Product classification
HS code for Electric storage heater: 8516.21
Heating apparatus, electric storage heating radiators.
Classification of electric storage heater under HS 8516.21
The classification of electric storage heaters under HS code 8516.21 is determined by their specific functional design as electrical space heating apparatus that incorporates a heat storage medium. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 8516 covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus. Within this heading, subheading 8516.21 specifically identifies "storage heating radiators." These devices typically contain high-density ceramic bricks or other thermal masses that absorb heat generated by electric elements during off-peak hours and release it gradually throughout the day. This distinguishes them from instantaneous heaters which provide heat only when actively drawing power. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the unit is controlled by manual dampers or automated thermostatic systems, provided the primary heating mechanism relies on thermal storage rather than direct, immediate convection or radiation from the heating element to the air.
- Covers
- Night storage heaters
- Ceramic core electric radiators
- Thermal storage units for domestic heating
- Electric bricks-based space heaters
- Fan-assisted storage heaters
- Also under 8516.21
- Dimplex Quantum
- Creda TSRE
- Elnur Gabarron
- ATC Lifestyle
- Fischer Future Heat
Codes often confused with 8516.21
Common mistake. Electric storage heaters are frequently confused with HS code 8516.29, which covers "other" electric space heating apparatus. The distinction lies in the storage medium; if the device lacks a thermal mass to retain heat for later release, it must be classified under 8516.29. Additionally, they are sometimes misclassified under 7322, which covers radiators for central heating, but that heading is reserved for non-electric heating equipment. Another error involves 8419, which covers industrial heating equipment, but domestic space heaters are specifically excluded from Chapter 84 and placed in Chapter 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851621 (the code used for electric storage heater), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851621 (the code used for electric storage heater) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 851621, not only electric storage heater.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $31M 29% of world exports
- 2 Lithuania $19M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $18M 17% of world exports
World total: $107M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $24M 18% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $24M 18% of world imports
- 3 France $21M 16% of world imports
World total: $135M 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 storage heater
Brazil classifies electric storage heater under NCM 8516.21.00: HS 8516.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric storage heater
What is the HS code for Electric storage heater?
The HS code for Electric storage heater is 851621 (Heating apparatus; electric storage heating radiators). The correct HS code for an electric storage heater is 8516.21, which specifically covers storage heating radiators.
How do I classify Electric storage heater for customs?
Electric storage heater is classified under HS code 851621 — Heating apparatus; electric storage heating radiators. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS code 8516.21 and 8516.29?
HS code 8516.21 is strictly for heaters that store thermal energy in a medium like ceramic or brick for later use, while 8516.29 covers instantaneous heaters like convection heaters, oil-filled radiators, and infrared heaters.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric storage heater (HS 851621)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851621 (the code used for electric storage heater) in UN Comtrade data were China ($31M, 29% of world exports), Lithuania ($19M) and Germany ($18M). World exports came to about $107M, 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 storage heater (HS 851621)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851621 (the code used for electric storage heater) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($24M, 18% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($24M) and France ($21M). World imports came to about $135M, 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 storage heater the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851621 for Electric storage heater 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 storage heater in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric storage heater (HS 851621) is classified under NCM 8516.21.00.