Product classification
HS code for Steam iron: 8516.40
Smoothing irons, electric.
Classification of steam iron under HS 8516.40
The classification of a steam iron falls under HS code 8516.40. This code is located within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8516 is a broad category for electro-thermic appliances used for domestic purposes, such as water heaters, space heaters, and hair-dressing apparatus. Subheading 8516.40 is specifically dedicated to electric smoothing irons. The classification is based on the device's primary function: using electrical resistance to heat a soleplate for the purpose of removing wrinkles from textiles. In the case of steam irons, the device includes a water reservoir and a mechanism to release steam through the soleplate. This code applies to standard household irons, cordless irons, and travel irons. The distinction between domestic and industrial irons is critical, as the latter may be classified under Chapter 84 if they are part of a larger industrial pressing machine.
- Covers
- Electric steam irons for domestic use
- Dry electric irons
- Cordless electric smoothing irons
- Travel steam irons
- Steam generator irons (domestic type)
- Also under 8516.40
- Philips Azur
- Rowenta Focus
- Tefal Ultraglide
- Panasonic NI-WL600
- Black+Decker Allure
Codes often confused with 8516.40
Common mistake. Steam irons are frequently misclassified under HS code 8451.30, which covers ironing machines and presses, including fusing presses. The key difference is that 8451.30 is intended for industrial or commercial laundry equipment, whereas 8516.40 is for handheld domestic appliances. Additionally, handheld garment steamers that do not have a heated soleplate for smoothing may sometimes be incorrectly classified here instead of 8516.79.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851640 (the code used for steam iron), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851640 (the code used for steam iron) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.6% 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 851640, not only steam iron.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 55% of world exports
- 2 France $242M 11% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $119M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $128M 6.6% of world imports
- 2 Germany $119M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $114M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 steam iron
Brazil classifies steam iron under NCM 8516.40.00: HS 8516.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about steam iron
What is the HS code for Steam iron?
The HS code for Steam iron is 851640 (Smoothing irons; electric). The HS code for electric smoothing irons, including steam irons, is 8516.40.
How do I classify Steam iron for customs?
Steam iron is classified under HS code 851640 — Smoothing irons; electric. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include industrial pressing machines?
No, industrial-grade ironing machines and presses used in commercial laundries are classified under HS code 8451.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of steam iron (HS 851640)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851640 (the code used for steam iron) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 55% of world exports), France ($242M) and Indonesia ($119M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of steam iron (HS 851640)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851640 (the code used for steam iron) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($128M, 6.6% of world imports), Germany ($119M) and Türkiye ($114M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Steam iron the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851640 for Steam iron 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 steam iron in Brazil?
In Brazil, steam iron (HS 851640) is classified under NCM 8516.40.00.