Find HS Code and trade information for utility knife

Utility Knife

A utility knife is a versatile cutting tool employed in a wide range of applications, primarily for cutting materials that are not easily handled by standard knives. It is characterized by a retractable, replaceable blade, offering safety and convenience.

Materials

• Blades: Typically constructed from high-carbon steel for sharpness and durability. Blades can be snap-off, replaceable, or fixed. Common blade shapes include standard, hooked, rounded, and specialized shapes for specific tasks.
• Body: Commonly made from plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. Plastic bodies are lightweight and cost-effective, while metal bodies offer increased durability and a more secure grip.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a utility knife is to provide a sharp, controlled cutting edge for tasks where precision and repeated blade changes are required. It is not designed for heavy-duty chopping or prying.

Function

Utility knives function through a sliding mechanism that extends and retracts the blade. This allows for controlled cutting depths and safe storage when not in use. Many models incorporate locking mechanisms to prevent accidental blade extension or retraction. The replaceable blade design ensures a consistently sharp cutting edge, as dull blades can be easily swapped out.

Usage Scenarios

• Construction & Renovation: Cutting drywall, flooring, roofing materials, insulation, and plastic sheeting.
• Crafting & DIY: Cutting cardboard, paper, fabric, foam board, and other materials for hobby projects.
• Packaging & Shipping: Opening boxes, trimming packaging materials, and preparing items for shipment.
• General Household Tasks: Opening packages, cutting rope, trimming small items.
• Gardening: Pruning small branches, cutting twine, and preparing plant materials.

Common Types

• Standard Retractable Utility Knife: The most common type, featuring a sliding blade and locking mechanism.
• Snap-Off Blade Utility Knife: Uses a segmented blade that breaks off to reveal a fresh, sharp edge. Ideal for applications requiring frequent blade changes.
• Fixed Blade Utility Knife: Features a permanently attached blade, offering increased stability and control. Often used for more demanding tasks.
• Folding Utility Knife: Combines the functionality of a utility knife with the portability of a folding knife.
• Box Cutter: Specifically designed for opening boxes, often with a shorter blade and a more ergonomic handle.
• Safety Utility Knife: Incorporates features to reduce the risk of injury, such as self-retracting blades or blade guards.

The declared goods are utility knives. These are cutting tools typically used for various general or professional applications, featuring a retractable or fixed blade for tasks like cutting cardboard, plastic, or other materials.

The following HS codes are relevant based on the provided reference material:

• 8208906000: This HS code falls under Chapter 82: Knives and cutting blades, for machines or for mechanical appliances, and base metal parts thereof. Specifically, it covers Heading 8208: Other knives (excluding those of heading 8208), and blades and other base metal parts thereof. The Subheading 8208906000 refers to “Other” knives and parts. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and a tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

• 8211924060: This HS code is categorized under Chapter 82: Knives and cutting blades, other than knives of heading 8208, and blades and other base metal parts thereof. Heading 8211 covers other knives. The Subheading 8211924060 specifically refers to other knives having fixed blades with rubber or plastic handles. The tax rate consists of a duty of 1¢ each plus 4.6%, and an additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 1¢ each + 4.6% + 30.0%.

• 8211929060: This HS code also falls under Chapter 82: Knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than knives of heading 8208, and blades and other base metal parts thereof. Heading 8211 covers other knives. The Subheading 8211929060 refers to other knives having fixed blades, other than those with rubber or plastic handles. The tax rate consists of a duty of 0.4¢ each plus 6.1%, an additional tariff of 7.5%, and a tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 0.4¢ each + 6.1% + 37.5%.

Regarding HS codes 8211924060 and 8211929060, please note the distinction based on handle material. If the utility knife has a rubber or plastic handle, HS code 8211924060 applies. Otherwise, HS code 8211929060 should be used.