Product classification
HS code for Electric iron: 8516.40
Smoothing irons, electric.
Classification of electric iron under HS 8516.40
Electric smoothing irons are classified under HS code 8516.40. This falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8516 is a broad category covering electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, space heating apparatus, and electro-thermic domestic appliances. Within this heading, 8516.40 is a specific provision for electric smoothing irons. This classification is determined by GRI 1, as the heading and subheading explicitly name the product. The classification applies to all types of domestic electric irons, regardless of whether they utilize steam injection or are dry-only models. The essential character of the product is its use of electric resistance heating to warm a base plate for the purpose of smoothing textiles. This code remains consistent for cordless models as well, provided they are electro-thermic appliances intended for domestic use.
- Covers
- Electric steam irons
- Dry electric irons
- Travel irons (electric)
- Cordless electric smoothing irons
- Steam generator irons for domestic use
- Also under 8516.40
- Philips Azur
- Rowenta Focus
- Tefal Ultraglide
- Panasonic NI-WL600
- Black+Decker Allure
Codes often confused with 8516.40
Common mistake. One common area of confusion is between domestic electric irons (8516.40) and industrial ironing machines or presses, which fall under HS code 8451.30. Heading 8451 is for machinery used for washing, cleaning, wringing, drying, or ironing textile yarns or fabrics in an industrial or commercial capacity. If the device is a large-scale steam press used in a professional laundry, it belongs in Chapter 84. Another potential error is using 8516.79 (other electro-thermic appliances). While 8516.79 is a valid residual category, 8516.40 is more specific and must be used according to the principle that specific descriptions override general ones.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851640 (the code used for electric iron), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851640 (the code used for electric iron) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.6% 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 851640, not only electric iron.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 55% of world exports
- 2 France $242M 11% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $119M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $128M 6.6% of world imports
- 2 Germany $119M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $114M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 code for electric iron
Brazil classifies electric iron under NCM 8516.40.00: HS 8516.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric iron
What is the HS code for Electric iron?
The HS code for Electric iron is 851640 (Smoothing irons; electric). The HS code for electric smoothing irons is 8516.40. This includes both steam and dry models used for household purposes.
How do I classify Electric iron for customs?
Electric iron is classified under HS code 851640 — Smoothing irons; electric. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are handheld garment steamers classified here?
Handheld garment steamers are often classified under 8516.79 as 'other' electro-thermic appliances, as they lack the smoothing base plate characteristic of an iron under 8516.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric iron (HS 851640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851640 (the code used for electric iron) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 55% of world exports), France ($242M) and Indonesia ($119M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 electric iron (HS 851640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851640 (the code used for electric iron) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($128M, 6.6% of world imports), Germany ($119M) and Türkiye ($114M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 iron the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851640 for Electric 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 electric iron in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric iron (HS 851640) is classified under NCM 8516.40.00.