Chapter 84 is the core chapter in the HS classification system covering mechanical appliances and parts, including power machinery, agricultural machinery, metalworking machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, household mechanical appliances, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have the characteristics of power drive, mechanical movement, or energy conversion, but exclude electric tools (Chapter 85), vehicles (Chapter 87), etc. Within the chapter, headings are divided by function and use. Heading 8450 is specifically for household or laundry-type washing machines, reflecting the logic of classification by application scenario. Heading 8450 covers household or laundry-type washing machines, including machines with a dry linen capacity not exceeding 10 kg. This heading is subdivided into multiple subheadings based on the washing method and whether they have a centrifugal dehydration function, such as 8450.11 (fully automatic, dry linen capacity ≤10 kg), 8450.12 (other fully automatic machines with a centrifugal dehydrator), 8450.19 (other), 8450.20 (dry linen capacity >10 kg). The core distinctions are the degree of automation, whether a centrifugal dehydration function is included, and the dry linen capacity. Code 845012 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '84' represent Chapter 84 mechanical appliances; digits 3-4 '50' represent heading 8450, i.e., household or laundry-type washing machines; digits 5-6 '12' represent subheading 8450.12, specifically 'other fully automatic washing machines with a centrifugal dehydration function.' Among these, '1' indicates a subdivision under the fully automatic type, and '2' specifically refers to having a centrifugal dehydration function. This subheading is distinguished from 8450.11 (fully automatic but not explicitly with centrifugal dehydration) and 8450.19 (other non-fully automatic or not otherwise named). This product is a fully automatic washing machine and explicitly has a centrifugal dehydration function, meeting the description of subheading 8450.12. If it is only fully automatic but without centrifugal dehydration or not otherwise specified, it should be classified under 8450.11; if it is semi-automatic or non-fully automatic, it should be classified under 8450.19; if the dry linen capacity exceeds 10 kg, it should be classified under 8450.20. Therefore, the centrifugal dehydration function and the fully automatic attribute are the key factors determining classification under 8450.12 rather than adjacent codes.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is the core chapter in the HS classification system covering mechanical appliances and parts, including power machinery, agricultural machinery, metalworking machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, household mechanical appliances, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have the characteristics of power drive, mechanical movement, or energy conversion, but exclude electric tools (Chapter 85), vehicles (Chapter 87), etc. Within the chapter, headings are divided by function and use. Heading 8450 is specifically for household or laundry-type washing machines, reflecting the logic of classification by application scenario.
Heading
Heading 8450 covers household or laundry-type washing machines, including machines with a dry linen capacity not exceeding 10 kg. This heading is subdivided into multiple subheadings based on the washing method and whether they have a centrifugal dehydration function, such as 8450.11 (fully automatic, dry linen capacity ≤10 kg), 8450.12 (other fully automatic machines with a centrifugal dehydrator), 8450.19 (other), 8450.20 (dry linen capacity >10 kg). The core distinctions are the degree of automation, whether a centrifugal dehydration function is included, and the dry linen capacity.
Digit Breakdown
Code 845012 is a 6-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '84' represent Chapter 84 mechanical appliances; digits 3-4 '50' represent heading 8450, i.e., household or laundry-type washing machines; digits 5-6 '12' represent subheading 8450.12, specifically 'other fully automatic washing machines with a centrifugal dehydration function.' Among these, '1' indicates a subdivision under the fully automatic type, and '2' specifically refers to having a centrifugal dehydration function. This subheading is distinguished from 8450.11 (fully automatic but not explicitly with centrifugal dehydration) and 8450.19 (other non-fully automatic or not otherwise named).
