Other knives having fixed blades

Subheading 8211 92 of the Combined Nomenclature covers fixed-blade knives other than table knives - in trade practice this is a residual category within heading 8211 covering a broad range of non-table, non-kitchen fixed-blade knives. The category principally includes hunting knives for gutting, skinning and butchering game, survival and outdoor knives, tactical knives used by uniformed services and outdoor enthusiasts, military and paramilitary knives, Bowie knives, skinning knives, rope-cutting knives and multipurpose fixed-blade camping knives. The critical distinction from table knives (subheading 8211 91) is that goods under subheading 8211 92 are primarily designed for field, hunting, outdoor or military use rather than for use at meals. Fixed-blade knives with blades longer than 10 cm and knives with a tactical or military character may be subject to additional national regulations in EU Member States governing the possession, carrying and trade of bladed weapons. Importers must verify the national legislation applicable in the destination country before importing. Where classification doubt exists between subheadings 8211 91 and 8211 92, the primary intended use of the product is the decisive criterion.

Importing hunting, survival and tactical knives under subheading 8211 92 into the European Union requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold a valid EORI number and submit a customs declaration with the correct CN code. Required documentation includes a commercial invoice describing the goods (knife type, blade length and width, blade material, handle material and type, description of sheath or pouch), customs value, country of origin, transport document and packing list. Tactical, military and bladed-weapon-type knives may be subject to specific import restrictions and national regulations governing the trade in bladed weapons in individual EU Member States - these rules vary significantly from country to country. Certain knife types may fall within the scope of weapons and ammunition legislation or general import prohibitions in particular jurisdictions. Products placed on the EU consumer market must comply with the general product safety requirements of Regulation (EU) 2023/988. For preferential duty rates, a proof of origin is required. Importers should consult the competent customs authority or a licensed customs agent regarding current restrictions applicable to specific types of hunting and tactical knives intended for import into a given EU country.

MFN duty rates for knives under subheading 8211 92 must be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Preferential rates may be available under EU free trade agreements with many countries, including Japan (EPA), South Korea, Canada (CETA), the United Kingdom (TCA) and others, as well as under GSP for developing countries. To benefit from preferential duty rates, rules of origin must be satisfied and a valid proof of origin must accompany the goods. Imports of hunting and tactical knives from China and other Asian countries have been historically monitored for trade defence purposes - importers should verify in TARIC the current status of anti-dumping measures for subheading 8211 92 and the country of origin. Beyond customs matters, importers must take account of national legislation in EU Member States on bladed weapons and knives - in particular as regards maximum permitted blade length, handle construction restrictions (e.g., knuckle-duster knives, push-daggers) and prohibitions on carrying in public places. Imports of cutlery and knives from Russia and Belarus may be subject to EU sanctions restrictions. All current duty rates, trade measures and import restrictions must be verified in TARIC and the applicable national legislation before importing.

CN code 8211 92 covers hunting and tactical knives. Import into the EU is subject to TARIC duty rates depending on country of origin. Products must comply with relevant EN safety standards and, for food-contact items, Regulation EC 1935/2004. Customs clearance requires a commercial invoice, certificate of origin and manufacturer's declaration of conformity. BTI rulings can help ensure correct classification.