Chapter 84 is the broad category in the HS classification system for "nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof," covering a wide range of products from power machinery, pumps, fans, and air-conditioning equipment to various industrial processing machines. The core characteristic of this chapter is that goods have mechanical movement, energy conversion, or work-performing functions, distinguishing them from the electrical equipment of Chapter 85 (although many machines contain electrical components). 8415 belongs to the tariff heading for "air conditioning equipment" in this chapter and is an important branch of mechanical and electrical products in international trade. Tariff heading 8415 covers "air conditioning machines, comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, including those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated," i.e., what is commonly called air-conditioning equipment. This heading includes not only window, wall-mounted, and cabinet-type unitary machines, but also the indoor and outdoor unit combinations of split-system air conditioners. The key criterion is that the equipment must simultaneously have temperature regulation (cooling or heating) and ventilation (motor-driven fan) functions, and usually has humidity regulation capability, but is not required to be able to regulate humidity independently. Code 841510 has 6 digits in total: the first 2 digits "84" represent Chapter 84 (nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof), which is the general framework for mechanical goods in the entire HS classification; digits 3-4 "15" represent heading 8415 (air conditioning machines), distinguished within Chapter 84 from 8414 (fans) and 8418 (refrigerators), etc.; digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 841510, i.e., "window or wall types, self-contained or 'split-system'," using a unitary design, usually installed in windows or wall openings, distinguished from 841520 (air conditioning machines for vehicles) and 841581/841582/841583 (other air conditioning machines, further subdivided by cooling method and whether equipped with a heating valve). This commodity is classified under 841510 because it is a window or wall type unitary air conditioner, has a motor-driven fan and temperature regulation functions, and is designed for fixed installation in a window or wall. It is not classified under 8414 (fans) because it has cooling/heating functions; it is not classified under 8418 (refrigerators) because it is used for space air conditioning rather than storage refrigeration; it is not classified under 841520 (air conditioning machines for vehicles) because it is not specially designed for vehicles; nor is it classified under 841581/841582, etc., because those subheadings target other types (such as split-system or cabinet type) or air conditioners with a heating valve.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the broad category in the HS classification system for "nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof," covering a wide range of products from power machinery, pumps, fans, and air-conditioning equipment to various industrial processing machines. The core characteristic of this chapter is that goods have mechanical movement, energy conversion, or work-performing functions, distinguishing them from the electrical equipment of Chapter 85 (although many machines contain electrical components). 8415 belongs to the tariff heading for "air conditioning equipment" in this chapter and is an important branch of mechanical and electrical products in international trade.
Heading
Tariff heading 8415 covers "air conditioning machines, comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, including those machines in which the humidity cannot be separately regulated," i.e., what is commonly called air-conditioning equipment. This heading includes not only window, wall-mounted, and cabinet-type unitary machines, but also the indoor and outdoor unit combinations of split-system air conditioners. The key criterion is that the equipment must simultaneously have temperature regulation (cooling or heating) and ventilation (motor-driven fan) functions, and usually has humidity regulation capability, but is not required to be able to regulate humidity independently.
Digit Breakdown
Code 841510 has 6 digits in total: the first 2 digits "84" represent Chapter 84 (nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof), which is the general framework for mechanical goods in the entire HS classification; digits 3-4 "15" represent heading 8415 (air conditioning machines), distinguished within Chapter 84 from 8414 (fans) and 8418 (refrigerators), etc.; digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 841510, i.e., "window or wall types, self-contained or 'split-system'," using a unitary design, usually installed in windows or wall openings, distinguished from 841520 (air conditioning machines for vehicles) and 841581/841582/841583 (other air conditioning machines, further subdivided by cooling method and whether equipped with a heating valve).
