Product classification
HS code for Electric heating resistor: 8516.80
Resistors, electric heating, other than those of heading no. 8545.
Classification of electric heating resistor under HS 8516.80
Electric heating resistors are classified under HS code 8516.80. While Heading 8533 covers electrical resistors in a general sense (such as those used in electronic circuits to control current), Heading 8516 specifically addresses electro-thermic appliances and their components. Subheading 8516.80 is dedicated to heating resistors, which are designed to convert electrical energy into heat through the Joule effect. These components are usually made of materials with high electrical resistance, such as nickel-chromium alloys. They can be found in various forms, including wire coils, ribbons, or strips, and may be encased in insulating materials like ceramics or metal sheaths. The classification under 8516.80 applies to the resistor as a standalone component or as part of an assembly, provided it has not yet reached the stage of being an identifiable finished appliance of another heading. These resistors are essential components in water heaters, space heaters, and various industrial heating systems. Their defining characteristic is that their sole purpose is the generation of heat.
- Covers
- Heating elements for domestic ovens
- Immersion heating elements for water tanks
- Flexible heating tapes and cables
- Mica-insulated heating elements
- Carbide heating elements
- Also under 8516.80
- Watlow FIREROD
- Chromalox RTF
- Omega Engineering HSRM
- Tempco TMO
- Durex Industries FTH
Codes often confused with 8516.80
Common mistake. Heating resistors are often confused with electronic resistors under HS code 8533. However, 8533 is for resistors used to control electrical signals or current flow in circuits, not for generating heat as a primary function. Another misclassification involves HS code 8545, which covers carbon electrodes and carbon resistors. If the heating resistor is made of carbon, it may be excluded from 8516.80 and classified under 8545 instead.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851680 (the code used for electric heating resistor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851680 (the code used for electric heating resistor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 851680, not only electric heating resistor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 17% of world exports
- 2 Japan $627M 9.6% of world exports
- 3 United States $622M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $6.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $966M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $516M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 China $426M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $5.9B 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 codes for electric heating resistor
Brazil splits HS 8516.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8516.80.10Heating resistors for electric heating appliances
- 8516.80.90Other electric heating resistors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric heating resistor
What is the HS code for Electric heating resistor?
The HS code for Electric heating resistor is 851680 (Resistors; electric heating, other than those of heading no. 8545). The HS code is 8516.80, which covers electric heating resistors other than those of heading 8545.
How do I classify Electric heating resistor for customs?
Electric heating resistor is classified under HS code 851680 — Resistors; electric heating, other than those of heading no. 8545. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a heating resistor be classified as a part of a machine?
Generally, no. According to the Section XVI notes, heating resistors are always classified in 8516.80 even if they are specialized for a specific machine, unless they are made of carbon (8545).
Which countries are the top exporters of electric heating resistor (HS 851680)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851680 (the code used for electric heating resistor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 17% of world exports), Japan ($627M) and the United States ($622M). World exports came to about $6.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of electric heating resistor (HS 851680)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851680 (the code used for electric heating resistor) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($966M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($516M) and China ($426M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Electric heating resistor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851680 for Electric heating resistor 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 electric heating resistor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851680 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for electric heating resistor depends on the product's details: 8516.80.10 (Heating resistors for electric heating appliances), 8516.80.90 (Other electric heating resistors).