Product classification
HS code for Hair straightener: 8516.32
Hair-dressing apparatus, electro-thermic, other than hair dryers.
Classification of hair straightener under HS 8516.32
The classification of hair straighteners under HS code 8516.32 is determined by their primary function as electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus. Heading 8516 covers a broad range of electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters, as well as electro-thermic appliances for domestic use. Within this heading, sub-heading 8516.31 is reserved specifically for hair dryers, while 8516.32 serves as the classification for all other hair-dressing apparatus. Hair straighteners, which utilize heated plates (often ceramic, tourmaline, or titanium) to alter the structure of hair through controlled thermal application, fit perfectly into this category. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the device is intended for professional salon use or personal home use, provided it operates via electrical heating elements. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that because these devices are specifically designed for hair manipulation through heat, they must be grouped with similar styling tools like curling irons rather than general domestic appliances.
- Covers
- Ceramic flat irons
- Titanium hair straighteners
- Electric hair crimping irons
- Heated hair straightening brushes
- Ionic hair straighteners
- Cordless battery-operated hair straighteners
- Professional salon styling irons
- Also under 8516.32
- GHD Platinum+
- L'Oréal Steampod
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Straightener
- Conair Double Ceramic Curling Iron
- T3 SinglePass
Codes often confused with 8516.32
Common mistake. Hair straighteners are frequently misclassified under HS code 8516.31, which is exclusively for hair dryers. While both are hair-dressing tools, the mechanical difference between forced-air heating and contact-plate heating necessitates the distinction. Another common error is using HS code 9615.90, which covers non-electric hair curlers and hairpins. If the device contains an electrical heating element, it must stay in Chapter 85. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8516.79 for "other" electro-thermic appliances, but 8516.32 is more specific and takes precedence under GRI 3(a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 851632 (the code used for hair straightener), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851632 (the code used for hair straightener) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 851632, not only hair straightener.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 47% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $472M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $460M 11% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $571M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $519M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $485M 11% of world imports
World total: $4.6B 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 straightener
Brazil classifies hair straightener under NCM 8516.32.00: HS 8516.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hair straightener
What is the HS code for Hair straightener?
The HS code for Hair straightener is 851632 (Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic, other than hair dryers). The primary HS code for an electric hair straightener is 8516.32, which covers electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus other than hair dryers.
How do I classify Hair straightener for customs?
Hair straightener is classified under HS code 851632 — Hair-dressing apparatus; electro-thermic, other than hair dryers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are heated straightening brushes classified differently?
No, heated straightening brushes that use electricity to warm bristles for hair styling are also classified under HS code 8516.32 as they perform a hair-dressing function via electro-thermic means.
Which countries are the top exporters of hair straightener (HS 851632)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851632 (the code used for hair straightener) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 47% of world exports), the Netherlands ($472M) and Germany ($460M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 hair straightener (HS 851632)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851632 (the code used for hair straightener) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($571M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($519M) and the Netherlands ($485M). World imports came to about $4.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Hair straightener the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851632 for Hair straightener 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 straightener in Brazil?
In Brazil, hair straightener (HS 851632) is classified under NCM 8516.32.00.