Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Goods in this chapter are mainly functional in nature and are mostly made of base metals such as iron and steel, copper, and aluminum, but exclude non-metal products such as ceramics, glass, and plastics. This chapter includes hand tools, mechanical tools, knives, razors, nail clippers, forks, etc., widely used in industry, agriculture, households, and personal care. To understand this chapter, note that being made of base metal is the core characteristic, but certain goods may be classified under other chapters due to specific functions or materials, such as electric shavers under Chapter 85. Heading 8214 covers other articles of cutlery (for example, hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, chopping knives, paper knives, pencil sharpeners, nail clippers, etc.) and manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files). This heading mainly includes non-mechanical hand tools used for cutting or trimming, made of base metal. Note, however, that scissors and tailors' shears are classified under 8213, electric nail clippers under 8509, while ordinary nail clippers as non-electric cutlery are classified under 8214. The first 2 digits 82: indicates Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4, 14: indicates heading 8214, other articles of cutlery and manicure or pedicure sets and instruments. Digits 5-6, 20: indicates subheading 821420, specifically nail clippers and similar manicure articles. This subheading further distinguishes nail clippers from other manicure instruments (such as nail files, cuticle scissors, etc.). Therefore, 821420 specifically refers to non-electric nail clippers, usually made of stainless steel, used for trimming fingernails and toenails. Nail clippers are hand-operated cutlery made of base metal, used for trimming nails, and conform to the description of heading 8214. They are not classified under 8213 (scissors and tailors' shears) because nail clippers have a specific use and structure and are not general scissors; nor under 8509 (electric appliances) because they are non-electric; and certainly not under 7326 (other articles of iron or steel) because their cutlery characteristics are more specific. Therefore, 821420 is the most precise classification.
Chapter
Chapter 82 covers tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Goods in this chapter are mainly functional in nature and are mostly made of base metals such as iron and steel, copper, and aluminum, but exclude non-metal products such as ceramics, glass, and plastics. This chapter includes hand tools, mechanical tools, knives, razors, nail clippers, forks, etc., widely used in industry, agriculture, households, and personal care. To understand this chapter, note that being made of base metal is the core characteristic, but certain goods may be classified under other chapters due to specific functions or materials, such as electric shavers under Chapter 85.
Heading
Heading 8214 covers other articles of cutlery (for example, hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, chopping knives, paper knives, pencil sharpeners, nail clippers, etc.) and manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files). This heading mainly includes non-mechanical hand tools used for cutting or trimming, made of base metal. Note, however, that scissors and tailors' shears are classified under 8213, electric nail clippers under 8509, while ordinary nail clippers as non-electric cutlery are classified under 8214.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 82: indicates Chapter 82, tools, implements, cutlery, spoons, forks and parts thereof, of base metal. Digits 3-4, 14: indicates heading 8214, other articles of cutlery and manicure or pedicure sets and instruments. Digits 5-6, 20: indicates subheading 821420, specifically nail clippers and similar manicure articles. This subheading further distinguishes nail clippers from other manicure instruments (such as nail files, cuticle scissors, etc.). Therefore, 821420 specifically refers to non-electric nail clippers, usually made of stainless steel, used for trimming fingernails and toenails.
Classification Basis
Nail clippers are hand-operated cutlery made of base metal, used for trimming nails, and conform to the description of heading 8214. They are not classified under 8213 (scissors and tailors' shears) because nail clippers have a specific use and structure and are not general scissors; nor under 8509 (electric appliances) because they are non-electric; and certainly not under 7326 (other articles of iron or steel) because their cutlery characteristics are more specific. Therefore, 821420 is the most precise classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The standard name of the declared goods should use "nail clippers" or "nail nippers," avoiding colloquial names such as "nail cutter." Material: State the specific material, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, etc., and whether plastic or rubber parts are included. Brand: Fill in the brand name (if no brand, write "no brand"); the brand helps with customs intellectual property protection. Model: Fill in the manufacturer's product model to facilitate identification of the specific goods. Use: State the use, such as "trimming nails for personal care," to distinguish industrial or other uses. Packaging Specification: State the quantity per set or per box, such as "single pack" or "12 pieces/box," which affects duty assessment and statistics. Whether Electric: Clearly state whether it is electric; electric nail clippers should be classified under 8509, and non-electric under 8214. Product Name: Stainless steel nail clippers; Material: stainless steel (blade) + ABS plastic (handle); Brand: ABC; Model: NC-100; Use: trimming nails for personal care; Packaging Specification: single blister pack; Whether Electric: non-electric. Confusing nail clippers with scissors and incorrectly classifying under 8213. Ignoring specific material description and declaring only as "metal." Failing to distinguish electric from non-electric, leading to incorrect classification. Incomplete brand and model declaration, affecting customs inspection. Incorrect packaging specification declaration, leading to quantity statistics deviation.
