Product classification

HS code for Commercial dry cleaner: 8451.10

Dry-cleaning machines.

Classification of commercial dry cleaner under HS 8451.10

The classification of commercial dry-cleaning machines under HS code 8451.10 is determined by the specific mechanical functions and the chemical nature of the cleaning process employed. Heading 8451 is a broad category that encompasses machinery designed for the treatment of textile yarns, fabrics, or made-up textile articles. This includes processes such as washing, cleaning, wringing, drying, ironing, pressing, bleaching, dyeing, dressing, finishing, coating, or impregnating. Subheading 8451.10 is specifically carved out for dry-cleaning machines. The primary technical distinction for this classification is the use of non-aqueous solventsโ€”such as perchloroethylene, hydrocarbon, or liquid siliconeโ€”instead of water. These machines are complex industrial units that integrate washing, extraction, and drying phases within a single housing, often featuring sophisticated solvent recovery systems like carbon adsorbers or refrigerated condensers. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 8451.10 explicitly names \"Dry-cleaning machines,\" it takes precedence for this specific equipment. The commercial nature is usually evidenced by the drum capacity, the presence of industrial-grade filtration systems, and the overall construction designed for continuous professional use rather than intermittent domestic use. Furthermore, these machines often include distillation units to purify the solvent for reuse, a feature not found in standard aqueous washing machines. The classification remains 8451.10 regardless of whether the machine is a \"dry-to-dry\" unit or uses older transfer technology, provided the primary cleaning agent is a chemical solvent. This code is essential for customs authorities to monitor the import of industrial equipment that may be subject to environmental regulations regarding solvent emissions and safety standards.

Covers
  • Perchloroethylene (Perc) dry cleaning machines
  • Hydrocarbon solvent cleaning units
  • Multi-solvent industrial dry cleaners
  • Liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) cleaning systems
  • Professional textile solvent extraction units
Also under 8451.10
  • Firbimatic dry cleaners
  • Bowe dry-cleaning machines
  • Union dry-cleaning equipment
  • Ipso dry-cleaning solutions
  • Electrolux Professional dry cleaners

Codes often confused with 8451.10

Common mistake. Commercial dry cleaners are frequently confused with industrial washing machines under HS code 8450.20 or 8451.40. The critical difference is the solvent; 8450 and 8451.40 refer to machines using water (aqueous processes), whereas 8451.10 is strictly for chemical solvent processes. Additionally, standalone industrial dryers are classified under 8451.29, which should not be used for integrated dry-cleaning units.

Top exporters and importers of HS 845110 (the code used for commercial dry cleaner), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 845110 (the code used for commercial dry cleaner) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 845110, not only commercial dry cleaner.

Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports

  1. 1 Italy $32M
  2. 2 China $7.2M
  3. 3 Netherlands $4.7M

World total: $60M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $12M
  2. 2 India $3.3M
  3. 3 Germany $2.6M

World total: $59M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ†—

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 commercial dry cleaner

Brazil classifies commercial dry cleaner under NCM 8451.10.00: HS 8451.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about commercial dry cleaner

What is the HS code for Commercial dry cleaner?

The HS code for Commercial dry cleaner is 845110 (Dry-cleaning machines). The primary HS code for commercial dry-cleaning machines is 8451.10.

How do I classify Commercial dry cleaner for customs?

Commercial dry cleaner is classified under HS code 845110 โ€” Dry-cleaning machines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include household dry cleaning kits?

No, this code is for the industrial machinery itself. Household cleaning preparations or small-scale kits would be classified under Chapter 34 or 38 depending on their chemical composition.

Which countries are the top exporters of commercial dry cleaner (HS 845110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 845110 (the code used for commercial dry cleaner) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($32M, 54% of world exports), China ($7.2M) and the Netherlands ($4.7M). World exports came to about $60M, 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 commercial dry cleaner (HS 845110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 845110 (the code used for commercial dry cleaner) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 20% of world imports), India ($3.3M) and Germany ($2.6M). World imports came to about $59M, 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 Commercial dry cleaner the same in all countries?

The base HS code 845110 for Commercial dry cleaner 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 commercial dry cleaner in Brazil?

In Brazil, commercial dry cleaner (HS 845110) is classified under NCM 8451.10.00.