Utility Knife
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8211929060 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8211930060 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πͺ Utility Knife (General Purpose Cutting Tools)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know Your "Utility Knife"?
A Utility Knife is a versatile cutting tool used across construction, logistics, packaging, and arts/crafts industries. In international trade, its classification depends on the blade mechanism and intended use:
- Fixed Blade Utility Knives: Blades are stationary; common in general cutting.
- Retractable/Sliding Blade Utility Knives: Blades extend/retract; highly common in office and packaging.
- Letter Openers/Paper Knives: Specialized for opening mail without damaging contents.
β οΈ Critical Classification Distinction:
- If the blade slides or retracts β Falls under "Non-fixed blade" (8211.93...) β Highest Tax Risk!
- If the blade is fixed (like a box cutter with a fixed blade) β Falls under "Fixed blade" (8211.92...) β Medium Tax Risk!
- If classified as a general cutting tool or letter opener β Falls under "Other cutting tools" (8214...) β Lowest Tax Risk!
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Blade Type |
|---|---|---|---|
8214.90.90.00 |
Other cutting tools (General purpose utility knives not specified elsewhere) | General cutting tasks, crafts, non-slip applications | Variable (General) |
8211.92.90.60 |
Fixed blade knives with cutting edge (not folding) | Box cutters with fixed blades, heavy-duty cutting | β Fixed |
8211.93.00.60 |
Non-fixed blade knives (Sliding/Retractable) | Most common standard utility knives (e.g., X-Acto, box cutters with retractable blades) | β οΈ Sliding/Retractable |
8214.10.00.00 |
Letter Openers / Paper Knives | Office supplies, mail opening, delicate tasks | Fixed (Specialized) |
π Key Reminder:
- 8211.93.00.60 (Sliding Blade) attracts the highest penalties due to USITC and Section 301/232 tariffs.
- 8214.10.00.00 (Letter Opener) and 8214.90.90.00 (General Tool) are significantly cheaper to import if the product design allows.
- Do not assume all "utility knives" are8211.93. The blade mechanism is the deciding factor!
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Market Focus)
β Target Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Applicable Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including future imports)
π― 1. 8214.90.90.00 ββ General Utility / Other Cutting Tools
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | $0.014 each + 3.2% (ad valorem) |
| USITC/Add-on Tariff | 0.0% (No Section 301/232 penalty) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific 122 clause) |
| Total Effective Tax | $0.014/each + 13.2% |
| Tax Calculation | Sum of per-unit fee + (Value Γ 13.2%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Subject to Section 321 limits) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122:10% β Base:3.2% |
π Analysis:
This is the "Sweet Spot" for utility knives. The base tax is low, and there are NO heavy Section 301 or 232 penalties. Ideal for general-purpose tools not designed for sliding blades.
π― 2. 8211.92.90.60 ββ Fixed Blade Knives
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | $0.004 each + 6.1% (ad valorem) |
| USITC/Add-on Tariff | +7.5% (Section 301/232 penalty) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | $0.004/each + 23.6% |
| Tax Calculation | Sum of per-unit fee + (Value Γ 23.6%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122:10% β Add-on:7.5% β Base:6.1% |
π Analysis:
Fixed blades incur a 7.5% penalty on top of the base rate. While better than sliding blades, it still adds significant cost compared to general tools.
π― 3. 8211.93.00.60 ββ Non-Fixed (Sliding) Blade Knives β οΈ
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | $0.03 each + 5.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC/Add-on Tariff | +25.0% (Heavy Section 301 penalty) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | $0.03/each + 40.4% |
| Tax Calculation | Sum of per-unit fee + (Value Γ 40.4%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122:10% β Section 301:25% β Base:5.4% |
π Analysis:
DANGER ZONE! Sliding blade knives face a 25% penalty (Section 301) + 10% (Section 122). Total tariff reaches 40.4%. This is the highest risk category. Avoid this classification unless the product must have a sliding blade.
