Product classification
HS code for Food warmer: 8419.81
Machinery, plant and equipment, for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food.
Classification of food warmer under HS 8419.81
Food warmers are classified under HS code 8419.81, which covers machinery, plant, or laboratory equipment for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature. Specifically, this subheading is dedicated to equipment used for making hot drinks or for cooking or heating food in professional or commercial settings. The classification is based on the functional design of the unit, which must incorporate an active heating element—such as electric resistors or gas burners—to maintain food at a specific temperature. These devices are distinct from domestic appliances because they are engineered for continuous operation in environments like restaurants, hotels, and industrial kitchens. The General Interpretative Rules (GIR) dictate that equipment designed for commercial food preparation falls under Chapter 84, whereas domestic-grade appliances are generally found in Chapter 85. This code includes a variety of specialized units that use heat transfer methods like conduction or convection to keep prepared meals ready for service, ensuring food safety and quality standards are met in high-volume catering operations.
- Covers
- Commercial bain-maries
- Heated food display cabinets
- Professional coffee makers and espresso machines
- Commercial soup kettles (electric)
- Heated banquet carts
- Commercial plate warmers
- Also under 8419.81
- Rational Combi-Steamer
- Hobart Industrial Mixer
- Electrolux Professional Ovens
- La Marzocco Espresso Machines
- Frymaster Deep Fryers
Codes often confused with 8419.81
Common mistake. Food warmers are often misclassified under HS code 8516.79 or 8516.10. These codes are intended for domestic electro-thermic appliances. If the unit is designed for household use, 8516 is correct; however, for commercial-grade equipment, 8419.81 is the mandatory classification. Additionally, non-electric insulated containers without heating elements are classified under 7323 or 3924 depending on the material.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841981 (the code used for food warmer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841981 (the code used for food warmer) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 841981, not only food warmer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $1.4B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 18% of world exports
- 3 China $971M 13% of world exports
World total: $7.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.4B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $585M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $388M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $7.4B 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 food warmer
Brazil splits HS 8419.81 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8419.81.10Autoclaves for hot drinks, cooking or heating food
- 8419.81.90Other hot-drink, food cooking or heating machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about food warmer
What is the HS code for Food warmer?
The HS code for Food warmer is 841981 (Machinery, plant and equipment; for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food). The HS code for a commercial food warmer is 8419.81. For a domestic food warmer, the correct code is typically 8516.79.
How do I classify Food warmer for customs?
Food warmer is classified under HS code 841981 — Machinery, plant and equipment; for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS code 8419.81 include microwave ovens?
No, microwave ovens are specifically classified under HS code 8516.50, regardless of whether they are for domestic or commercial use, due to their specific heating technology.
Which countries are the top exporters of food warmer (HS 841981)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841981 (the code used for food warmer) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.4B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($1.4B) and China ($971M). World exports came to about $7.5B, 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 food warmer (HS 841981)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841981 (the code used for food warmer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($585M) and the United Kingdom ($388M). World imports came to about $7.4B, 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 Food warmer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841981 for Food warmer 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 food warmer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841981 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for food warmer depends on the product's details: 8419.81.10 (Autoclaves for hot drinks, cooking or heating food), 8419.81.90 (Other hot-drink, food cooking or heating machinery).