HS code for nail clippers
The U.S. HS code for nail clippers is usually 8214.20.30.00 (steel), with a 4% general duty and an estimated total of 16.5% from China and 16.5% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 41.5% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | 8214.20.30.00 | 4% | 16.5% |
- 8214.20.30.00: Cuticle or cornknives, cuticle pushers, nail files, nailcleaners, nail nippers and clippers, all the foregoing used for manicure or pedicure purposes, and parts thereof
What decides the code
Steel nail clippers are manicure instruments classified under heading 8214, specifically subheading 8214.20.30.00 for nail nippers and clippers used for manicure or pedicure purposes.
- The article is a nail clipper used for manicure or pedicure purposes, which places it in heading 8214 as a manicure or pedicure instrument.
- The clipper is made of steel, a base metal, so it falls within the base metal articles of heading 8214.
- The specific subheading 8214.20.30.00 covers nail nippers and clippers, so a steel nail clipper takes that line.
Common mistakes
- Classifying nail clippers under 8213 for scissors and shears is wrong because nail clippers are manicure instruments named in heading 8214.
- Classifying nail clippers under 8203 for files, rasps and similar tools is wrong because heading 8214 specifically names manicure or pedicure instruments including nail files and clippers.
- Classifying nail clippers under 7326 as other articles of iron or steel is wrong because heading 8214 covers cutlery and manicure instruments of base metal.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 16.5% = 4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 41.5%.
- Vietnam
- 16.5% = 4% general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 8214.20.30.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Steel
- CN 8214 20 00, 2.7%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for nail clippers?
The U.S. HTS code for nail clippers is usually 8214.20.30.00 (steel). The first six digits, 8214.20, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on nail clippers from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8214.20.30.00 is 4%. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 16.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 16.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 8214.20.30.00Cuticle or cornknives, cuticle pushers, nail files, nailcleaners, nail nippers and clippers, all the foregoing used for manicure or pedicure purposes, and parts thereof
- Heading 8214Other articles of cutlery (for example, hair clippers, butchers' or kitchen cleavers, chopping or mincing knives, paper knives); manicure or pedicure sets and instruments (including nail files); base metal parts thereof
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.