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 841510 because it is a window or wall type unitary air conditioner, has a motor-driven fan and temperature regulation functions, and is designed for fixed installation in a window or wall. It is not classified under 8414 (fans) because it has cooling/heating functions; it is not classified under 8418 (refrigerators) because it is used for space air conditioning rather than storage refrigeration; it is not classified under 841520 (air conditioning machines for vehicles) because it is not specially designed for vehicles; nor is it classified under 841581/841582, etc., because those subheadings target other types (such as split-system or cabinet type) or air conditioners with a heating valve.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the type of goods, such as "window air conditioner" or "wall air conditioner." Brand: Fill in the brand name of the air conditioner, such as Gree, Midea, LG, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: Fill in the model code assigned by the manufacturer to distinguish specific specifications and functions. Cooling capacity: Declare the cooling capacity of the air conditioner, usually expressed in watts (W) or BTU/h, which is a core performance parameter. Heating capacity: If it is a cooling and heating type air conditioner, the heating capacity must be declared, in the same unit as cooling capacity; for cooling-only type, enter "none." Whether equipped with a motor-driven fan: Confirm whether the air conditioner is equipped with a motor-driven fan (usually all are), enter "yes" or "no." Installation method: Declare as "window type" or "wall type" to specify the installation form, which is a key determining factor for 841510. Power: Fill in the rated input power (W) of the air conditioner for customs statistics and energy efficiency verification. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Window air conditioner
Brand: Gree
Model: KC-35
Cooling capacity: 3500W
Heating capacity: None (cooling-only type)
Whether equipped with a motor-driven fan: Yes
Installation method: Window type
Power: 1100W
Remarks: Unitary, not split-system, not for vehicles. Declaring only the indoor unit of a split-system air conditioner as 841510, when it should actually be classified under 841582 or 841583. Incorrectly classifying a mobile air conditioner (movable) under 841510, when it is usually classified under 841582. Failure to declare cooling capacity or heating capacity, causing customs to be unable to determine whether it is an air conditioner, possibly resulting in classification under 8414. Incorrectly declaring a window air conditioner with a heating valve as 841510; if it has a reversible refrigeration cycle, it may be classified under 841581.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the type of goods, such as "window air conditioner" or "wall air conditioner."
⚠️ Misreporting as "central air conditioner," "split air conditioner," or "air cooler," resulting in incorrect classification.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the air conditioner, such as Gree, Midea, LG, etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Mistaking the manufacturer for the brand, or omitting the brand so that it cannot be identified.
Model
Fill in the model code assigned by the manufacturer to distinguish specific specifications and functions.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product, affecting customs valuation and classification.
Cooling capacity
Declare the cooling capacity of the air conditioner, usually expressed in watts (W) or BTU/h, which is a core performance parameter.
⚠️ Confusing units (such as directly entering BTU/h as W), or only entering horsepower without conversion.
Heating capacity
If it is a cooling and heating type air conditioner, the heating capacity must be declared, in the same unit as cooling capacity; for cooling-only type, enter "none."
⚠️ Incorrectly entering heating capacity for a cooling-only type, or omitting it for a cooling and heating type, resulting in an incomplete functional description.
Whether equipped with a motor-driven fan
Confirm whether the air conditioner is equipped with a motor-driven fan (usually all are), enter "yes" or "no."
⚠️ Incorrectly entering "no," resulting in classification under another heading (such as 8414).
Installation method
Declare as "window type" or "wall type" to specify the installation form, which is a key determining factor for 841510.
⚠️ Misreporting floor-standing or mobile type as wall type, causing classification errors.
Power
Fill in the rated input power (W) of the air conditioner for customs statistics and energy efficiency verification.
⚠️ Entering cooling capacity instead of input power, or using the wrong unit.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Window air conditioner
Brand: Gree
Model: KC-35
Cooling capacity: 3500W
Heating capacity: None (cooling-only type)
Whether equipped with a motor-driven fan: Yes
Installation method: Window type
Power: 1100W
Remarks: Unitary, not split-system, not for vehicles.
Common Mistakes:
Declaring only the indoor unit of a split-system air conditioner as 841510, when it should actually be classified under 841582 or 841583.
Incorrectly classifying a mobile air conditioner (movable) under 841510, when it is usually classified under 841582.
Failure to declare cooling capacity or heating capacity, causing customs to be unable to determine whether it is an air conditioner, possibly resulting in classification under 8414.
