Product classification
HS code for Absorption refrigerator: 8418.29
Refrigerators, household, electric or not, other than compression-type.
Classification of absorption refrigerator under HS 8418.29
HS code 841829 is specifically designated for household refrigerators, whether electric or not, that are not of the compression-type. This classification primarily covers absorption refrigerators, which operate using a heat source (such as gas, kerosene, or electricity) to create a cooling effect through an absorption cycle, rather than a mechanical compressor. The Harmonized System (HS) differentiates refrigerators based on their cooling technology and intended use. By explicitly excluding compression-type units, this code precisely categorizes refrigerators that utilize alternative cooling methods, commonly found in recreational vehicles (RVs), off-grid homes, or hotel mini-bars where silent operation or alternative power sources are preferred. This ensures accurate classification based on the fundamental refrigeration principle employed.
- Covers
- Absorption refrigerators for recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Gas-powered absorption refrigerators for off-grid applications
- Electric absorption mini-bars for hotels
- Kerosene-powered absorption refrigerators
- Ammonia-based absorption refrigerators for domestic use
- Also under 8418.29
- Dometic RV refrigerators
- Norcold absorption refrigerators
- Smeg mini-bars (some models)
- Engel thermoelectric coolers
- Alpicool portable fridges
Codes often confused with 8418.29
Common mistake. Misclassification of absorption refrigerators often occurs by confusing them with the more common compression-type refrigerators. HS 841829 is distinct from HS 841821, which specifically covers household refrigerators of the compression-type. While both are household refrigerators, the fundamental difference lies in their cooling technology. Other related codes include HS 841810 for combined refrigerator-freezers with separate external doors (which can be either compression or absorption type, but 841829 specifically focuses on the non-compression aspect), and HS 841850 for commercial refrigerating furniture. The key differentiator for 841829 is the explicit "other than compression-type" clause, which specifically includes absorption refrigerators. Incorrect classification can arise if the refrigeration technology is not accurately identified, leading to non-compliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841829 (the code used for absorption refrigerator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841829 (the code used for absorption refrigerator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.0% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 841829, not only absorption refrigerator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $238M 55% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $45M 10% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $27M 6.2% of world exports
World total: $432M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $41M 9.0% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $33M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Egypt $20M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $453M 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 absorption refrigerator
Brazil classifies absorption refrigerator under NCM 8418.29.00: HS 8418.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about absorption refrigerator
What is the HS code for Absorption refrigerator?
The HS code for Absorption refrigerator is 841829 (Refrigerators; household, electric or not, other than compression-type). The HS code for an absorption refrigerator is 841829. This code specifically covers household refrigerators that are not of the compression-type, which includes absorption technology.
How do I classify Absorption refrigerator for customs?
Absorption refrigerator is classified under HS code 841829 — Refrigerators; household, electric or not, other than compression-type. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does an absorption refrigerator differ from a compression refrigerator in terms of HS classification?
In terms of HS classification, an absorption refrigerator falls under HS 841829 because it is explicitly defined as "other than compression-type." Compression refrigerators, which use a mechanical compressor, are classified separately under HS 841821, highlighting the distinction in their underlying cooling technology.
Which countries are the top exporters of absorption refrigerator (HS 841829)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841829 (the code used for absorption refrigerator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($238M, 55% of world exports), the Netherlands ($45M) and South Africa ($27M). World exports came to about $432M, 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 absorption refrigerator (HS 841829)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841829 (the code used for absorption refrigerator) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($41M, 9.0% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($33M) and Egypt ($20M). World imports came to about $453M, 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.
Is the HS code for Absorption refrigerator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841829 for Absorption refrigerator is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for absorption refrigerator in Brazil?
In Brazil, absorption refrigerator (HS 841829) is classified under NCM 8418.29.00.