HS 821110 Sets of assorted articles
Quick Answer: Knives and cutting blades imported under HS 821110 enter the UK at 8.00%, the EU at 8.50%, and the US at the rate applicable to the article in the set subject to the highest duty, often free under various trade agreements. This classification applies to sets containing a variety of knives or cutting blades, such as kitchen knife sets or utility knife assortments, where the individual items are packaged together for retail sale. Importers must carefully identify the highest duty rate among the components when declaring to US Customs. For other jurisdictions, the stated ad valorem rates apply to the entire set. CustomTariffs aggregates this information for compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8211100000 | 8.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8211100000 | 8.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8211100000 | The rate of duty applicable to that article in the set subject to the highest rate of duty | Free (16 programs) | ["pcs"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8211.10?
Imports of Sets of assorted articles may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 821110 cover?
This subheading covers sets of assorted articles falling under Heading 8211, which pertains to knives with cutting blades and blades for machines or for mechanical appliances. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, HS 821110 specifically applies to sets containing a variety of these articles, such as kitchen knife sets, cutlery sets, or utility knife assortments, where the individual items are presented together for retail sale and are not intended for a single specific use. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, emphasizing the assortment and presentation as a set.
What falls outside HS 821110?
The following products are excluded from HS 821110: individual knives or blades not presented as a set, sets of tools where the primary function is not cutting (e.g., a set of screwdrivers), and sets of kitchenware that include items beyond cutting implements, such as plates or bowls. For instance, a set of cooking utensils that includes spatulas and whisks alongside a knife would likely be classified elsewhere based on its predominant component or function, and individual replacement blades for specific machines are classified under their respective machine headings, not as part of a general knife set.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 821110?
A common error is classifying sets containing a mix of cutting tools and other implements under HS 821110 when the set's predominant character is not that of knives or cutting blades. For example, a set of barbecue tools that includes tongs and a spatula along with a carving knife might be misclassified. According to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the essential character of the set, which in this case would likely be the non-cutting tools. Importers must carefully assess the overall composition and intended use of the set.
How should importers classify products under HS 821110?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 821110 involves a thorough examination of the set's contents and its overall presentation. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the set consists of assorted articles primarily falling under Heading 8211, such as knives, and that these items are packaged together for retail sale. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, like the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and reviewing explanatory notes from the WCO is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 821110?
A set of 5 stainless steel kitchen knives, weighing 1.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 7% × $50 USD = $3.50. This calculation is performed using the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 821110.00.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 821110?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 821110, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) also offers reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing jurisdiction's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What is the general import duty rate for HS code 821110 (Sets of assorted articles)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 821110, which covers sets of assorted articles of cutlery, is typically 8.50% ad valorem. However, this rate can vary based on specific trade agreements and the individual items within the set. Always consult the latest Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for the most current rates.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 821110 when the set contains items with different duty rates?
For sets classified under HS 821110, the duty is generally calculated based on the rate applicable to the article within the set that has the highest rate of duty. For example, if a set includes a knife with a 10% duty rate and a fork with an 8% duty rate, the entire set will be dutied at 10%. If a set has a declared value of $100 and contains items where the highest individual duty rate is 8.50%, the duty would be $100 * 8.50% = $8.50.
What are the classification criteria for a product to be considered a 'set of assorted articles' under HS 821110?
To be classified as a set under HS 821110, the articles must be put up in a manner suitable for retail sale, consist of at least two different articles that would otherwise be classified separately (e.g., knives, forks, spoons), and be intended to be used together. The assortment is key; it's not just multiple identical items. The packaging and presentation for sale to the general public are important factors.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 821110?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 821110. For instance, under agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), the duty rate can be Free. The specific rate depends on the country of origin and the terms of the applicable trade agreement. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation, such as a certificate of origin, to claim these preferential rates.
What documentation is typically required when importing sets of assorted cutlery under HS 821110?
When importing sets of assorted cutlery under HS 821110, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements, a valid Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide detailed product information to substantiate the classification, especially if the set contains items with differing duty rates, to ensure the correct duty is applied based on the highest-rated article.