Product classification
HS code for Tankless water heater: 8516.10
Heaters, electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters.
Classification of tankless water heater under HS 8516.10
Tankless water heaters, also known as instantaneous water heaters, are classified under HS code 8516.10. This classification is based on the primary function of the device: heating water using electricity. Heading 8516 encompasses electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters. Subheading 8516.10 specifically identifies these electric water heating units. Because these devices use electric heating elements to heat water as it flows through the unit rather than storing it in a tank, they fall squarely within this category. The classification remains consistent whether the unit is intended for residential, commercial, or industrial use, as long as the heating mechanism is electric. It is important to note that the classification is driven by the energy source. While heading 8419 covers machinery for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature, Note 1(f) to Chapter 84 excludes domestic appliances of Chapter 85. Therefore, electric water heaters are specifically directed to 8516. The instantaneous nature of tankless heaters means they do not have a storage reservoir, but they are grouped with storage heaters in 8516.10 because they serve the same fundamental purpose of providing hot water via electrical resistance.
- Covers
- Electric tankless water heaters
- Electric instantaneous water heaters
- Point-of-use electric water heaters
- Electric inline water heaters
- Electric flow-through 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. The most frequent error is using 8419.11 or 8419.19. Heading 8419 covers non-electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, such as those powered by gas or solar energy. Specifically, 8419.11 is for gas instantaneous water heaters. Another error is 8516.79, which is a general category for other electro-thermic appliances; however, since water heaters have a specific subheading (8516.10), the general category should not be used for these products.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851610 (the code used for tankless water heater), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851610 (the code used for tankless water 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 tankless water 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 tankless water heater
Brazil classifies tankless water 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 tankless water heater
What is the HS code for Tankless water heater?
The HS code for Tankless water heater is 851610 (Heaters; electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters). The HS code for an electric tankless water heater is 8516.10, which covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters.
How do I classify Tankless water heater for customs?
Tankless water heater is classified under HS code 851610 — Heaters; electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are gas-powered tankless heaters under the same code?
No, gas-powered tankless water heaters are classified under HS code 8419.11, as they are non-electric instantaneous heaters.
Which countries are the top exporters of tankless water heater (HS 851610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851610 (the code used for tankless water 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 tankless water heater (HS 851610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851610 (the code used for tankless water 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 Tankless water heater the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851610 for Tankless water 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 tankless water heater in Brazil?
In Brazil, tankless water heater (HS 851610) is classified under NCM 8516.10.00.