Manual Pencil Sharpener
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8214100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
βοΈ Manual Pencil Sharpener (Non-Mechanical)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: What exactly is a "Manual Pencil Sharpener"?
A manual pencil sharpener is a small tool used for sharpening graphite or colored pencils. In international trade classification, the key distinction lies in the power source and mechanism.
Non-Mechanical Sharpener: Operated entirely by hand rotation or insertion; no batteries, no electricity.
Mechanical/Electric Sharpener: Powered by batteries or electricity, featuring motors or electronic components.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is purely manual (hand-cranked or push-type) and made of base metal or plastic with metal blades β It falls under Chapter 82 (Articles of Cutlery; Base Metal Parts).
- If it is electric or battery-operated β It falls under Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) or Chapter 90 (Optical, photographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments).
- Note: The provided data strictly covers non-mechanical manual sharpeners.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided <DATA>, manual pencil sharpeners (non-mechanical) are classified under Heading 8214.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Power Source | Blade Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8214.10.00.00 |
Paper knives, letter openers, erasing knives, pencil sharpeners (nonmechanical) and blades and other parts thereof | Manual hand-cranked sharpeners, push-type sharpeners, desktop manual sharpeners | None (Manual) | Base Metal |
8214.90.90.00 |
Other articles of cutlery...: Other: Other (including parts) | Other base metal parts of manual sharpeners, or other non-listed cutlery items | None (Manual) | Base Metal |
π Important Reminder:
- Manual Pencil Sharpeners are explicitly listed under 8214.10.00.00.
- Do not classify electric sharpeners here; they belong to HS Code 8543 or 9013 depending on the mechanism.
- If the sharpener is part of a set (e.g., with a ruler or eraser), check if the essential character is the sharpener. If so, it still falls under 8214.10.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅· (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 8214.10.00.00 ββ Pencil Sharpeners (Non-Mechanical)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Since total tax is 0%, it is well within the $800 de minimis threshold for low-value shipments, but even for full shipments, tax is free) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8214.10.00.00 β No Additional Footnotes for Surtax |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff: 0%. China does not face a base tariff on this item.
- Section 301 Surtax: 0%. Unlike many electronics or steel products, manual pencil sharpeners made of base metal are excluded from the 25% Section 301 surtax.
- IEEPA/Special Surtax: 0%. There is no additional 10% or 7.5% surcharge for this specific HS code.
- Total Effective Tax: 0%. This is a highly favorable classification for cost control.
π― 2. 8214.90.90.00 ββ Other Cutlery Articles (Base Metal Parts)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8214.90.90.00 β No Additional Footnotes for Surtax |
π Note:
- This code is for parts of manual sharpeners or other non-specified base metal cutlery.
- Also enjoys 0% total tax.
- Only use if the item is a spare blade or part, not the complete sharpener (which should be 8214.10.00.00).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-world Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Indispensable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (e.g., Plastic body + Metal blades), size, weight |
| β Product Photos (Clear) | βοΈ | Show the mechanism is non-motorized. No wires, batteries, or plugs. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Manual Pencil Sharpener, Non-mechanical, Plastic/Metal" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Item quantity, net weight, gross weight |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Clearly state HS Code 8214.10.00.00 |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Manual Not Electric, Base Metal Blades, 0% Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Manual Sharpener | 8214.10.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Plastic Toy" β Wrong Chapter, potential penalty |
| Electric Sharpener | 8543.70 or 9013.80 |
Misdeclare as 8214.10.00.00 β Severe misclassification, high tax risk |
| Sharpener with Plastic Body | 8214.10.00.00 |
Declare as "Plastic Article" (Chapter 39) β Wrong, blades define the character |
| Spare Blades Only | 8214.10.00.00 |
Declare as "Cutlery Parts" under 8214.90.90.00 if not specified |
π Critical Point:
- The presence of plastic housing does not change the classification from Chapter 82 to Chapter 39, as long as the cutting blade is base metal and the item is a sharpener.
- Electric components (even a simple battery compartment for a light) can shift it to Chapter 85.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Set with Eraser/Ruler | If the sharpener is the essential character, declare as 8214.10.00.00. The eraser/ruler may be considered accessories. |
| Desktop vs. Handheld | Both manual types fall under 8214.10.00.00. No distinction in tax rate. |
| Children's Toys | If marketed as a toy but functions as a sharpener, still 8214.10.00.00. Ensure no small parts choking hazards if intended for young children (CPSIA compliance). |
| Stainless Steel Blades | Still 8214.10.00.00. "Base metal" includes stainless steel. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 8214.10.00.00 |
0% | None | Zero Tax! Very competitive. |
| π¨π³ China | 8214.10.00.00 |
0% | None | Standard import. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 8214.10.00 |
0% - 2.5% | CE (if applicable) | Generally low duty. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8214.10.00 |
5% | None | Standard GST applies. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8214.10.00 |
0% - 3% | None | Low duty. |
π Conclusion:
- The US has 0% tariff on manual pencil sharpeners, making them extremely cost-effective to import.
- No Section 301 surtax applies, unlike many other metal or electronic goods.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying electric sharpeners as 8214.10.00.00
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration, apply correct tariff (often higher or subject to surtaxes), and impose penalties.
β Mistake 2: Declaring as "Plastic Stationery" (Chapter 39)
π Consequence: Wrong classification. Even if the body is plastic, the metal blade and function (cutting/sharpening) dictate Chapter 82.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Non-Mechanical" requirement
π Consequence: If the sharpener has any automatic feature (e.g., self-stop, sensor), it is not "non-mechanical."
β Correct Practice:
"Manual Pencil Sharpener, Non-Mechanical, Plastic Body with Metal Blades, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost-Saving, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Manual + Metal Blade = 8214.10.00.00"
πΉ "0% Tax, No Surtax, Easy Clearance!"
πΉ "Not Electric, Not Toy, Just a Sharpener!"
π Tips:
- Ensure all imported manuals sharpener declarations clearly state "Non-Mechanical" to avoid confusion with electric models.
- Provide clear photos showing the lack of electrical components.
- This is one of the best-performing HS codes for US imports due to the 0% total tax rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm product is 100% manual (no batteries, no motors).
π Use HS Code8214.10.00.00for declaration.
π° Enjoy 0% Duty and smooth customs clearance!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny Saved is Pure Profit!
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About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.