Product classification
HS code for Hair dryer: 8516.31
Hair-dressing apparatus, electro-thermic hair dryers.
Classification of hair dryer under HS 8516.31
HS code 8516.31 is designated for electro-thermic hair dryers. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8516 specifically covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus (for example, hair dryers, hair curlers, curling tong heaters) and hand dryers. Within this heading, the six-digit code 8516.31 is the specific sub-classification for hair dryers. The classification is based on the device's function of using an electric heating element and a motor-driven fan to blow air for the purpose of drying hair. This applies to both domestic and professional salon equipment. The classification follows GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the heading texts. Since 8516.31 explicitly mentions hair dryers, it takes precedence over more general headings. These devices are characterized by their internal heating coils and a fan mechanism, usually housed in plastic or metal casings. Whether the dryer is a small foldable travel unit or a large professional hood-style dryer used in a salon, it remains under this specific code because the core technology—electro-thermic hair drying—remains the same.
- Covers
- Handheld domestic hair dryers
- Professional salon hood dryers
- Travel hair dryers with folding handles
- Wall-mounted hotel hair dryers
- Also under 8516.31
- Dyson Supersonic
- GHD Helios
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium
- Parlux Alyon
- Revlon One-Step
Codes often confused with 8516.31
Common mistake. Hair dryers are often confused with other hair-dressing apparatus under 8516.32, which covers curling irons and hair rollers. Additionally, industrial blowers or fans might be incorrectly filed under 8414.59, but if the primary purpose is hair drying via heat, 8516.31 is mandatory.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851631 (the code used for hair dryer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851631 (the code used for hair dryer) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 851631, not only hair dryer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 56% of world exports
- 2 Germany $183M 6.8% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $151M 5.6% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $369M 13% of world imports
- 2 Japan $265M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $234M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $2.8B 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 hair dryer
Brazil classifies hair dryer under NCM 8516.31.00: HS 8516.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hair dryer
What is the HS code for Hair dryer?
The HS code for Hair dryer is 851631 (Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic hair dryers). The HS code for electric hair dryers is 8516.31.
How do I classify Hair dryer for customs?
Hair dryer is classified under HS code 851631 — Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic hair dryers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are salon hood dryers classified differently?
No, both handheld and hood-style electric hair dryers are classified under the same HS code, 8516.31, as they are both electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus.
Which countries are the top exporters of hair dryer (HS 851631)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851631 (the code used for hair dryer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 56% of world exports), Germany ($183M) and the Netherlands ($151M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 hair dryer (HS 851631)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851631 (the code used for hair dryer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($369M, 13% of world imports), Japan ($265M) and Germany ($234M). World imports came to about $2.8B, 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 Hair dryer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851631 for Hair dryer 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 hair dryer in Brazil?
In Brazil, hair dryer (HS 851631) is classified under NCM 8516.31.00.