Product classification
HS code for Hand dryer: 8516.33
Hand-drying apparatus, electro-thermic.
Classification of hand dryer under HS 8516.33
Electric hand dryers are classified under HS code 8516.33. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8516 is a broad category encompassing electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, space heating apparatus, and electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus. Subheading 8516.33 specifically identifies hand-drying apparatus. The classification is based on the \"electro-thermic\" nature of the device, meaning it uses electricity to generate heat (and usually a fan to move air) for the purpose of drying hands. Even modern \"cool air\" high-speed dryers are typically classified here because they are functional equivalents designed for the same specific purpose within the electro-thermic heading's scope. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule 1, which directs us to the heading that most accurately describes the product. Since 8516.33 explicitly names \"hand-drying apparatus,\" it takes precedence over more general headings like 8414 (fans and blowers). The presence of a heating element is the traditional hallmark of this code, but the intended use for hand drying is the primary driver for classification in modern customs practice.
- Covers
- Wall-mounted electric hand dryers for public restrooms
- High-speed air blade hand dryers
- Automatic sensor-activated hand drying units
- Recessed stainless steel hand dryers
- Eco-friendly low-energy hand drying systems
- Also under 8516.33
- Dyson Airblade
- Excel Dryer XLERATOR
- World Dryer VERDEdri
- American Dryer Global
- Bobrick B-7120
Codes often confused with 8516.33
Common mistake. Hand dryers are often confused with hair dryers, which are classified under HS code 8516.31. While both use similar electro-thermic technology, the design and intended application differ. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 8414.59, which covers fans and blowers. If a device only blows air without any heating element or specific hand-drying design, it might be argued to fall under 8414, but almost all commercial hand dryers are kept in 8516.33.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851633 (the code used for hand dryer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851633 (the code used for hand dryer) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, 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 851633, not only hand dryer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $63M 50% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$11M 8.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $8.4M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $126M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $17M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $9.0M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 France $7.8M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $127M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 hand dryer
Brazil classifies hand dryer under NCM 8516.33.00: HS 8516.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hand dryer
What is the HS code for Hand dryer?
The HS code for Hand dryer is 851633 (Hand-drying apparatus; electro-thermic). The HS code for electric hand dryers is 8516.33, specifically for electro-thermic hand-drying apparatus.
How do I classify Hand dryer for customs?
Hand dryer is classified under HS code 851633 — Hand-drying apparatus; electro-thermic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are paper towel dispensers classified under this code?
No, paper towel dispensers are classified based on their material, such as 3924 for plastic or 7324 for stainless steel dispensers.
Which countries are the top exporters of hand dryer (HS 851633)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851633 (the code used for hand dryer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($63M, 50% of world exports), Taiwan (about $11M) and the United States ($8.4M). World exports came to about $126M, 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 hand dryer (HS 851633)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851633 (the code used for hand dryer) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($17M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($9.0M) and France ($7.8M). World imports came to about $127M, 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 Hand dryer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851633 for Hand 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 hand dryer in Brazil?
In Brazil, hand dryer (HS 851633) is classified under NCM 8516.33.00.