Classification Basis
This product is a fully automatic washing machine and explicitly has a centrifugal dehydration function, meeting the description of subheading 8450.12. If it is only fully automatic but without centrifugal dehydration or not otherwise specified, it should be classified under 8450.11; if it is semi-automatic or non-fully automatic, it should be classified under 8450.19; if the dry linen capacity exceeds 10 kg, it should be classified under 8450.20. Therefore, the centrifugal dehydration function and the fully automatic attribute are the key factors determining classification under 8450.12 rather than adjacent codes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity should include key features such as 'fully automatic' and 'with centrifugal dehydration function,' avoiding the general term 'washing machine.' Brand Type: Fill in the brand attribute, such as 'foreign brand (OEM production),' 'domestic brand,' or 'no brand,' and it must be consistent with the actual product. Export Preference Status: Select 'export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country' or 'do not enjoy' according to the actual trade situation, which affects origin declaration. Use: Clearly state 'household' or 'laundry-type,' avoiding confusion with industrial washing machines; industrial machines should be classified under 8450.20 or 8451. Dry Linen Capacity: Declare the maximum dry linen capacity in kilograms, accurate to the whole number, used to determine whether it exceeds 10 kg. Degree of Automation: State whether it is fully automatic, i.e., the entire process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration requires no manual intervention. Centrifugal Dehydration Function: Clearly state whether it has a centrifugal dehydration function; this function is a necessary condition for classification under 8450.12. Model: Fill in the product model specified by the manufacturer to facilitate customs identification of specific specifications and functions. Product Name: Fully automatic washing machine (with centrifugal dehydration function); Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: Do not enjoy; Use: Household; Dry Linen Capacity: 8 kg; Degree of Automation: Fully automatic; Centrifugal Dehydration Function: Yes; Model: XQG80-1234. Note: This machine has fully automatic programs for washing, rinsing, and centrifugal dehydration, and the dry linen capacity does not exceed 10 kg. Failure to declare the centrifugal dehydration function, resulting in classification under 8450.11 instead of 8450.12. The dry linen capacity unit is incorrectly filled in as pounds or liters without conversion to kilograms, affecting subheading determination. Declaring a semi-automatic washing machine as fully automatic, causing classification doubts and subsequent audit risks.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity should include key features such as 'fully automatic' and 'with centrifugal dehydration function,' avoiding the general term 'washing machine.'
⚠️ Writing only 'washing machine' or 'fully automatic washing machine' without reflecting the centrifugal dehydration function.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand attribute, such as 'foreign brand (OEM production),' 'domestic brand,' or 'no brand,' and it must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand, leading to classification disputes.
Export Preference Status
Select 'export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country' or 'do not enjoy' according to the actual trade situation, which affects origin declaration.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in the preference status, resulting in the inability to enjoy free trade agreement tariff rates later.
Use
Clearly state 'household' or 'laundry-type,' avoiding confusion with industrial washing machines; industrial machines should be classified under 8450.20 or 8451.
⚠️ Filling in 'commercial' without providing laundry proof may lead to questions about classification.
Dry Linen Capacity
Declare the maximum dry linen capacity in kilograms, accurate to the whole number, used to determine whether it exceeds 10 kg.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in wet linen weight or washing capacity, leading to incorrect subheading determination.
Degree of Automation
State whether it is fully automatic, i.e., the entire process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration requires no manual intervention.
Clearly state whether it has a centrifugal dehydration function; this function is a necessary condition for classification under 8450.12.
⚠️ Misreporting ordinary dehydration (non-centrifugal) as centrifugal dehydration.
Model
Fill in the product model specified by the manufacturer to facilitate customs identification of specific specifications and functions.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual product or using internal codes makes it impossible to correspond.
Example: Product Name: Fully automatic washing machine (with centrifugal dehydration function); Brand Type: Foreign brand (OEM production); Export Preference Status: Do not enjoy; Use: Household; Dry Linen Capacity: 8 kg; Degree of Automation: Fully automatic; Centrifugal Dehydration Function: Yes; Model: XQG80-1234. Note: This machine has fully automatic programs for washing, rinsing, and centrifugal dehydration, and the dry linen capacity does not exceed 10 kg.
Common Mistakes:
Failure to declare the centrifugal dehydration function, resulting in classification under 8450.11 instead of 8450.12.
The dry linen capacity unit is incorrectly filled in as pounds or liters without conversion to kilograms, affecting subheading determination.
