Product classification
HS code for AC unit: 8415.10
Air conditioning machines, comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind designed to be fixed to a window, wall, ceiling or floor, self-contained or split-system.
Classification of AC unit under HS 8415.10
Air conditioning units are classified under HS code 8415.10 when they meet specific structural and functional criteria. This code is reserved for machines comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing both temperature and humidity. Crucially, 8415.10 specifically covers units designed to be fixed to a window, wall, ceiling, or floor, which can be either self-contained (window units) or split-systems. The classification is driven by the "complete" nature of the machine; it must be capable of performing the air conditioning cycle. If a unit only changes temperature without a fan or humidity control, it might fall elsewhere. However, modern residential and light commercial units are almost universally categorized here due to their integrated design. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System clarify that these units must be presented as a functional unit. For split systems, even if the indoor and outdoor units are shipped in separate boxes, they are classified together under this code as long as they are imported together as a complete system. This heading also includes units that incorporate a valve for reversing the cooling/heating cycle (heat pumps). Proper documentation of the unit's cooling capacity and refrigerant type is essential for compliance with both customs and environmental protection standards.
- Covers
- Window-mounted air conditioners
- Wall-mounted split-system indoor units
- Self-contained through-the-wall units
- Ceiling cassette air conditioning units
- Floor-standing split-system units
- Also under 8415.10
- Daikin Emura
- LG DualCool
- Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-LN
- Carrier OptiClean
- Panasonic Etherea
Codes often confused with 8415.10
Common mistake. AC units are often confused with HS code 8415.81 or 8415.82, which cover other types of air conditioning machines not designed for wall or window mounting. Additionally, units that only provide cooling without humidity control might be incorrectly placed in 8418 (refrigerators/freezers). It is also common to see parts of these units misclassified under 8415.10 when they should be in 8415.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841510 (the code used for AC unit), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841510 (the code used for AC unit) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.2% 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 841510, not only AC unit.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $13.7B 62% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $4.9B 22% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $842M 3.8% of world exports
World total: $22.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.3B 6.2% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.3B 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Japan $1.2B 5.7% of world imports
World total: $21.3B 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 codes for AC unit
Brazil splits HS 8415.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8415.10.11Split fixed-mount AC, max 30,000 frigories/h
- 8415.10.19Non-split fixed-mount AC, max 30,000 frigories/h
- 8415.10.90Fixed-mount AC, over 30,000 frigories/h
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about AC unit
What is the HS code for AC unit?
The HS code for AC unit is 841510 (Air conditioning machines; comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind designed to be fixed to a window, wall, ceiling or floor, self-contained or split-system). The HS code for a standard window or wall-mounted AC unit, including split systems, is 8415.10.
How do I classify AC unit for customs?
AC unit is classified under HS code 841510 — Air conditioning machines; comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind designed to be fixed to a window, wall, ceiling or floor, self-contained or split-system. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are portable air conditioners classified under 8415.10?
Portable units are often classified under 8415.10 if they are designed to be fixed (e.g., via a window kit), but some jurisdictions may place them under 8415.82 if they are considered mobile.
Which countries are the top exporters of AC unit (HS 841510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841510 (the code used for AC unit) in UN Comtrade data were China ($13.7B, 62% of world exports), Thailand ($4.9B) and Malaysia ($842M). World exports came to about $22.1B, 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 AC unit (HS 841510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841510 (the code used for AC unit) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.3B, 6.2% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($1.3B) and Japan ($1.2B). World imports came to about $21.3B, 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 AC unit the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841510 for AC unit 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 AC unit in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841510 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for AC unit depends on the product's details: 8415.10.11 (Split fixed-mount AC, max 30,000 frigories/h), 8415.10.19 (Non-split fixed-mount AC, max 30,000 frigories/h), 8415.10.90 (Fixed-mount AC, over 30,000 frigories/h).