Incorrectly declaring a window air conditioner with a heating valve as 841510; if it has a reversible refrigeration cycle, it may be classified under 841581.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: 1) Product function: must simultaneously have air conditioning (cooling or heating) and motor-driven fan ventilation functions; 2) Structure: window or wall type unitary machine, not split-system or cabinet type; 3) Installation method: designed for fixed installation in a window or wall opening; 4) Use: not for vehicles, not for industrial processes. If it is split-system, classify under 841582 (cooling capacity ≤ 4,000 kcal/h) or 841583 (cooling capacity > 4,000 kcal/h); if equipped with a heating valve, classify under 841581. 841520 Air conditioning machines for vehicles: 841520 is specially used for automobiles, trains, and other vehicles, while 841510 is used for fixed buildings. The core difference is the installation target and design use. 841581 Air conditioning machines incorporating a refrigerating unit and a valve for reversal of the cooling/heat cycle: 841581 refers to reversible-cycle air conditioners with a heating valve, usually split-system or cabinet type; 841510 is a window or wall type unitary machine and has no reversing valve. 841582 Other air conditioning machines with cooling capacity ≤ 4,000 kcal/h: 841582 covers split-system, cabinet, and other non-window/wall air conditioners with smaller cooling capacity; 841510 is limited to window or wall type unitary machines. 841583 Other air conditioning machines with cooling capacity > 4,000 kcal/h: 841583 refers to large split-system or cabinet air conditioners with large cooling capacity; 841510 usually has smaller cooling capacity and is window or wall type. 8414 Fans: 8414 only provides ventilation and has no temperature regulation function; 841510 must have cooling or heating capability. Is it a unitary window or wall type design? Does it simultaneously have a motor-driven fan and temperature regulation functions? Is it not for vehicles? Is it not equipped with a valve for reversal of the cooling/heat cycle? Is the cooling capacity usually ≤ 4,000 kcal/h?
Basis
Core classification basis: 1) Product function: must simultaneously have air conditioning (cooling or heating) and motor-driven fan ventilation functions; 2) Structure: window or wall type unitary machine, not split-system or cabinet type; 3) Installation method: designed for fixed installation in a window or wall opening; 4) Use: not for vehicles, not for industrial processes. If it is split-system, classify under 841582 (cooling capacity ≤ 4,000 kcal/h) or 841583 (cooling capacity > 4,000 kcal/h); if equipped with a heating valve, classify under 841581.
Confused Codes:
841520 - Air conditioning machines for vehicles
841520 is specially used for automobiles, trains, and other vehicles, while 841510 is used for fixed buildings. The core difference is the installation target and design use.
841581 - Air conditioning machines incorporating a refrigerating unit and a valve for reversal of the cooling/heat cycle
841581 refers to reversible-cycle air conditioners with a heating valve, usually split-system or cabinet type; 841510 is a window or wall type unitary machine and has no reversing valve.
841582 - Other air conditioning machines with cooling capacity ≤ 4,000 kcal/h
841582 covers split-system, cabinet, and other non-window/wall air conditioners with smaller cooling capacity; 841510 is limited to window or wall type unitary machines.
841583 - Other air conditioning machines with cooling capacity > 4,000 kcal/h
841583 refers to large split-system or cabinet air conditioners with large cooling capacity; 841510 usually has smaller cooling capacity and is window or wall type.
8414 - Fans
8414 only provides ventilation and has no temperature regulation function; 841510 must have cooling or heating capability.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it a unitary window or wall type design?
✓ Does it simultaneously have a motor-driven fan and temperature regulation functions?
✓ Is it not for vehicles?
✓ Is it not equipped with a valve for reversal of the cooling/heat cycle?
