Product classification
HS code for Curling iron: 8516.32
Hair-dressing apparatus, electro-thermic, other than hair dryers.
Classification of curling iron under HS 8516.32
A curling iron is classified under HS code 8516.32. This code falls within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8516 specifically addresses electro-thermic appliances for domestic use or hair-dressing. The subheading 8516.32 is designated for "other hair-dressing apparatus," which excludes hair dryers (8516.31) but includes all other heated hair styling tools. The classification is determined by the device's function—using an internal electrical heating element to style hair—and its categorization as a portable electro-thermic appliance. This includes both traditional clip-style curling irons and wand-style curlers, as well as devices that incorporate rotating mechanisms, provided the primary method of styling is the application of heat.
- Covers
- Electric curling tongs
- Hair curling wands
- Automatic hair curlers (electric)
- Heated hair crimpers
- Hair straighteners and flat irons
- Also under 8516.32
- GHD Platinum+
- L'Oréal Steampod
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightener
- Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron
- T3 SinglePass
Codes often confused with 8516.32
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for a curling iron is HS code 8516.31, which is strictly for hair dryers. While both are hair-dressing apparatus, the HS nomenclature separates drying functions from styling/shaping functions. Another error is using 8516.33, which is reserved for hand-drying apparatus (like those found in public restrooms). Occasionally, manual (non-electric) hair curlers or clips are misclassified here, but those should be under Chapter 9615. Furthermore, if the curling iron is part of a set with multiple attachments (like a brush and a dryer), it may require classification under 8516.32 as a set or under the component that provides the essential character.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851632 (the code used for curling iron), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851632 (the code used for curling iron) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 851632, not only curling iron.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 47% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $472M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $460M 11% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $571M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $519M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $485M 11% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 curling iron
Brazil classifies curling iron under NCM 8516.32.00: HS 8516.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about curling iron
What is the HS code for Curling iron?
The HS code for Curling iron is 851632 (Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic, other than hair dryers). The HS code for an electric curling iron is 8516.32.
How do I classify Curling iron for customs?
Curling iron is classified under HS code 851632 — Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic, other than hair dryers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include hair straighteners?
Yes, hair straighteners (flat irons) are also classified under HS code 8516.32 as they are electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus other than hair dryers.
Which countries are the top exporters of curling iron (HS 851632)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851632 (the code used for curling iron) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 47% of world exports), the Netherlands ($472M) and Germany ($460M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 curling iron (HS 851632)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851632 (the code used for curling iron) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($571M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($519M) and the Netherlands ($485M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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 Curling iron the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851632 for Curling iron 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 curling iron in Brazil?
In Brazil, curling iron (HS 851632) is classified under NCM 8516.32.00.