HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8418.21 – Refrigerators; for household use, compression-type, electric or other
HS code 8418.21 is the 6-digit subheading for refrigerators, for household use, compression-type, electric or other. It is used for single-door refrigerators, compact mini-fridges, top-mount freezer refrigerators, bottom-mount freezer refrigerators (if single compartment is primary) and wine coolers (compression type).
What HS 8418.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers compression-type refrigerators designed for household use, which are ubiquitous in homes worldwide for preserving perishable food items. These appliances are a cornerstone of modern living, enabling longer food storage, reducing waste, and enhancing culinary convenience. Importers are primarily consumer markets and retailers, driven by household demand for new or replacement appliances. Exporters are large-scale appliance manufacturers, often with global brands. Key factors influencing international trade include energy efficiency (e.g., Energy Star ratings), capacity, design and finish options, smart technology integration (e.g., internet connectivity), and compliance with environmental regulations concerning refrigerants. The global market is highly competitive, with continuous innovation in features and design to meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
- Covers
- Single-door refrigerators
- Compact mini-fridges
- Top-mount freezer refrigerators
- Bottom-mount freezer refrigerators (if single compartment is primary)
- Wine coolers (compression type)
- Beverage centers (compression type).
- Examples
- GE top-freezer refrigerators
- Haier compact refrigerators
- Liebherr single-door fridges
- Miele integrated refrigerators.
Codes often confused with 8418.21
Common mistake. Often confused with 841810 (combined refrigerator-freezers with separate doors) if the unit has a freezer compartment but is primarily a single-door refrigerator, or 841850 (other refrigerating or freezing equipment) if it's a specialized household unit like a beverage cooler.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 841821, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 841821 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 41% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $581M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $381M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $4.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $367M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $239M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $196M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8418.21
Brazil does not split HS 8418.21: its NCM code is 8418.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.18 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8418.21
What is HS code 841821?
HS code 841821 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Refrigerators; for household use, compression-type, electric or other. This HS code specifically covers compression-type refrigerators designed for household use, which are ubiquitous in homes worldwide for preserving perishable food items. These appliances are a cornerstone of modern living, enabling longer food storage, reducing waste, and enhancing culinary convenience. Importers are primarily consumer markets and retailers, driven by household demand for new or replacement appliances. Exporters are large-scale appliance manufacturers, often with global brands. Key factors influencing international trade include energy efficiency (e.g., Energy Star ratings), capacity, design and finish options, smart technology integration (e.g., internet connectivity), and compliance with environmental regulations concerning refrigerants. The global market is highly competitive, with continuous innovation in features and design to meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.
What products fall under HS code 841821?
Single-door refrigerators, compact mini-fridges, top-mount freezer refrigerators, bottom-mount freezer refrigerators (if single compartment is primary), wine coolers (compression type), beverage centers (compression type).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 841821?
Often confused with 841810 (combined refrigerator-freezers with separate doors) if the unit has a freezer compartment but is primarily a single-door refrigerator, or 841850 (other refrigerating or freezing equipment) if it's a specialized household unit like a beverage cooler.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 841821?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 841821 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 41% of world exports), Thailand ($581M) and Germany ($381M). World exports came to about $4.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 841821?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 841821 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($367M, 10% of world imports), Germany ($239M) and the Netherlands ($196M). World imports came to about $3.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 841821 structured?
HS code 841821 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (18) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 841821?
In Brazil, HS code 841821 is NCM 8418.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.