Product classification
HS code for Immersion heater: 8516.10
Heaters, electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters.
Classification of immersion heater under HS 8516.10
The classification of immersion heaters under HS code 851610 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 8516 covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters, as well as electro-thermic appliances for domestic use. Immersion heaters are specifically designed to be submerged in the liquid they are intended to heat, utilizing electrical resistance to generate thermal energy. Because these devices are primarily used for heating water or other liquids through direct contact, they fall squarely within the scope of subheading 851610. This classification applies regardless of whether the heater is intended for domestic, industrial, or laboratory use, provided it functions as an electric immersion heating element. The technical characteristics, such as the presence of a heating element encased in a protective tube and a connection to a power source, align with the Explanatory Notes for heading 8516. The classification remains consistent for both portable immersion heaters used in small containers and large-scale industrial immersion heaters used in tanks or vats, as long as the primary function is the heating of liquids via an electric element.
- Covers
- Portable electric immersion heaters
- Industrial tank immersion heaters
- Electric bucket heaters
- Screw-plug immersion heaters
- Flanged immersion heaters for water tanks
- Side-entry immersion heaters
- Also under 8516.10
- Rheem Professional Classic
- Ariston Velis Evo
- Bosch Tronic
- Stiebel Eltron Tempra
- AO Smith Signature
Codes often confused with 8516.10
Common mistake. Immersion heaters are frequently confused with other electro-thermic appliances. A common error is classifying them under HS code 851679, which is a residual category for other electro-thermic appliances like deep fryers or space heaters. Additionally, they may be misclassified under HS code 841911 or 841919, which cover instantaneous or storage water heaters; however, those codes generally apply to complete water heating systems (like boilers) rather than the standalone immersion heating elements found in 851610. Another confusion arises with HS code 851680, which covers electric heating resistors; while an immersion heater contains a resistor, the finished assembly designed for immersion is specifically directed to 851610.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851610 (the code used for immersion heater), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851610 (the code used for immersion heater) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 851610, not only immersion heater.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $703M 19% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $630M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $332M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $3.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $935M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $389M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 France $240M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $4.3B 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 immersion heater
Brazil classifies immersion heater under NCM 8516.10.00: HS 8516.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about immersion heater
What is the HS code for Immersion heater?
The HS code for Immersion heater is 851610 (Heaters; electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters). The primary HS code for electric immersion heaters is 851610.
How do I classify Immersion heater for customs?
Immersion heater is classified under HS code 851610 — Heaters; electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include heaters for chemicals?
Yes, as long as the device is an electric immersion heater, it is classified here regardless of the liquid (water, oil, or chemicals) it is designed to heat.
Which countries are the top exporters of immersion heater (HS 851610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851610 (the code used for immersion heater) in UN Comtrade data were China ($703M, 19% of world exports), Mexico ($630M) and Germany ($332M). World exports came to about $3.8B, 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 immersion heater (HS 851610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851610 (the code used for immersion heater) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($935M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($389M) and France ($240M). World imports came to about $4.3B, 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 Immersion heater the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851610 for Immersion heater 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 immersion heater in Brazil?
In Brazil, immersion heater (HS 851610) is classified under NCM 8516.10.00.