Product Name
The standard name of the declared goods should use "nail clippers" or "nail nippers," avoiding colloquial names such as "nail cutter."
⚠️ Misreporting as "scissors" or "beauty tool," leading to incorrect classification.
Material
State the specific material, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, etc., and whether plastic or rubber parts are included.
⚠️ Writing only "metal" without specifying, which may affect classification.
Brand
Fill in the brand name (if no brand, write "no brand"); the brand helps with customs intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in incompletely, causing customs clearance delays.
Model
Fill in the manufacturer's product model to facilitate identification of the specific goods.
⚠️ Incorrect model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Use
State the use, such as "trimming nails for personal care," to distinguish industrial or other uses.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "for trimming," and not specific enough.
Packaging Specification
State the quantity per set or per box, such as "single pack" or "12 pieces/box," which affects duty assessment and statistics.
⚠️ Packaging specifications inconsistent with the actual product, resulting in false declaration.
Whether Electric
Clearly state whether it is electric; electric nail clippers should be classified under 8509, and non-electric under 8214.
⚠️ Misreporting electric nail clippers as non-electric, leading to incorrect classification.
Example： Product Name: Stainless steel nail clippers; Material: stainless steel (blade) + ABS plastic (handle); Brand: ABC; Model: NC-100; Use: trimming nails for personal care; Packaging Specification: single blister pack; Whether Electric: non-electric.
Common Mistakes：
Confusing nail clippers with scissors and incorrectly classifying under 8213.
Ignoring specific material description and declaring only as "metal."
Failing to distinguish electric from non-electric, leading to incorrect classification.
Incomplete brand and model declaration, affecting customs inspection.
Incorrect packaging specification declaration, leading to quantity statistics deviation.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: nail clippers are hand-operated cutlery made of base metal, used for trimming nails, and conform to the description of heading 8214, "other articles of cutlery and manicure or pedicure sets and instruments." They are non-electric, non-mechanically driven, and have a specific nail-trimming function, so they are classified under 821420. If electric, they are classified under 8509; if scissor-type but used for trimming nails, they are still classified under 8214, but attention must be paid to the distinction from 8213 scissors. 8213 Scissors, tailors' shears: 8213 includes various scissors and tailors' shears used for cutting paper, fabric, etc., while nail clippers are specifically used for trimming nails and have a specific shape and function, so they are classified under 8214. 8509 Electric shavers, electric hair clippers: 8509 covers electric household appliances, such as electric nail clippers, while 821420 refers only to non-electric nail clippers. If nail clippers have an electric device, they should be classified under 8509. 7326 Other articles of iron or steel: 7326 is a residual tariff number for articles of iron or steel, but nail clippers, as cutlery, already have a specific tariff number 8214, so they are not classified under 7326. 8203 Pliers, tweezers, etc.: 8203 includes hand tools such as pliers and tweezers, but nail clippers are not pliers; their function is trimming rather than gripping, so they are classified under 8214. Confirm whether the goods are non-electric nail clippers? Confirm whether the material is base metal? Confirm whether the use is for trimming nails? Confirm whether they are confused with scissors? Confirm whether the brand and model are fully declared?
Basis
Core basis for classification: nail clippers are hand-operated cutlery made of base metal, used for trimming nails, and conform to the description of heading 8214, "other articles of cutlery and manicure or pedicure sets and instruments." They are non-electric, non-mechanically driven, and have a specific nail-trimming function, so they are classified under 821420. If electric, they are classified under 8509; if scissor-type but used for trimming nails, they are still classified under 8214, but attention must be paid to the distinction from 8213 scissors.
Confused Codes：
8213 - Scissors, tailors' shears
8213 includes various scissors and tailors' shears used for cutting paper, fabric, etc., while nail clippers are specifically used for trimming nails and have a specific shape and function, so they are classified under 8214.
8509 - Electric shavers, electric hair clippers
8509 covers electric household appliances, such as electric nail clippers, while 821420 refers only to non-electric nail clippers. If nail clippers have an electric device, they should be classified under 8509.
