Product classification
HS code for Water heater: 8516.10
Heaters, electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters.
Classification of water heater under HS 8516.10
Electric water heaters are classified under HS code 8516.10. This code falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8516 is designated for electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters, as well as other electro-thermic appliances for domestic use. The subheading 8516.10 specifically addresses electric water heaters, including both instantaneous models (which heat water as it flows) and storage models (which maintain a reservoir of hot water). The classification is based on the heating method; since these devices use electricity to generate heat via resistance or induction, they are placed in Chapter 85 rather than Chapter 84. This classification is consistent with GIR 1, as the heading text explicitly mentions electric water heaters. It covers both residential units and commercial electric heaters, provided they function through electro-thermic means.
- Covers
- Electric instantaneous (tankless) water heaters
- Electric storage tank water heaters
- Electric immersion heaters for liquids
- Electric point-of-use water heaters
- Dual-element electric water 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 common misclassification occurs with 8419.11 and 8419.19. Heading 8419 covers non-electric instantaneous or storage water heaters, such as those powered by gas or solar energy. Importers often confuse these because the function is identical, but the energy source (electricity vs. gas) is the legal determinant between Chapter 85 and Chapter 84. Additionally, industrial boilers are classified under 8402, which should not be confused with domestic-style water heaters in 8516.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851610 (the code used for water heater), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851610 (the code used for 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 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 water heater
Brazil classifies 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 water heater
What is the HS code for Water heater?
The HS code for Water heater is 851610 (Heaters; electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters). The HS code for electric instantaneous or storage water heaters is 8516.10.
How do I classify Water heater for customs?
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 solar water heaters classified under 8516.10?
No, solar water heaters are generally classified under 8419.19 because they do not primarily use electricity as the heating source, even if they have an electric backup element.
Which countries are the top exporters of water heater (HS 851610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851610 (the code used for 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 water heater (HS 851610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851610 (the code used for 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 Water heater the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851610 for 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 water heater in Brazil?
In Brazil, water heater (HS 851610) is classified under NCM 8516.10.00.