HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8516.32 – Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic, other than hair dryers

HS code 8516.32 is the 6-digit subheading for hair-dressing apparatus, electro-thermic, other than hair dryers. It is used for hair straighteners, curling irons, hair crimpers, hot rollers and waving wands.

What HS 8516.32 covers

This category encompasses a wide array of electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus, specifically excluding hair dryers. It includes all other electrically heated tools used for styling, straightening, curling, or waving hair. These devices are essential in both professional salons and for personal use, catering to diverse hair types and styling preferences worldwide. International trade is fueled by evolving beauty trends, continuous product innovation (e.g., steam technology, smart features), and consumer desire for versatile styling options. Importers are typically beauty product distributors, department stores, and online retailers. Exporters are often specialized beauty appliance manufacturers. Key considerations for trade include plate material (ceramic, titanium), precise temperature control, safety features (e.g., auto shut-off), ergonomic design, and dual voltage capabilities for international travel, all impacting their global market reach and consumer adoption.

Covers
  • Hair straighteners
  • Curling irons
  • Hair crimpers
  • Hot rollers
  • Waving wands
  • Hair brushes with heating elements
  • Steam hair stylers
  • Cordless hair curlers
Examples
  • GHD Platinum+
  • L'Oréal Steampod
  • BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightener
  • Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron
  • T3 SinglePass

Codes often confused with 8516.32

Common mistake. Distinct from hair dryers (851631) due to their primary function of styling through direct heat application rather than drying with airflow.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 851632, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851632 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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. 1 China $2.0B
  2. 2 Netherlands $472M
  3. 3 Germany $460M

World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $571M
  2. 2 Germany $519M
  3. 3 Netherlands $485M

World total: $4.6B 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 8516.32

Brazil does not split HS 8516.32: its NCM code is 8516.32.00.

  1. 8516.32.00 Other electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatusOutros aparelhos para arranjos do cabelo

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.16 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8516.32

What is HS code 851632?

HS code 851632 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic, other than hair dryers. This category encompasses a wide array of electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus, specifically excluding hair dryers. It includes all other electrically heated tools used for styling, straightening, curling, or waving hair. These devices are essential in both professional salons and for personal use, catering to diverse hair types and styling preferences worldwide. International trade is fueled by evolving beauty trends, continuous product innovation (e.g., steam technology, smart features), and consumer desire for versatile styling options. Importers are typically beauty product distributors, department stores, and online retailers. Exporters are often specialized beauty appliance manufacturers. Key considerations for trade include plate material (ceramic, titanium), precise temperature control, safety features (e.g., auto shut-off), ergonomic design, and dual voltage capabilities for international travel, all impacting their global market reach and consumer adoption.

What products fall under HS code 851632?

Hair straighteners, Curling irons, Hair crimpers, Hot rollers, Waving wands, Hair brushes with heating elements, Steam hair stylers, Cordless hair curlers

What are common misclassifications for HS code 851632?

Distinct from hair dryers (851631) due to their primary function of styling through direct heat application rather than drying with airflow.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851632?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851632 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 47% of world exports), the Netherlands ($472M) and Germany ($460M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 851632?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851632 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($571M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($519M) and the Netherlands ($485M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 851632 structured?

HS code 851632 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851632?

In Brazil, HS code 851632 is NCM 8516.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.