7326 - Other articles of iron or steel
7326 is a residual tariff number for articles of iron or steel, but nail clippers, as cutlery, already have a specific tariff number 8214, so they are not classified under 7326.
8203 - Pliers, tweezers, etc.
8203 includes hand tools such as pliers and tweezers, but nail clippers are not pliers; their function is trimming rather than gripping, so they are classified under 8214.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the goods are non-electric nail clippers?
✓ Confirm whether the material is base metal?
✓ Confirm whether the use is for trimming nails?
✓ Confirm whether they are confused with scissors?
✓ Confirm whether the brand and model are fully declared?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between nail clippers and nail nippers? Both are classified under 821420. Nail clippers and nail nippers are both tools used for trimming nails, made of base metal, with the same function, so they are classified under the same subheading. However, if electric, they are classified under 8509. Which HS code should electric nail clippers be classified under? Electric nail clippers should be classified under 8509 because they have an electric device and belong to electric household appliances. 821420 applies only to non-electric nail clippers. Are stainless steel nail clippers and plastic nail clippers classified the same? No. 821420 requires base metal construction; if the main material is plastic, they may be classified under 3924 or other plastic product tariff numbers. However, if only the handle is plastic and the blade is stainless steel, they are still classified under 821420. How can I check the import tariff rate for nail clippers? First determine HS code 821420, then check the importing country's customs tariff schedule. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement and can be checked through customs official websites or professional databases. Note that rates change and the latest version should prevail. In the declaration elements for nail clippers, how should the material be filled in? The main material should be specifically stated, such as "stainless steel" or "carbon steel," and the materials of other parts should also be noted, such as "handle is ABS plastic." Avoid writing only "metal." How should a nail clipper set containing multiple manicure tools be classified? If the nail clipper is the main tool in the set and the other tools are auxiliary, it is usually classified under 821420 according to the nail clipper. However, if multiple tools in the set are of comparable value, it may be classified as a whole set, and the specific rules must be considered. What certifications are required to export nail clippers to the United States? Generally, compliance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements is needed, and child-resistant packaging may be required. Specific certifications depend on the product's use and sales channel; consulting a professional agency is recommended. What is the difference between HS codes 821420 and 821410? 821410 covers paper knives, letter openers, pencil sharpeners, etc., while 821420 covers nail clippers and similar manicure articles. Both belong to heading 8214, but they are different subheadings and are distinguished by their specific functions.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between nail clippers and nail nippers?
A: Both are classified under 821420. Nail clippers and nail nippers are both tools used for trimming nails, made of base metal, with the same function, so they are classified under the same subheading. However, if electric, they are classified under 8509.
Q: Which HS code should electric nail clippers be classified under?
A: Electric nail clippers should be classified under 8509 because they have an electric device and belong to electric household appliances. 821420 applies only to non-electric nail clippers.
Q: Are stainless steel nail clippers and plastic nail clippers classified the same?
A: No. 821420 requires base metal construction; if the main material is plastic, they may be classified under 3924 or other plastic product tariff numbers. However, if only the handle is plastic and the blade is stainless steel, they are still classified under 821420.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for nail clippers?
A: First determine HS code 821420, then check the importing country's customs tariff schedule. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement and can be checked through customs official websites or professional databases. Note that rates change and the latest version should prevail.
Q: In the declaration elements for nail clippers, how should the material be filled in?
A: The main material should be specifically stated, such as "stainless steel" or "carbon steel," and the materials of other parts should also be noted, such as "handle is ABS plastic." Avoid writing only "metal."
Q: How should a nail clipper set containing multiple manicure tools be classified?
A: If the nail clipper is the main tool in the set and the other tools are auxiliary, it is usually classified under 821420 according to the nail clipper. However, if multiple tools in the set are of comparable value, it may be classified as a whole set, and the specific rules must be considered.
Q: What certifications are required to export nail clippers to the United States?
A: Generally, compliance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements is needed, and child-resistant packaging may be required. Specific certifications depend on the product's use and sales channel; consulting a professional agency is recommended.
Q: What is the difference between HS codes 821420 and 821410?
A: 821410 covers paper knives, letter openers, pencil sharpeners, etc., while 821420 covers nail clippers and similar manicure articles. Both belong to heading 8214, but they are different subheadings and are distinguished by their specific functions.
⚠️ 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.