HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 84.50 – Household or laundry-type washing machines; including machines which both wash and dry
What HS 84.50 covers
Heading 8450 specifically covers household or laundry-type washing machines, a classification that includes machines designed to both wash and dry garments. This heading is meticulously defined to distinguish between machines intended for domestic use or light commercial applications (like laundromats or small businesses) and heavy-duty industrial washing machinery, which falls under heading 8451. The scope encompasses a wide array of washing machine types, including front-loading, top-loading, semi-automatic, fully automatic, and coin-operated models, as well as integrated washer-dryer units. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 8450 is paramount because these consumer appliances are often subject to specific import duties, anti-dumping measures, and stringent national regulatory standards concerning energy efficiency (e.g., Energy Star, EU energy labels), safety (e.g., UL, CE marking), and environmental impact. The global trade in washing machines is substantial, reflecting widespread consumer demand and continuous innovation in appliance technology, from basic mechanical models to advanced smart appliances. As part of Section XVI, which covers machinery and mechanical appliances, 8450 represents a category of mechanical devices tailored for domestic and light commercial utility, distinct from larger-scale industrial machinery.
- Covers
- Front-loading washing machines
- Top-loading washing machines
- Semi-automatic washing machines
- Fully automatic washing machines
- Compact washing machines
- Portable washing machines
- Washer-dryer combos
- Coin-operated washing machines
- Smart washing machines with IoT connectivity
- Steam washing machines
- High-efficiency washing machines
- Agitator washing machines
- Impeller washing machines
- Built-in washing machines
- Freestanding washing machines
- Washing machines with sanitize cycles
- Washing machines with quick wash cycles
- Washing machines with delicate cycles
- Large capacity washing machines
- Small capacity washing machines
- Commercial laundry washing machines for small businesses
- Apartment-sized washing machines
- Stackable washer-dryer units
- Pedestal washing machines
- Washing machine and dryer sets
- Examples
A South Korean electronics giant exports thousands of smart, front-loading washing machines to retailers across North America, shipping them via container vessels across the Pacific Ocean, often encountering specific anti-dumping duties in the US market. A European appliance manufacturer ships a large consignment of energy-efficient washer-dryer combos from its factory in Poland to distributors throughout the EU, benefiting from tariff-free movement within the single market. A Chinese white goods producer dispatches a bulk order of affordable top-loading washing machines to various markets in Southeast Asia and Africa, utilizing established maritime trade routes and navigating diverse national import regulations. An American retailer imports a specialized line of compact, portable washing machines from Mexico, taking advantage of NAFTA/USMCA provisions for reduced tariffs on goods manufactured within the trade bloc. A Turkish company exports coin-operated washing machines to laundromats opening in Eastern European countries, requiring CE marking compliance and adherence to local electrical standards.
Subheadings under 84.50 5
Codes often confused with 84.50
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing household washing machines (8450) with industrial washing or cleaning machinery (8451). The key differentiator is scale and intended use: 8450 is strictly for household or laundry-type applications, while 8451 is for industrial textile processing. Another error is classifying washing machine components or certain electromechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motors (8509) under 8450, even if they are part of a washing machine. For instance, a separate motor or control panel would not fall under 8450, but rather under 8503 (parts of electric motors) or 8537 (electrical control boards). Additionally, washing machinery for bottles or containers (8422) is sometimes mistakenly grouped here, despite its distinct function and application.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8450, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8450 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 $6.9B 39% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.7B 9.4% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $1.4B 7.8% of world exports
World total: $17.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.2B 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Japan $1.1B 5.7% of world imports
World total: $19.0B 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.
Questions about HS 84.50
What is HS code 8450?
HS code 8450 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Household or laundry-type washing machines; including machines which both wash and dry. Heading 8450 specifically covers household or laundry-type washing machines, a classification that includes machines designed to both wash and dry garments. This heading is meticulously defined to distinguish between machines intended for domestic use or light commercial applications (like laundromats or small businesses) and heavy-duty industrial washing machinery, which falls under heading 8451. The scope encompasses a wide array of washing machine types, including front-loading, top-loading, semi-automatic, fully automatic, and coin-operated models, as well as integrated washer-dryer units. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 8450 is paramount because these consumer appliances are often subject to specific import duties, anti-dumping measures, and stringent national regulatory standards concerning energy efficiency (e.g., Energy Star, EU energy labels), safety (e.g., UL, CE marking), and environmental impact. The global trade in washing machines is substantial, reflecting widespread consumer demand and continuous innovation in appliance technology, from basic mechanical models to advanced smart appliances. As part of Section XVI, which covers machinery and mechanical appliances, 8450 represents a category of mechanical devices tailored for domestic and light commercial utility, distinct from larger-scale industrial machinery.
What products fall under HS code 8450?
Front-loading washing machines, top-loading washing machines, semi-automatic washing machines, fully automatic washing machines, compact washing machines, portable washing machines, washer-dryer combos, coin-operated washing machines, smart washing machines with IoT connectivity, steam washing machines, high-efficiency washing machines, agitator washing machines, impeller washing machines, built-in washing machines, freestanding washing machines, washing machines with sanitize cycles, washing machines with quick wash cycles, washing machines with delicate cycles, large capacity washing machines, small capacity washing machines, commercial laundry washing machines for small businesses, apartment-sized washing machines, stackable washer-dryer units, pedestal washing machines, washing machine and dryer sets
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8450?
A common misclassification involves confusing household washing machines (8450) with industrial washing or cleaning machinery (8451). The key differentiator is scale and intended use: 8450 is strictly for household or laundry-type applications, while 8451 is for industrial textile processing. Another error is classifying washing machine components or certain electromechanical domestic appliances with self-contained electric motors (8509) under 8450, even if they are part of a washing machine. For instance, a separate motor or control panel would not fall under 8450, but rather under 8503 (parts of electric motors) or 8537 (electrical control boards). Additionally, washing machinery for bottles or containers (8422) is sometimes mistakenly grouped here, despite its distinct function and application.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8450?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8450 in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.9B, 39% of world exports), Poland ($1.7B) and Thailand ($1.4B). World exports came to about $17.9B, 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 8450?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8450 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.2B, 11% of world imports), Germany ($1.1B) and Japan ($1.1B). World imports came to about $19.0B, 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.
How is HS code 8450 structured?
HS code 8450 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (50) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.