π― 4. 8214.10.00.00 ββ Letter Openers / Paper Knives
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | $0.003 each + 4.2% (ad valorem) |
| USITC/Add-on Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tax | $0.003/each + 14.2% |
| Tax Calculation | Sum of per-unit fee + (Value Γ 14.2%) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122:10% β Base:4.2% |
π Analysis:
If the knife is strictly a "Letter Opener" (often fixed blade, small), the tax is only 14.2%, very close to the general tool category. Excellent for office supply lines.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Product Redesign for Tax Optimization
| Strategy | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid Sliding Mechanism | Design with fixed blades or non-mechanical cutting | Shift from 40.4% β 23.6% (Fixed) or 13.2% (General) |
| Rebrand as "Office Tool" | If it's a small, fixed-blade opener, market as "Letter Opener" | Shift from 40.4% β 14.2% |
| General Purpose Labeling | Ensure the product fits "Other cutting tools" criteria | Shift from 40.4% β 13.2% |
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Sliding Blade = High Tax. Fixed/General = Low Tax."
If your product can be engineered to be a fixed blade or a general cutter, do it immediately to save ~27% in tariffs.
β 2. Declaration Best Practices (Do's and Don'ts)
| β Wrong | β Right |
|---|---|
| "Utility Knife, Retractable Blade" | HS Code: 8214.90.90.00 (If design allows) |
| "Box Cutter" (Ambiguous) | HS Code: 8211.93.00.60 (If sliding) β Expect 40.4% Tax |
| "Sliding Knife" | HS Code: 8211.92.90.60 (If fixed blade) |
| "Letter Opener" | HS Code: 8214.10.00.00 (If strictly for mail) |
Critical Warning:
- Never declare a sliding blade knife as 8214.10.00.00 (Letter Opener) if it is clearly a utility cutter. Customs will audit, reclassify, and apply back taxes + penalties.
- Provide Technical Drawings: Clearly show the blade mechanism. If the blade is fixed, you can argue for 8211.92 or 8214.90.
β 3. Special Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Orders (Sliding + Fixed) | Split the invoice. Declare sliding blades under 8211.93 (40.4%) and fixed under 8214.90 (13.2%). Do not mix! |
| OEM Custom Knives | If the design allows, specify "Fixed Blade Utility Knife" in the contract to avoid sliding blade classification. |
| Small Batch (De Minimis) | Note: Even small batches are NOT exempt from Section 301/122 tariffs for these HS codes. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate (China Origin) | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8214.90.90.00 (Best) |
13.2% (or 40.4% if sliding) | Section 301 Penalty (25%) on sliding blades |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8211.93.00 |
~2.5% - 5% | No Section 301, but CE/RoHS required |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8211.93.00 |
~5% - 10% | Generally lower tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 8211.93.00 |
~6% | No heavy penalties |
π Conclusion:
The US market is the only one with the 25% penalty for sliding blade knives. For US exports, product redesign is the #1 strategy to cut costs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Lessons Learned
β Mistake 1: "It's just a utility knife, I'll declare it as 8211.93."
π Result: You pay 40.4% tax. You could have saved ~27% by redesigning to fixed blade.
β Mistake 2: "I'll declare it as 8214.10 (Letter Opener) even if it has a sliding blade."
π Result: Customs audit. Reclassification + 100% penalty + back taxes.
β Mistake 3: "I don't need to show the blade mechanism in photos."
π Result: Customs cannot verify. Hold or Return. Always provide clear photos of the blade locking mechanism.
β Correct Action:
"Slide-Proof, Fixed-Blade, or General Tool. Know your mechanism. Save 27%."
π― VII. Final Strategy: How to Win in the US Market
π Step 1: Audit your current product. Is the blade sliding? Step 2: If yes, redesign to fixed blade or general cutting tool. Step 3: Update packaging and descriptions to reflect "Fixed Blade" or "General Utility". Step 4: Declare under
8214.90.90.00or8214.10.00.00if applicable. Step 5: Prepare for Section 122 (10%) tax, but avoid Section 301 (25%).
π Pro Tip:
Contact a Customs Broker to file a Binding Ruling (CBP Ruling) for your specific product design. This locks in the lower tax rate and protects you from future audits.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Review your product design TODAY.
π Switch from Sliding to Fixed.
π° Save 27% in tariffs per shipment!
π Ship faster, cheaper, and safer to the US!
β¨ Smart Customs, Smarter Profits!
πΌ Every penny saved is pure profit!
Customer Reviews
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.