Declaring a semi-automatic washing machine as fully automatic, causing classification doubts and subsequent audit risks.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the provisions of the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes regarding heading 8450. First, determine whether it is for household or laundry use; second, confirm whether the dry linen capacity is ≤10 kg; then distinguish whether it is fully automatic and whether it has a centrifugal dehydration function. Fully automatic means the entire process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration is completed automatically; centrifugal dehydration function means dehydration by centrifugal force generated through high-speed rotation. Only when it is both fully automatic and with centrifugal dehydration, and the dry linen capacity is ≤10 kg, is it classified under 8450.12. If the dry linen capacity is >10 kg, it is classified under 8450.20. 845011 Fully automatic washing machines (centrifugal dehydration not specified): This subheading covers washing machines that are fully automatic but do not explicitly have a centrifugal dehydration function, or where centrifugal dehydration is not the main feature. If the product clearly has centrifugal dehydration, it should be classified under 845012 first. 845019 Other washing machines: Applicable to non-fully automatic or otherwise unnamed household washing machines, such as semi-automatic or ordinary twin-tub machines. The core difference from 845012 lies in the degree of automation and the centrifugal dehydration function. 845020 Washing machines with dry linen capacity >10 kg: This subheading is for washing machines with a dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg, regardless of whether they are fully automatic or have centrifugal dehydration. Dry linen capacity is the primary distinguishing criterion. 845090 Parts of washing machines: This subheading is for parts specially used for washing machines, such as motors and control boards. The distinction between complete machines and parts lies in whether they have complete washing functions. 850940 Food grinders and mixers: Although both are household electric appliances, their functions differ. Washing machines are classified under Chapter 84, while food processing appliances are classified under Chapter 85, distinguished by function and use. Is it clearly for household or laundry use? Is the dry linen capacity ≤10 kg? Is it fully automatic (no manual intervention required)? Does it have a centrifugal dehydration function? Has industrial use or dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg been excluded?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the provisions of the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes regarding heading 8450. First, determine whether it is for household or laundry use; second, confirm whether the dry linen capacity is ≤10 kg; then distinguish whether it is fully automatic and whether it has a centrifugal dehydration function. Fully automatic means the entire process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration is completed automatically; centrifugal dehydration function means dehydration by centrifugal force generated through high-speed rotation. Only when it is both fully automatic and with centrifugal dehydration, and the dry linen capacity is ≤10 kg, is it classified under 8450.12. If the dry linen capacity is >10 kg, it is classified under 8450.20.
Confused Codes:
845011 - Fully automatic washing machines (centrifugal dehydration not specified)
This subheading covers washing machines that are fully automatic but do not explicitly have a centrifugal dehydration function, or where centrifugal dehydration is not the main feature. If the product clearly has centrifugal dehydration, it should be classified under 845012 first.
845019 - Other washing machines
Applicable to non-fully automatic or otherwise unnamed household washing machines, such as semi-automatic or ordinary twin-tub machines. The core difference from 845012 lies in the degree of automation and the centrifugal dehydration function.
845020 - Washing machines with dry linen capacity >10 kg
This subheading is for washing machines with a dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg, regardless of whether they are fully automatic or have centrifugal dehydration. Dry linen capacity is the primary distinguishing criterion.
845090 - Parts of washing machines
This subheading is for parts specially used for washing machines, such as motors and control boards. The distinction between complete machines and parts lies in whether they have complete washing functions.
850940 - Food grinders and mixers
Although both are household electric appliances, their functions differ. Washing machines are classified under Chapter 84, while food processing appliances are classified under Chapter 85, distinguished by function and use.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it clearly for household or laundry use?
✓ Is the dry linen capacity ≤10 kg?
✓ Is it fully automatic (no manual intervention required)?
✓ Does it have a centrifugal dehydration function?
✓ Has industrial use or dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg been excluded?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the current import tariff rate for 845012? You can use the 'Import and Export Tariff Query' system on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, enter HS code 845012, select import or export, country of origin, and trade mode, and it will display the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax. You can also use the tariff query module of the 'China International Trade Single Window.' Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and the latest official announcement should prevail. A fully automatic washing machine with centrifugal dehydration, but with a dry linen capacity of 12 kg, should be classified under which code? Washing machines with a dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg, regardless of whether they are fully automatic or have centrifugal dehydration, should be classified under 845020. 845012 applies only to models with a dry linen capacity not exceeding 10 kg. When declaring, the dry linen capacity parameter must be accurately provided to avoid classification errors due to misreporting. Can a semi-automatic washing machine with a centrifugal dehydration function be classified under 845012? No. 845012 requires fully automatic, meaning the entire process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration requires no manual intervention. Semi-automatic washing machines require manual assistance and should be classified under 845019 (other). If semi-automatic but with a dry linen capacity >10 kg, it is classified under 845020. How can one determine whether a washing machine is 'fully automatic'? Fully automatic means the entire process from washing, rinsing to dehydration is automatically completed under program control, without the need for manual transfer of laundry or operation of valves. It usually has a computer board or mechanical program controller and starts with one button. If manual water filling, draining, or transferring laundry to the spin tub is required, it is semi-automatic and cannot be classified under 845012. How should the declaration element 'centrifugal dehydration function' be filled in during customs declaration? It should be clearly filled in as 'yes' or 'no.' If yes, it must be confirmed that the function achieves dehydration through centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation, rather than ordinary squeezing or heating and drying. If it only has ordinary dehydration (such as the spin tub of a twin-tub machine) but is not centrifugal, it may not meet the description of 845012, and it is recommended to verify the technical parameters. What is the main difference between 845012 and 845011? 845011 is for fully automatic washing machines, but does not explicitly list a centrifugal dehydration function; 845012 specifically refers to fully automatic washing machines with a centrifugal dehydration function. In actual classification, if the product clearly has centrifugal dehydration, it should be classified under 845012 first. If it is only fully automatic but the dehydration method is not specified, it can be classified under 845011. Can 845012 be used for cross-border e-commerce retail export of washing machines? Yes, but the actual attributes of the goods must be met. Cross-border e-commerce exports also need to be declared according to HS codes. 845012 applies to household washing machines that are fully automatic with centrifugal dehydration and a dry linen capacity ≤10 kg. Note that retail exports may involve simplified declaration, but accurate product name, model, and function description are still required. If a washing machine also has a drying function, how should it be classified? If the main function of the washing machine is washing, with additional drying (such as a washer-dryer combo), and the dry linen capacity is ≤10 kg, fully automatic, and with centrifugal dehydration, it can still be classified under 845012. However, if the drying function is independent and is the main function, 8451 (other drying machines) may need to be considered. It is recommended to judge based on the main function and HS Explanatory Notes.
