Chapter 84 is the core chapter in HS classification covering machinery and mechanical appliances, including power machinery, pumps, fans, refrigeration equipment, machine tools, office machinery, etc. Its scope ranges from simple hand tools to complex automated production lines, but excludes electrical equipment (Chapter 85) and vehicles (Chapter 87). Goods in this chapter typically have moving parts or energy conversion functions and constitute the main classification chapter for industrial and household machinery. Heading 8418 specifically covers refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating equipment, including compression-type, absorption-type, electrically or non-electrically driven. It specifically includes household or commercial refrigerators, freezers, refrigerated display cabinets, ice makers, etc., but excludes air conditioners (8415) and heat pumps (8419). Under this heading, further subheadings are divided based on refrigeration method, use and capacity. First 2 digits 84: indicates Chapter 84 machinery. Digits 3-4, 18: indicates heading 8418, i.e., refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating equipment. Digits 5-6, 21: indicates subheading 841821, specifically household compression-type refrigerators. 'Household type' means designed for household use, and 'compression-type' means employing an electric compressor-driven vapor compression refrigeration cycle. This subheading is distinguished from 841810 (combined refrigerator-freezers), 841829 (other household refrigerators) and 841830 (chest freezers). This product is a household compression-type refrigerator, equipped with an electric compressor, condenser, evaporator and other components, refrigerating through a vapor compression cycle, and designed for household food storage. Therefore it is classified under 841821, rather than 841810 (combined type) or 841829 (other types such as absorption-type). If it were a commercial display cabinet, it would be classified under 841850; if it were an air conditioner, it would be classified under 8415.

Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the function and type, such as 'household compression-type refrigerator'. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or trademark brand; if no brand, write 'no brand'. Model: The specific model or specification code of the goods, used to distinguish different products. Capacity: The effective total capacity of the refrigerator, usually in liters (L). Refrigeration Method: Clearly specify compression-type, absorption-type or semiconductor refrigeration, etc. Use: Specify household, commercial or industrial use; household use must be clearly stated. Power: The rated input power of the compressor, in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Number of Doors: The number of doors of the refrigerator, such as single door, double door, etc. Product Name: household compression-type refrigerator; Brand: Haier; Model: BCD-216STPA; Capacity: 216 liters; Refrigeration Method: compression-type; Use: household; Power: 120W; Number of Doors: double door. Specifications: dimensions 550*560*1780mm, net weight 55kg. Packaging: carton. Misreporting compression-type as absorption-type, resulting in wrong subheading. Filling in wrong capacity unit, such as filling liters as milliliters. Failing to distinguish household from commercial use, possibly resulting in classification under 841850.

The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the product is a refrigerator or freezer; 2) whether it uses compression-type refrigeration; 3) whether it is designed for household use. According to HS notes, household type means suitable for household use, usually with smaller capacity and cabinet or box appearance. Compression-type refrigeration is driven by an electric compressor, distinguished from absorption-type (heat source driven) and semiconductor refrigeration (electronic). At the same time, combined refrigerator-freezers (841810) and chest freezers (841830) must be excluded. 841810 Combined refrigerator-freezers: 841810 includes refrigeration and freezing combined in the same cabinet, with separate external doors; 841821 is only a refrigerator, without a separate freezer compartment or freezing function. 841829 Other household refrigerators: 841829 covers non-compression-type household refrigerators, such as absorption-type and semiconductor refrigeration; 841821 specifically refers to compression-type. 841830 Chest freezers: 841830 refers to chest freezers with a capacity not exceeding 800 liters, freezing only without refrigeration; 841821 is a refrigerator, with temperature usually above 0°C. 841850 Other refrigerating or freezing equipment: 841850 includes commercial display cabinets, cold storage, etc., not household type; 841821 is limited to household use. 841510 Window or wall type air conditioners: 841510 is an air conditioner, used to regulate indoor air temperature, without food storage function; 841821 is a refrigerator. Is it clearly compression-type refrigeration? Is it designed for household use? Is it only refrigerating without freezing function? Is the capacity suitable for household use? Has the combined refrigerator been excluded?

How to determine whether a refrigerator is classified under 841821 or 841810? The key is whether it has separate freezer and refrigerator compartments, each with external doors. If it is a combined type (refrigeration + freezing), classify under 841810; if it is only a refrigerator (no freezing function), classify under 841821. What is the difference in HS codes between compression-type and absorption-type refrigerators? Compression-type household refrigerators are classified under 841821, and absorption-type household refrigerators are classified under 841829. The difference lies in the refrigeration principle: compression-type uses an electric compressor, while absorption-type uses a heat source (such as gas). Does capacity affect the classification under 841821? 841821 does not specify a specific capacity limit, but household type usually has smaller capacity. If the capacity is too large and used for commercial purposes, it may be classified under 841850. It is recommended to refer to the product's design use. What certifications are required to export household compression-type refrigerators to the EU? CE certification (Low Voltage Directive, EMC Directive), RoHS, REACH, and energy efficiency labels are required. For specifics, consult the EU customs official website or professional institutions. What are the consequences of filling in the power incorrectly during declaration? It may cause customs to question the accuracy of classification, and may even trigger inspection, tax supplementary payment or administrative penalties. Power is an important parameter for determining compression-type, so it must be filled in truthfully. How to check the import tariff rate for 841821? You can log on to the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the 'Single Window' to check the latest tariff rates, or use HS code query tools. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement, so official data should prevail. What should be noted when declaring household refrigerators sold via cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to accurately declare elements such as product name, model, capacity, and refrigeration method, and ensure compliance with the safety standards of the destination country. Small parcel exports may be eligible for simplified declaration, but general trade requires complete customs declaration. If a refrigerator has an ice-making function, is it still classified under 841821? If the main function is refrigeration and ice-making is an auxiliary function, it is still classified under 841821. If ice-making is the main function, it may be classified under 841840 (ice makers).