 covers knives with fixed blades, such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, etc. Scissors have two blades and are classified under 8213. 8212 Razors and razor blades: 8212 covers razors and razor blades, including safety razors. Scissor-type razors, if intended for shaving, may be classified under 8212. 8508 Electric scissors: Electric scissors have an electric drive mechanism and are classified under 8508 (electric tools) or 8467 (hand-held tools). Manual scissors are classified under 8213. Are they two blades connected by a pivot? Are they used for shearing rather than shaving or manicuring? Are they manually operated rather than electric? Are the blades made of base metal? Do they include other functions but are primarily for shearing?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the structure and function of the commodity. Scissors must consist of two blades connected by a pivot for shearing. The material is usually base metal, but plastic handles do not affect classification. If they have other functions (such as a bottle opener), they are still primarily scissors. Electric scissors are not classified under this heading.
Confused Codes：
8214 - Other articles of cutlery
8214 covers nail clippers, manicure knives, razors, etc., while 8213 specifically refers to scissors. Although nail clippers are similar to scissors, their function is trimming nails, so they are classified under 8214.
8211 - Knives
8211 covers knives with fixed blades, such as kitchen knives, hunting knives, etc. Scissors have two blades and are classified under 8213.
8212 - Razors and razor blades
8212 covers razors and razor blades, including safety razors. Scissor-type razors, if intended for shaving, may be classified under 8212.
8508 - Electric scissors
Electric scissors have an electric drive mechanism and are classified under 8508 (electric tools) or 8467 (hand-held tools). Manual scissors are classified under 8213.
Self-Check：
✓ Are they two blades connected by a pivot?
✓ Are they used for shearing rather than shaving or manicuring?
✓ Are they manually operated rather than electric?
✓ Are the blades made of base metal?
✓ Do they include other functions but are primarily for shearing?
❓ FAQ
What types of scissors are included under HS code 821300? It includes all manual scissors such as tailors' shears, barber's scissors, household scissors, gardening scissors, kitchen scissors, etc. However, nail clippers, electric scissors and razors are not classified under this code. How can I check the tariff rate for 821300? You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff inquiry platforms by entering code 821300 along with information such as trading country and origin. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement. Does the material of scissors affect the HS code? Usually not, as long as the blades are made of base metal. However, if the blades are made of non-metal such as ceramics, they may be classified under other chapters. Handle material does not affect classification. Which code should electric scissors be classified under? Electric scissors should be classified under 8508 (electric tools) or 8467 (hand-held tools), depending on their design. They are not classified under 8213. What are the most common mistakes when declaring scissors? Common mistakes include classifying nail clippers under 8213, failing to declare material and use, and confusing electric with manual scissors. It is recommended to declare product name, material, use, brand, model and other elements in detail. Do the packaging specifications of scissors affect classification? Packaging specifications do not affect HS code classification, but they do affect tax calculation and statistics. When declaring, the packaging method should be accurately filled in, such as individual packaging per piece, quantity per box, etc. If scissors have other functions (such as a bottle opener), how should they be classified? If the primary function is shearing, they are still classified under 8213. If the other function is the primary function, they are classified according to the primary function. This must be judged based on the actual design of the commodity. What is the difference between 821300 and 821420? 821300 is scissors, and 821420 is nail clippers and similar manicure tools. Their structures differ: scissors have two blades connected by a pivot, while nail clippers have lever-type blades.
Q: What types of scissors are included under HS code 821300?
A: It includes all manual scissors such as tailors' shears, barber's scissors, household scissors, gardening scissors, kitchen scissors, etc. However, nail clippers, electric scissors and razors are not classified under this code.
Q: How can I check the tariff rate for 821300?
A: You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the International Trade Single Window, or professional tariff inquiry platforms by entering code 821300 along with information such as trading country and origin. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement.
Q: Does the material of scissors affect the HS code?
A: Usually not, as long as the blades are made of base metal. However, if the blades are made of non-metal such as ceramics, they may be classified under other chapters. Handle material does not affect classification.
Q: Which code should electric scissors be classified under?
A: Electric scissors should be classified under 8508 (electric tools) or 8467 (hand-held tools), depending on their design. They are not classified under 8213.
Q: What are the most common mistakes when declaring scissors?
A: Common mistakes include classifying nail clippers under 8213, failing to declare material and use, and confusing electric with manual scissors. It is recommended to declare product name, material, use, brand, model and other elements in detail.
Q: Do the packaging specifications of scissors affect classification?
A: Packaging specifications do not affect HS code classification, but they do affect tax calculation and statistics. When declaring, the packaging method should be accurately filled in, such as individual packaging per piece, quantity per box, etc.
Q: If scissors have other functions (such as a bottle opener), how should they be classified?
A: If the primary function is shearing, they are still classified under 8213. If the other function is the primary function, they are classified according to the primary function. This must be judged based on the actual design of the commodity.
Q: What is the difference between 821300 and 821420?
A: 821300 is scissors, and 821420 is nail clippers and similar manicure tools. Their structures differ: scissors have two blades connected by a pivot, while nail clippers have lever-type blades.
⚠️ 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.