✓ Is the cooling capacity usually ≤ 4,000 kcal/h?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between window air conditioners and split-system air conditioners? Window air conditioners are classified under 841510 because they are unitary in design and installed in a window or wall. Split-system air conditioners have separate indoor and outdoor units and are usually classified under 841582 (cooling capacity ≤ 4,000 kcal/h) or 841583 (cooling capacity > 4,000 kcal/h). If the split-system has a heating valve, it is classified under 841581. Which code should mobile air conditioners be classified under? Mobile air conditioners are usually classified under 841582 because they are not fixedly installed in a window or wall and do not meet the "window or wall type" definition of 841510. However, if they are designed to be window-installable, they may be classified under 841510, and judgment should be made based on the actual structure. How can it be determined whether an air conditioner belongs under 841510? The key is to look at three points: 1) whether it is unitary; 2) whether it is designed for fixed installation in a window or wall; 3) whether it simultaneously has a motor-driven fan and temperature regulation functions. If all three are satisfied, classify under 841510; otherwise, consider other subheadings. When declaring 841510, what unit should be used for cooling capacity? Customs declaration usually requires the use of watts (W) or kilocalories/hour (kcal/h), but BTU/h may also be used. It is recommended to convert uniformly to W and retain the original unit for reference. Note that 1 horsepower ≈ 2500W cooling capacity, but actual parameters shall prevail. Are window air conditioners with heating function classified under 841510? If it is only electric auxiliary heating (such as PTC heating), it is still classified under 841510; if it has a valve for reversal of the cooling/heat cycle (i.e., reversible cycle), it is classified under 841581. Distinction should be made based on the technical principle. What is the export tax rebate rate for 841510? The export tax rebate rate is adjusted according to national policy and is not fixed. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the "China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform" or consult the local tax bureau. Generally, the rebate rate for mechanical and electrical products is relatively high, but the real-time policy shall prevail. For cross-border e-commerce retail export of air conditioners, can 841510 be used? Yes, but note that cross-border e-commerce exports also require accurate declaration of the HS code. If it is a window or wall type unitary machine, use 841510; if it is split-system, use 841582/841583. Incorrect classification may lead to customs clearance delays or penalties. How can the most-favored-nation tax rate for 841510 be checked? You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Single Window" to check the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China," enter code 841510, and view the most-favored-nation tax rate, general tax rate, and agreement tax rates. Note that tax rates may be adjusted annually, and the latest version shall prevail.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between window air conditioners and split-system air conditioners?
A: Window air conditioners are classified under 841510 because they are unitary in design and installed in a window or wall. Split-system air conditioners have separate indoor and outdoor units and are usually classified under 841582 (cooling capacity ≤ 4,000 kcal/h) or 841583 (cooling capacity > 4,000 kcal/h). If the split-system has a heating valve, it is classified under 841581.
Q: Which code should mobile air conditioners be classified under?
A: Mobile air conditioners are usually classified under 841582 because they are not fixedly installed in a window or wall and do not meet the "window or wall type" definition of 841510. However, if they are designed to be window-installable, they may be classified under 841510, and judgment should be made based on the actual structure.
Q: How can it be determined whether an air conditioner belongs under 841510?
A: The key is to look at three points: 1) whether it is unitary; 2) whether it is designed for fixed installation in a window or wall; 3) whether it simultaneously has a motor-driven fan and temperature regulation functions. If all three are satisfied, classify under 841510; otherwise, consider other subheadings.
Q: When declaring 841510, what unit should be used for cooling capacity?
A: Customs declaration usually requires the use of watts (W) or kilocalories/hour (kcal/h), but BTU/h may also be used. It is recommended to convert uniformly to W and retain the original unit for reference. Note that 1 horsepower ≈ 2500W cooling capacity, but actual parameters shall prevail.
Q: Are window air conditioners with heating function classified under 841510?
A: If it is only electric auxiliary heating (such as PTC heating), it is still classified under 841510; if it has a valve for reversal of the cooling/heat cycle (i.e., reversible cycle), it is classified under 841581. Distinction should be made based on the technical principle.
Q: What is the export tax rebate rate for 841510?
A: The export tax rebate rate is adjusted according to national policy and is not fixed. It is recommended to check the latest rebate rate through the "China Customs Enterprise Import and Export Credit Information Publicity Platform" or consult the local tax bureau. Generally, the rebate rate for mechanical and electrical products is relatively high, but the real-time policy shall prevail.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce retail export of air conditioners, can 841510 be used?
A: Yes, but note that cross-border e-commerce exports also require accurate declaration of the HS code. If it is a window or wall type unitary machine, use 841510; if it is split-system, use 841582/841583. Incorrect classification may lead to customs clearance delays or penalties.
Q: How can the most-favored-nation tax rate for 841510 be checked?
A: You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Single Window" to check the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China," enter code 841510, and view the most-favored-nation tax rate, general tax rate, and agreement tax rates. Note that tax rates may be adjusted annually, and the latest version shall prevail.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.