Product classification
HS code for Soil heating cable: 8516.29
Heating apparatus, electric soil heating apparatus and space heating apparatus (excluding storage heating radiators).
Classification of soil heating cable under HS 8516.29
Soil heating cables are classified under HS code 8516.29. This classification is situated within Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8516 covers a wide range of electric heating apparatus, including water heaters, space heaters, and soil heating equipment. Subheading 8516.29 specifically includes \"other\" electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus. These cables consist of an insulated electrical resistance element that generates heat when energized. They are primarily used in agriculture and horticulture to maintain optimal root temperatures in seedbeds, greenhouses, or cold frames. The classification is driven by the intended function of the device as a soil heating apparatus. It is important to distinguish these from simple insulated wire, as the soil heating cable is a complete functional unit designed specifically for heat generation through resistance. The General Interpretative Rules (GRI) require that products be classified according to their most specific description, and 8516.29 provides the most accurate designation for these specialized heating elements. The classification remains the same whether the cable is sold as a loose coil or attached to a mesh mat.
- Covers
- Electric soil warming cables
- Greenhouse bench heating cables
- Horticultural heating mats
- Root zone heating systems
- Electric cables for seedbed warming
- Also under 8516.29
- Dyson Hot+Cool
- De'Longhi Dragon
- Cadet Com-Pak
- Warmup Underfloor Heating
- Sunhouse Fan Heater
Codes often confused with 8516.29
Common mistake. Soil heating cables are frequently misclassified under 8544.49, which covers insulated electric conductors. However, because the cable is designed to function as a heating resistor, heading 8516 is more specific. Another error is using 8516.80, which is for electric heating resistors. While the cable contains a resistor, 8516.29 is the more specific code for soil heating apparatus. If the cable is used for de-icing roofs or pipes rather than soil, it may still fall under 8516.29 as a space heating apparatus, but the application must be clearly defined.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851629 (the code used for soil heating cable), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851629 (the code used for soil heating cable) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 851629, not only soil heating cable.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.9B 49% of world exports
- 2 Germany $237M 6.1% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$179M 4.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $764M 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $274M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 France $264M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 soil heating cable
Brazil classifies soil heating cable under NCM 8516.29.00: HS 8516.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about soil heating cable
What is the HS code for Soil heating cable?
The HS code for Soil heating cable is 851629 (Heating apparatus; electric soil heating apparatus and space heating apparatus (excluding storage heating radiators)). The HS code for electric soil heating cables and apparatus is 8516.29.
How do I classify Soil heating cable for customs?
Soil heating cable is classified under HS code 851629 — Heating apparatus; electric soil heating apparatus and space heating apparatus (excluding storage heating radiators). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can these cables be classified as simple electric wire?
No, because they are designed specifically to generate heat via resistance for a particular application (soil heating), they are classified as heating apparatus under 8516 rather than electric conductors under 8544.
Which countries are the top exporters of soil heating cable (HS 851629)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851629 (the code used for soil heating cable) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 49% of world exports), Germany ($237M) and Vietnam (about $179M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 soil heating cable (HS 851629)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851629 (the code used for soil heating cable) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($764M, 20% of world imports), Germany ($274M) and France ($264M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Soil heating cable the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851629 for Soil heating cable 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 soil heating cable in Brazil?
In Brazil, soil heating cable (HS 851629) is classified under NCM 8516.29.00.