Product classification
HS code for Home fridge: 8418.21
Refrigerators, for household use, compression-type, electric or other.
Classification of home fridge under HS 8418.21
The classification of household refrigerators under HS code 8418.21 is determined by the functional characteristics and the intended environment of the appliance. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 8418 covers refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerating or freezing equipment. Subheading 8418.21 specifically targets compression-type units designed for domestic use. These units operate by circulating a refrigerant through a mechanical compressor, which is the standard technology for modern home appliances. The classification excludes large-scale industrial units or those used in commercial catering, which are found under different subheadings. To qualify for 8418.21, the unit must be primarily intended for the storage of food and beverages in a residential setting. The distinction between compression-type and absorption-type (8418.29) is critical, as the latter uses a heat source rather than a mechanical compressor. Furthermore, if the unit is a combined refrigerator-freezer with separate external doors, it must be moved to 8418.10, regardless of its household application. Proper classification requires verifying the cooling mechanism, the door configuration, and the internal volume to ensure it meets the domestic criteria established in Chapter 84 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
- Covers
- Single-door compression-type household refrigerators
- Compact or mini-fridges for residential use
- Under-counter domestic refrigerators
- Compression-type wine chillers designed for home use
- Table-top refrigeration units for domestic kitchens
- Also under 8418.21
- GE top-freezer refrigerators
- Haier compact refrigerators
- Liebherr single-door fridges
- Miele integrated refrigerators.
Codes often confused with 8418.21
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 8418.10, which specifically covers combined refrigerator-freezers fitted with separate external doors. Another common error is using 8418.21 for commercial units; commercial refrigerated display counters or reach-in coolers for retail environments belong under 8418.50. Additionally, absorption-type refrigerators, often used in RVs or off-grid homes, are classified under 8418.29 rather than 8418.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841821 (the code used for home fridge), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841821 (the code used for home fridge) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 841821, not only home fridge.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.6B 41% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $581M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $381M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $4.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $367M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $239M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $196M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 home fridge
Brazil classifies home fridge under NCM 8418.21.00: HS 8418.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about home fridge
What is the HS code for Home fridge?
The HS code for Home fridge is 841821 (Refrigerators; for household use, compression-type, electric or other). The primary HS code for a standard compression-type household refrigerator is 8418.21.
How do I classify Home fridge for customs?
Home fridge is classified under HS code 841821 — Refrigerators; for household use, compression-type, electric or other. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include units with separate freezer doors?
No, if the unit has a separate external door for the freezer compartment, it is classified under HS code 8418.10 as a combined refrigerator-freezer.
Which countries are the top exporters of home fridge (HS 841821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841821 (the code used for home fridge) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 41% of world exports), Thailand ($581M) and Germany ($381M). World exports came to about $4.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of home fridge (HS 841821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841821 (the code used for home fridge) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($367M, 10% of world imports), Germany ($239M) and the Netherlands ($196M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 Home fridge the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841821 for Home fridge 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 home fridge in Brazil?
In Brazil, home fridge (HS 841821) is classified under NCM 8418.21.00.