Product classification
HS code for Handheld vacuum: 8508.19
Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, n.e.c. in item no. 8508.1.
Classification of handheld vacuum under HS 8508.19
The handheld vacuum cleaner is classified under HS code 8508.19. Heading 8508 covers vacuum cleaners that incorporate a self-contained electric motor. The classification within this heading is hierarchical based on power consumption and dust capacity. Subheading 8508.11 is very specific, covering vacuum cleaners with a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20 liters. While many handheld units meet these criteria, 8508.19 serves as the classification for "other" electric vacuum cleaners. In many jurisdictions, handheld, battery-operated units are specifically directed to 8508.19 to distinguish them from standard domestic upright or canister models. The classification is determined by the presence of an integrated motor (GRI 1) and the specific technical parameters of the device (GRI 6). If the vacuum is designed for car use or small-scale domestic spot cleaning and features a self-contained motor, it falls under this heading.
- Covers
- Cordless handheld vacuum cleaners
- Battery-powered car vacuums
- Portable dustbusters
- Handheld stick vacuums (if not in 8508.11)
- Small wet/dry handheld vacuums
- Also under 8508.19
- Nilfisk VP300
- Kärcher NT 30/1 Tact
- Shop-Vac 5 Gallon 4.5 Peak HP
- ProTeam Super CoachVac
- Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal
Codes often confused with 8508.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is 8508.11. Importers often use 8508.11 for all domestic vacuums, but 8508.19 is the correct residual category for electric vacuums that do not strictly align with the 1500W/20L definition or are categorized differently by local customs rulings. Additionally, vacuum cleaners without an electric motor (such as those powered by an external pneumatic source) are classified under 8508.60. Industrial vacuum systems connected to a central unit are often misclassified here but belong in 8414 or 8508.60 depending on their design.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850819 (the code used for handheld vacuum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850819 (the code used for handheld vacuum) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($7.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 850819, not only handheld vacuum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $500M 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $246M 15% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $98M 6.1% of world exports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($7.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $244M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $200M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 France $178M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $2.0B 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 handheld vacuum
Brazil classifies handheld vacuum under NCM 8508.19.00: HS 8508.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about handheld vacuum
What is the HS code for Handheld vacuum?
The HS code for Handheld vacuum is 850819 (Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, n.e.c. in item no. 8508.1).
How do I classify Handheld vacuum for customs?
Handheld vacuum is classified under HS code 850819 — Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, n.e.c. in item no. 8508.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a cordless handheld vacuum?
A cordless handheld vacuum cleaner with a self-contained electric motor is classified under HS code 8508.19.
Does this code include robotic vacuums?
Robotic vacuums are generally classified under 8508.11 if they meet the power and capacity limits, or 8508.19 if they do not.
Which countries are the top exporters of handheld vacuum (HS 850819)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850819 (the code used for handheld vacuum) in UN Comtrade data were China ($500M, 31% of world exports), Germany ($246M) and Mexico ($98M). World exports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($7.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of handheld vacuum (HS 850819)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850819 (the code used for handheld vacuum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($244M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($200M) and France ($178M). World imports came to about $2.0B, 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 Handheld vacuum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850819 for Handheld vacuum 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 handheld vacuum in Brazil?
In Brazil, handheld vacuum (HS 850819) is classified under NCM 8508.19.00.