HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8516.33 – Hand-drying apparatus; electro-thermic
HS code 8516.33 is the 6-digit subheading for hand-drying apparatus, electro-thermic. It is used for high-speed hand dryers, warm air hand dryers, jet hand dryers, automatic hand dryers and recessed hand dryers.
What HS 8516.33 covers
This HS code covers electro-thermic hand-drying apparatus, commonly found in public restrooms, commercial facilities, and increasingly in some residential settings. These devices offer a hygienic and often more environmentally friendly alternative to paper towels, utilizing heated air to dry hands efficiently. International trade is driven by public health standards, environmental initiatives, and the construction of new commercial and institutional buildings globally. Importers typically include building contractors, facility management companies, and wholesale distributors of washroom equipment. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of commercial hygiene solutions. Key factors influencing trade include drying speed, energy efficiency, noise levels, hygienic features (e.g., HEPA filters, touchless operation), durability, and compliance with accessibility standards, all of which are critical for their adoption in various markets and contribute to their global demand.
- Covers
- High-speed hand dryers
- Warm air hand dryers
- Jet hand dryers
- Automatic hand dryers
- Recessed hand dryers
- Surface-mounted hand dryers
- Stainless steel hand dryers
- Examples
- Dyson Airblade
- Excel Dryer XLERATOR
- World Dryer VERDEdri
- American Dryer Global
- Bobrick B-7120
Codes often confused with 8516.33
Common mistake. Should not be confused with general electric heating apparatus (851629) or hair dryers (851631), as hand dryers are specifically designed for drying hands in public or commercial settings.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851633, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851633 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% 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 $63M 50% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$11M 8.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $8.4M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $126M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $17M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $9.0M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 France $7.8M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $127M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 8516.33
Brazil does not split HS 8516.33: its NCM code is 8516.33.00.
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 8516.33
What is HS code 851633?
HS code 851633 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Hand-drying apparatus; electro-thermic. This HS code covers electro-thermic hand-drying apparatus, commonly found in public restrooms, commercial facilities, and increasingly in some residential settings. These devices offer a hygienic and often more environmentally friendly alternative to paper towels, utilizing heated air to dry hands efficiently. International trade is driven by public health standards, environmental initiatives, and the construction of new commercial and institutional buildings globally. Importers typically include building contractors, facility management companies, and wholesale distributors of washroom equipment. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of commercial hygiene solutions. Key factors influencing trade include drying speed, energy efficiency, noise levels, hygienic features (e.g., HEPA filters, touchless operation), durability, and compliance with accessibility standards, all of which are critical for their adoption in various markets and contribute to their global demand.
What products fall under HS code 851633?
High-speed hand dryers, Warm air hand dryers, Jet hand dryers, Automatic hand dryers, Recessed hand dryers, Surface-mounted hand dryers, Stainless steel hand dryers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851633?
Should not be confused with general electric heating apparatus (851629) or hair dryers (851631), as hand dryers are specifically designed for drying hands in public or commercial settings.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851633?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851633 in UN Comtrade data were China ($63M, 50% of world exports), Taiwan (about $11M) and the United States ($8.4M). World exports came to about $126M, 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 851633?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851633 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($17M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($9.0M) and France ($7.8M). World imports came to about $127M, 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 851633 structured?
HS code 851633 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 (33) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851633?
In Brazil, HS code 851633 is NCM 8516.33.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.