Product classification
HS code for Household refrigerator: 8418.21
Refrigerators, for household use, compression-type, electric or other.
Classification of household refrigerator under HS 8418.21
Household refrigerators are classified under HS code 8418.21 when they utilize a compression-type cooling system. This classification is part of Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8418 specifically covers refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerating or freezing equipment. The subheading 8418.21 is reserved for refrigerators designed for domestic or household use. The technical requirement for this code is the presence of a compression system, which typically consists of a motor-driven compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion device. This distinguishes it from absorption-type refrigerators (8418.29) which use a heat source rather than a mechanical compressor. To be classified as a household type, the unit must be of a size and design suitable for domestic environments, regardless of whether it is used in a home, office, or hotel room. The classification remains the same whether the unit is freestanding or built-in, provided the primary function is refrigeration via a compression cycle. If the unit includes a separate freezer door, it may be classified elsewhere within the 8418 heading, specifically as a combined refrigerator-freezer.
- Covers
- Standard domestic compression refrigerators
- Under-counter household refrigerators
- Compact or mini-fridges for dormitories (compression type)
- Wine coolers for household use with compression systems
- Built-in kitchen refrigerators for residential use
- 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. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8418.10, which is for combined refrigerator-freezers fitted with separate external doors. If a unit has one door for the fridge and a separate door for the freezer, it belongs in 8418.10. Another common error is using 8418.21 for absorption-type refrigerators, which belong under 8418.29. Furthermore, commercial-grade refrigerators used in restaurants or retail displays are classified under 8418.50, as they are not considered "household type" due to their cooling capacity, size, and construction standards.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841821 (the code used for household refrigerator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841821 (the code used for household refrigerator) 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 household refrigerator.
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 household refrigerator
Brazil classifies household refrigerator 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 household refrigerator
What is the HS code for Household refrigerator?
The HS code for Household refrigerator is 841821 (Refrigerators; for household use, compression-type, electric or other). The HS code for a household-type compression refrigerator is 8418.21.
How do I classify Household refrigerator for customs?
Household refrigerator 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 chest freezers?
No, chest freezers for household use are classified under HS code 8418.30, while upright freezers are classified under 8418.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of household refrigerator (HS 841821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841821 (the code used for household refrigerator) 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 household refrigerator (HS 841821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841821 (the code used for household refrigerator) 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 Household refrigerator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841821 for Household refrigerator 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 household refrigerator in Brazil?
In Brazil, household refrigerator (HS 841821) is classified under NCM 8418.21.00.