Product classification
HS code for Heating element: 8516.80
Resistors, electric heating, other than those of heading no. 8545.
Classification of heating element under HS 8516.80
Electric heating resistors, commonly known as heating elements, are classified under HS code 8516.80. This classification applies to resistors that are designed to generate heat when an electric current passes through them. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 8516 covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and space heating apparatus, but subheading 8516.80 specifically isolates the heating resistors themselves. These elements can be found in various forms, such as coiled wires, strips, or etched foils, often encased in insulating material or metal sheaths. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the element is intended for domestic appliances or industrial machinery, as long as it functions as a discrete resistive component. However, if the resistor is made of carbon or graphite, it is excluded from this heading and moved to Chapter 8545.
- Covers
- Nichrome heating coils
- Flexible silicone heating tapes
- Immersion heating elements (unmounted)
- Mica-insulated heating strips
- Ceramic heating elements
- Also under 8516.80
- Watlow FIREROD
- Chromalox RTF
- Omega Engineering HSRM
- Tempco TMO
- Durex Industries FTH
Codes often confused with 8516.80
Common mistake. Heating elements are often misclassified under 8545.90 if they are made of carbon, or under 8514.90 as parts of industrial furnaces. The distinction is that 8516.80 is a specific heading for the resistors themselves, whereas 8514.90 is for parts of specific industrial equipment. Additionally, if the element is already built into a finished appliance, it should be classified with that appliance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851680 (the code used for heating element), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851680 (the code used for heating element) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 851680, not only heating element.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 17% of world exports
- 2 Japan $627M 9.6% of world exports
- 3 United States $622M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $6.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $966M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $516M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 China $426M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $5.9B 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 heating element
Brazil splits HS 8516.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8516.80.10Heating resistors for electric heating appliances
- 8516.80.90Other electric heating resistors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heating element
What is the HS code for Heating element?
The HS code for Heating element is 851680 (Resistors; electric heating, other than those of heading no. 8545). The standard HS code for electric heating resistors (heating elements) is 8516.80.
How do I classify Heating element for customs?
Heating element is classified under HS code 851680 — Resistors; electric heating, other than those of heading no. 8545. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are carbon heating elements included in 8516.80?
No, heating resistors made of carbon or graphite are classified under HS code 8545.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of heating element (HS 851680)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851680 (the code used for heating element) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 17% of world exports), Japan ($627M) and the United States ($622M). World exports came to about $6.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of heating element (HS 851680)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851680 (the code used for heating element) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($966M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($516M) and China ($426M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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 Heating element the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851680 for Heating element 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 heating element in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851680 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for heating element depends on the product's details: 8516.80.10 (Heating resistors for electric heating appliances), 8516.80.90 (Other electric heating resistors).