Product classification
HS code for Household vacuum cleaner: 8508.11
Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20L.
Classification of household vacuum cleaner under HS 8508.11
The classification of household vacuum cleaners under HS code 8508.11 is strictly governed by the technical specifications and intended use of the appliance as defined in the Harmonized System. To fall under this specific subheading, the vacuum cleaner must be equipped with a self-contained electric motor. This means the motor is an integral part of the unit, rather than being part of a central vacuum system. Furthermore, the Harmonized System provides two quantitative thresholds that must be met: the power of the motor must not exceed 1,500 Watts, and the dust bag or other receptacle capacity must not exceed 20 liters. These parameters are essential for distinguishing domestic or household appliances from larger, industrial-grade equipment. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and GRI 6, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 8508 covers all vacuum cleaners, but the 8508.11 subheading is reserved for those meeting these specific household criteria. If a device is marketed for home use but exceeds the 20-liter limit, it is legally classified elsewhere, regardless of its commercial designation. This ensures a standardized approach to international trade and tariff application.
- Covers
- Upright vacuum cleaners for home use
- Canister or cylinder vacuum cleaners
- Handheld cordless vacuum cleaners
- Robotic vacuum cleaners for domestic floor cleaning
- Wet and dry vacuum cleaners with a capacity under 20 liters
- Also under 8508.11
- Dyson V15 Detect
- Roomba i7+
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away
- Miele Compact C1
- Eufy RoboVac 11S
Codes often confused with 8508.11
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying high-capacity shop vacuums under 8508.11. If the receptacle exceeds 20 liters, it must be moved to 8508.19. Additionally, steam mops or steam cleaners that do not use suction are often confused with vacuum cleaners but should be classified under heading 8424. Industrial vacuum cleaners used in factories or for hazardous waste, which often exceed 1,500 Watts, are also excluded and fall under 8508.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850811 (the code used for household vacuum cleaner), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850811 (the code used for household vacuum cleaner) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 1.2% of its exports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 850811, not only household vacuum cleaner.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $6.6B 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.9B 12% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$1.9B 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
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 1.2% of its exports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $16.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.9B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.3B 13% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $1.4B 7.9% of world imports
World total: $18.2B 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. 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 vacuum cleaner
Brazil classifies household vacuum cleaner under NCM 8508.11.00: HS 8508.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about household vacuum cleaner
What is the HS code for Household vacuum cleaner?
The HS code for Household vacuum cleaner is 850811 (Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20L). The HS code for a standard household vacuum cleaner with a motor power of 1,500 W or less and a capacity of 20 liters or less is 8508.11.
How do I classify Household vacuum cleaner for customs?
Household vacuum cleaner is classified under HS code 850811 — Vacuum cleaners, with self-contained electric motor, of a power not exceeding 1,500 W and having a dust bag or other receptacle capacity not exceeding 20L. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are robotic vacuums classified under this code?
Yes, most robotic vacuum cleaners designed for home use meet the power and capacity requirements and are classified under 8508.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of household vacuum cleaner (HS 850811)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850811 (the code used for household vacuum cleaner) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.6B, 40% of world exports), Germany ($1.9B) and Vietnam (about $1.9B). World exports came to about $16.6B, 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 1.2% of its exports here ($18M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of household vacuum cleaner (HS 850811)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850811 (the code used for household vacuum cleaner) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.9B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($2.3B) and the Netherlands ($1.4B). World imports came to about $18.2B, 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 vacuum cleaner the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850811 for Household vacuum cleaner 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 vacuum cleaner in Brazil?
In Brazil, household vacuum cleaner (HS 850811) is classified under NCM 8508.11.00.