Product classification
HS code for Kitchen refrigerator: 8418.21
Refrigerators, for household use, compression-type, electric or other.
Classification of kitchen refrigerator under HS 8418.21
Household refrigerators of the compression type are classified under HS code 8418.21. This classification is part of Chapter 84, which covers machinery and mechanical appliances. The code specifically targets electric refrigerators designed for domestic use that utilize a compressor system to circulate refrigerant. Compression-type systems are the most common technology used in modern household appliances, distinguishing them from absorption-type models often found in mobile homes or older units. To fall under this specific code, the appliance must be primarily intended for the storage of food and beverages at low temperatures in a home setting. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the unit is a freestanding model or designed to be built into kitchen cabinetry, provided the cooling mechanism is compression-based. The Harmonized System prioritizes the method of cooling (compression vs. absorption) and the intended environment (household vs. commercial) when determining the correct subheading for refrigeration equipment.
- Covers
- Standard upright household refrigerators
- Compact or "mini" fridges for domestic use
- Built-in kitchen refrigerators
- Compression-type wine coolers for home use
- Table-top refrigerators
- 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 common misclassification occurs with HS code 8418.10, which is reserved for combined refrigerator-freezers fitted with separate external doors. If the unit has only one exterior door (even if there is a small freezer compartment inside), it belongs in 8418.21. Another error is using 8418.29, which is for household refrigerators that are not compression-type, such as absorption-type models. Commercial refrigerators used in restaurants or retail should be classified under 8418.50 or 8418.69, as they are not considered "household" appliances.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841821 (the code used for kitchen refrigerator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841821 (the code used for kitchen 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 kitchen 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 kitchen refrigerator
Brazil classifies kitchen 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 kitchen refrigerator
What is the HS code for Kitchen refrigerator?
The HS code for Kitchen refrigerator is 841821 (Refrigerators; for household use, compression-type, electric or other). The HS code for a standard compression-type household kitchen refrigerator is 8418.21.
How do I classify Kitchen refrigerator for customs?
Kitchen refrigerator is classified under HS code 841821 — Refrigerators; for household use, compression-type, electric or other. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the refrigerator has a separate freezer door?
If the appliance is a combination unit with separate external doors for the refrigerator and freezer compartments, it should be classified under HS code 8418.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of kitchen refrigerator (HS 841821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841821 (the code used for kitchen 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 kitchen refrigerator (HS 841821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841821 (the code used for kitchen 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 Kitchen refrigerator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841821 for Kitchen 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 kitchen refrigerator in Brazil?
In Brazil, kitchen refrigerator (HS 841821) is classified under NCM 8418.21.00.