Product classification

HS code for Tap: 8481.80

Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valves.

Classification of tap under HS 8481.80

Taps, including faucets and similar appliances used for regulating the flow of liquids or gases, are classified under HS code 8481.80. This classification is based on the functional nature of the product as a mechanical appliance for regulating the flow of fluids. Heading 8481 covers "Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valves." This is a very broad heading that encompasses everything from simple household kitchen faucets to complex industrial valves used in oil pipelines. The classification is determined by GRI 1 and GRI 6. Sub-heading 8481.80 is a residual category for "Other appliances" that are not pressure-reducing valves, valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions, or check valves. Whether the tap is made of chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, or plastic, the classification remains 8481.80 because the function of the device (controlling fluid flow) is the primary characteristic for classification in Chapter 84. This heading also includes mixer taps, which combine hot and cold water streams, and taps with electronic sensors for touchless operation.

Covers
  • Kitchen sink faucets
  • Bathroom mixer taps
  • Outdoor hose bibbs
  • Industrial stopcocks
  • Thermostatic mixing valves
Also under 8481.80
  • Moen kitchen taps
  • Delta bathroom faucets
  • Watts ball valves
  • Honeywell thermostatic radiator valves
  • Grundfos circulator valves

Codes often confused with 8481.80

Common mistake. Taps are frequently misclassified under HS code 7324.90, which covers sanitary ware and parts thereof of iron or steel. While a tap is used with sanitary ware (like a sink), it is a mechanical valve and must be classified in Chapter 84. Another common error is using 3924.90 for plastic taps, but the functional heading 8481 always takes precedence over the material-based heading.

7324.90Iron or steel; sanitary ware and parts thereof, excluding sinks, wash basins and baths3924.90Plastics; household articles and hygienic or toilet articles84.81Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves

Top exporters and importers of HS 848180 (the code used for tap), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848180 (the code used for tap) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 848180, not only tap.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $17.0B
  2. 2 Germany $8.6B
  3. 3 United States $7.9B

World total: $71.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $11.0B
  2. 2 China $5.5B
  3. 3 Germany $4.5B

World total: $72.1B 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 codes for tap

Brazil splits HS 8481.80 into 14 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about tap

What is the HS code for Tap?

The HS code for Tap is 848180 (Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances; for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valves). The standard HS code for a water tap or faucet is 8481.80.

How do I classify Tap for customs?

Tap is classified under HS code 848180 — Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances; for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valves. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the HS code change for electronic sensor taps?

No, electronic or battery-operated sensor taps are still classified under 8481.80 because their primary function is that of a valve, regardless of the automated actuation mechanism.

Which countries are the top exporters of tap (HS 848180)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848180 (the code used for tap) in UN Comtrade data were China ($17.0B, 24% of world exports), Germany ($8.6B) and the United States ($7.9B). World exports came to about $71.0B, 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 tap (HS 848180)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 848180 (the code used for tap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($11.0B, 15% of world imports), China ($5.5B) and Germany ($4.5B). World imports came to about $72.1B, 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 Tap the same in all countries?

The base HS code 848180 for Tap 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 tap in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 848180 into 14 NCM codes, so the right one for tap depends on the product's details: 8481.80.11 (Bathroom or kitchen drain valves), 8481.80.19 (Other bathroom or kitchen taps and valves), 8481.80.21 (Thermostatic or pressostatic expansion valves), 8481.80.29 (Other refrigeration valves and taps), 8481.80.31 (Household gas valves, thermocouple, up to 50 mbar), 8481.80.39 (Other gas equipment valves and taps), and more.