Find HS Code and trade information for STAINLESSSTEELCUTLERY

Stainless Steel Cutlery

Stainless steel cutlery refers to eating utensils – such as knives, forks, spoons, and spreaders – manufactured from stainless steel alloys.

Material

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. The chromium creates a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface, preventing corrosion. Common alloying elements include nickel, molybdenum, titanium, and manganese, influencing properties like strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Different grades of stainless steel exist, with 18/10 (18% chromium, 10% nickel) being a frequently used composition for high-quality cutlery, offering excellent corrosion resistance and a lustrous finish. 420 and 430 series stainless steels are also common, offering lower cost options with adequate performance for everyday use.

Purpose

The primary purpose of stainless steel cutlery is to facilitate the consumption of food. Specific utensils are designed for different food types and eating methods.

Function

• Knives: Cutting and slicing food. Blade design varies based on intended use (e.g., steak knives, butter knives).
• Forks: Piercing and lifting food. Tine (prong) shape and length differ depending on the food (e.g., salad forks, dinner forks).
• Spoons: Scooping and conveying liquids, semi-solids, and small pieces of food. Bowl shape and size vary (e.g., soup spoons, teaspoons, tablespoons).
• Spreaders: Applying spreads like butter, jam, or cream cheese. Typically have a blunt, rounded blade.

Usage Scenarios

Stainless steel cutlery is widely used in:

• Household dining: Everyday meals at home.
• Restaurants and catering: Professional food service.
• Institutional settings: Schools, hospitals, and other public facilities.
• Outdoor activities: Camping, picnics, and travel.

Common Types

• Dinner Knives: Larger knives for general food cutting.
• Steak Knives: Serrated or straight-edged knives designed for cutting cooked meat.
• Butter Knives: Small, blunt-edged knives for spreading butter.
• Salad Forks: Shorter forks with wider tines for salad consumption.
• Dinner Forks: Standard forks for main courses.
• Soup Spoons: Round-bowled spoons for consuming soups and broths.
• Teaspoons: Small spoons for stirring beverages and consuming desserts.
• Tablespoons: Larger spoons for serving and consuming larger portions.
• Dessert Spoons: Smaller spoons designed for desserts.
• Spreaders: Blunt-edged utensils for applying spreads.
• Fish Forks/Knives: Specialized utensils with unique designs for eating fish.

Stainless Steel Cutlery Classification

The following HS codes are relevant to Stainless Steel Cutlery, based on the provided documentation:

• 8215990100: This HS code falls under Chapter 82: Articles of cutlery (for example, hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, chopping or mincing knives, paper knives); manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files); base metal parts thereof. Specifically, it covers Heading 8215: Spoons, forks, ladles, skimmers, cake-servers, fish-knives, butter-knives, sugar tongs and similar kitchen or tableware; and base metal parts thereof. The Subheading 8215990100 further specifies “Other: Other: Forks: With stainless steel handles: With handles containing nickel or containing over 10 percent by weight of manganese: Valued under 25¢ each, not over 25.9 cm in overall length”.

• 8215993000: Also within Chapter 82 and Heading 8215, this Subheading 8215993000 covers “Other: Other: Spoons and ladles: With stainless steel handles: Spoons valued under 25¢ each”.

• 7323930060: This HS code is categorized under Chapter 73: Articles of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel. Specifically, it covers Heading 7323: Table, kitchen or other household articles and parts thereof, of iron or steel; iron or steel wool; pot scourers and scouring or polishing pads, gloves and the like, of iron or steel. The Subheading 7323930060 specifies “Other: Of stainless steel Cooking and kitchen ware: Other: Kitchen ware”.

• 7323930035: Also within Chapter 73 and Heading 7323, this Subheading 7323930035 covers “Other: Of stainless steel Cooking and kitchen ware: Other: Cooking ware: Bakeware (cookware not suitable for stove top use)”.

Important Note Regarding Tariff Rates:

Please be aware that tariff rates are subject to change. According to the provided documentation, HS codes 7323930060 and 7323930035 are subject to a 2.0% basic tariff, with a potential additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products effective after April 2, 2025. HS codes 8215990100 and 8215993000 have different tariff structures, as detailed in the documentation.