HS 821410 Paperknives, letter openers, erasing knives, pencil sharpeners and blades therefor

Quick Answer: Paperknives, letter openers, erasing knives, pencil sharpeners, and their blades imported under HS 821410 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US at 0.3¢ each + 4.2% (MFN). This classification covers common office tools used for opening mail, sharpening pencils, and correcting errors on paper. Importers should be aware of the specific unit-based component in the US duty calculation, which can significantly impact landed cost. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, providing crucial insights for accurate declaration and duty payment.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8214100000 2.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8214100000 2.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8214100000 0.3¢ each + 4.2% Free (17 programs) ["No."]

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 8214.10?

Imports of Paperknives, letter openers, erasing knives, pencil sharpeners and blades therefor 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, GSP, 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?

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What products does HS 821410 cover?

This subheading covers a specific range of small hand tools designed for office or desk use, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) nomenclature. It explicitly includes paperknives, letter openers, erasing knives, and pencil sharpeners, along with their respective blades. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC system align with this definition, focusing on the primary function of these items for cutting paper, correcting errors, or sharpening pencils.

What falls outside HS 821410?

The following products are excluded from HS 821410: general-purpose knives, utility knives, craft knives, and blades for these tools, which are typically classified under other headings within Chapter 82 based on their broader applications. For instance, a craft knife with a replaceable blade intended for detailed cutting in hobbies would likely fall under a different subheading, as would a heavy-duty box cutter. The key distinction is the specific design and intended use for office stationery functions.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 821410?

A common error is misclassifying multi-functional desk tools or stationery sets. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, if goods are classifiable under two or more headings, they should be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character. For example, a letter opener that also incorporates a ruler might be classified based on the essential character of the letter opener if that is its primary function.

How should importers classify products under HS 821410?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 821410 involves a careful examination of the product's design, intended use, and materials. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, to confirm the precise description. If the product is a paperknife, letter opener, erasing knife, or pencil sharpener, and its primary function aligns with these definitions, then HS 821410 is likely appropriate.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 821410?

A set of 10 metal pencil sharpeners, weighing a total of 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD, would attract a US duty of $2.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem applied to the declared value ($50.00 × 0.05 = $2.50). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 8214.10.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 821410?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 821410, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, respectively, is typically required by customs authorities.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 821420 HS 821210 HS 821192 HS 821193 HS 820140 HS 821194

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 821410 (Paperknives, letter openers, erasing knives, pencil sharpeners and blades therefor)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 821410 can vary. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the rate is 2.70% ad valorem. Some preferential trade agreements offer reduced or free entry. For instance, goods from Australia (AU), Chile (CL), or Singapore (SG) may enter duty-free under specific agreements, provided all rules of origin are met. Always consult the latest official tariff schedule for the importing country, such as the USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU's TARIC database, for the most current rates applicable to your specific origin country.

How is the import duty for HS 821410 calculated, especially when there's a combination of ad valorem and specific duties?

Some duties under HS 821410 are calculated as a combination of ad valorem (based on value) and specific duties (based on quantity). For example, a rate might be '8¢ each + 45% ad valorem'. If you import 1,000 pencil sharpeners valued at $2.00 each, the duty would be calculated as follows: Specific duty: 1,000 units * $0.08/unit = $80.00. Ad valorem duty: (1,000 units * $2.00/unit) * 45% = $2,000.00 * 0.45 = $900.00. Total duty = $80.00 + $900.00 = $980.00. The exact calculation depends on the specific tariff line and the importing country's regulations.

What are the key classification criteria for items under HS code 821410?

HS code 821410 covers specific types of small cutting tools primarily used for office or desk work. Key items include paperknives and letter openers designed for opening envelopes, erasing knives (often used with art or drafting tools), and pencil sharpeners. Crucially, the code also includes the blades specifically designed for these implements. Items that do not fit the primary function (e.g., general-purpose knives, craft knives) would be classified elsewhere. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on the scope of this heading.

Which trade agreements commonly provide preferential duty rates for HS 821410 imports?

Several trade agreements can offer preferential duty rates for goods classified under HS 821410. Examples include agreements like the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which may offer reduced rates for eligible goods from South Korea (KR). Other agreements, such as those with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), and Singapore (SG), often provide duty-free or significantly reduced duty access for qualifying products. Importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and be prepared to provide a valid Certificate of Origin or declaration.

Are there any specific documentation requirements for importing paperknives, letter openers, or pencil sharpeners under HS 821410?

While HS code 821410 itself does not typically require specialized import licenses or permits, standard customs documentation is mandatory. This includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. If claiming preferential duty rates under a trade agreement, a Certificate of Origin or a valid preferential trade program declaration is essential. Some countries may require product safety certifications or compliance declarations depending on the materials used or intended use, though this is less common for simple stationery items. Always verify the specific import requirements with the customs authority of the destination country.