HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8516.40 – Smoothing irons; electric
HS code 8516.40 is the 6-digit subheading for smoothing irons, electric. It is used for steam irons, dry irons, cordless irons, travel irons and garment steamers (handheld).
What HS 8516.40 covers
This category specifically covers electric smoothing irons, commonly known as clothes irons or steam irons, which are indispensable household appliances for removing wrinkles from fabrics. These devices utilize an electrically heated soleplate, often combined with steam, to efficiently press and smooth garments. International trade in electric irons is consistently high, driven by universal household demand, advancements in fabric care technology, and the ongoing need for efficient garment maintenance. Importers typically include appliance retailers, department stores, and general merchandise distributors. Exporters are often major household appliance manufacturers. Key considerations for trade include wattage, steam output, soleplate material (e.g., ceramic, stainless steel), anti-drip features, auto shut-off safety, and ergonomic design, all of which influence consumer preference and market penetration globally.
- Covers
- Steam irons
- Dry irons
- Cordless irons
- Travel irons
- Garment steamers (handheld)
- Professional steam irons
- Vertical steam irons
- Pressing irons
- Examples
- Philips Azur
- Rowenta Focus
- Tefal Ultraglide
- Panasonic NI-WL600
- Black+Decker Allure
Codes often confused with 8516.40
Common mistake. Distinct from industrial pressing machinery (845130) which are much larger and used in commercial laundries or garment factories, and also from hair straighteners (851632) which are for hair, not fabric.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851640, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851640 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.6% 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 $1.2B 55% of world exports
- 2 France $242M 11% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $119M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $128M 6.6% of world imports
- 2 Germany $119M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $114M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 8516.40
Brazil does not split HS 8516.40: its NCM code is 8516.40.00.
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 8516.40
What is HS code 851640?
HS code 851640 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Smoothing irons; electric. This category specifically covers electric smoothing irons, commonly known as clothes irons or steam irons, which are indispensable household appliances for removing wrinkles from fabrics. These devices utilize an electrically heated soleplate, often combined with steam, to efficiently press and smooth garments. International trade in electric irons is consistently high, driven by universal household demand, advancements in fabric care technology, and the ongoing need for efficient garment maintenance. Importers typically include appliance retailers, department stores, and general merchandise distributors. Exporters are often major household appliance manufacturers. Key considerations for trade include wattage, steam output, soleplate material (e.g., ceramic, stainless steel), anti-drip features, auto shut-off safety, and ergonomic design, all of which influence consumer preference and market penetration globally.
What products fall under HS code 851640?
Steam irons, Dry irons, Cordless irons, Travel irons, Garment steamers (handheld), Professional steam irons, Vertical steam irons, Pressing irons
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851640?
Distinct from industrial pressing machinery (845130) which are much larger and used in commercial laundries or garment factories, and also from hair straighteners (851632) which are for hair, not fabric.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851640?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851640 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 55% of world exports), France ($242M) and Indonesia ($119M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 851640?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851640 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($128M, 6.6% of world imports), Germany ($119M) and Türkiye ($114M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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.
How is HS code 851640 structured?
HS code 851640 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851640?
In Brazil, HS code 851640 is NCM 8516.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.