Q: How can I check the current import tariff rate for 845012?
A: You can use the 'Import and Export Tariff Query' system on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China, enter HS code 845012, select import or export, country of origin, and trade mode, and it will display the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax. You can also use the tariff query module of the 'China International Trade Single Window.' Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and the latest official announcement should prevail.
Q: A fully automatic washing machine with centrifugal dehydration, but with a dry linen capacity of 12 kg, should be classified under which code?
A: Washing machines with a dry linen capacity exceeding 10 kg, regardless of whether they are fully automatic or have centrifugal dehydration, should be classified under 845020. 845012 applies only to models with a dry linen capacity not exceeding 10 kg. When declaring, the dry linen capacity parameter must be accurately provided to avoid classification errors due to misreporting.
Q: Can a semi-automatic washing machine with a centrifugal dehydration function be classified under 845012?
A: No. 845012 requires fully automatic, meaning the entire process of washing, rinsing, and dehydration requires no manual intervention. Semi-automatic washing machines require manual assistance and should be classified under 845019 (other). If semi-automatic but with a dry linen capacity >10 kg, it is classified under 845020.
Q: How can one determine whether a washing machine is 'fully automatic'?
A: Fully automatic means the entire process from washing, rinsing to dehydration is automatically completed under program control, without the need for manual transfer of laundry or operation of valves. It usually has a computer board or mechanical program controller and starts with one button. If manual water filling, draining, or transferring laundry to the spin tub is required, it is semi-automatic and cannot be classified under 845012.
Q: How should the declaration element 'centrifugal dehydration function' be filled in during customs declaration?
A: It should be clearly filled in as 'yes' or 'no.' If yes, it must be confirmed that the function achieves dehydration through centrifugal force generated by high-speed rotation, rather than ordinary squeezing or heating and drying. If it only has ordinary dehydration (such as the spin tub of a twin-tub machine) but is not centrifugal, it may not meet the description of 845012, and it is recommended to verify the technical parameters.
Q: What is the main difference between 845012 and 845011?
A: 845011 is for fully automatic washing machines, but does not explicitly list a centrifugal dehydration function; 845012 specifically refers to fully automatic washing machines with a centrifugal dehydration function. In actual classification, if the product clearly has centrifugal dehydration, it should be classified under 845012 first. If it is only fully automatic but the dehydration method is not specified, it can be classified under 845011.
Q: Can 845012 be used for cross-border e-commerce retail export of washing machines?
A: Yes, but the actual attributes of the goods must be met. Cross-border e-commerce exports also need to be declared according to HS codes. 845012 applies to household washing machines that are fully automatic with centrifugal dehydration and a dry linen capacity ≤10 kg. Note that retail exports may involve simplified declaration, but accurate product name, model, and function description are still required.
Q: If a washing machine also has a drying function, how should it be classified?
A: If the main function of the washing machine is washing, with additional drying (such as a washer-dryer combo), and the dry linen capacity is ≤10 kg, fully automatic, and with centrifugal dehydration, it can still be classified under 845012. However, if the drying function is independent and is the main function, 8451 (other drying machines) may need to be considered. It is recommended to judge based on the main function and HS Explanatory Notes.
⚠️ 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.