Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter includes equipment for the generation, transformation, storage, control, regulation, and protection of electricity, as well as various appliances that operate using electrical energy, such as electrothermal appliances, electric lighting equipment, and telecommunications equipment. Space heaters, as appliances that use electrical energy to generate heat, are typical goods of this chapter. Heading 8516 covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electrothermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers; electric irons; other household electrothermic appliances; and electric heating resistors. Among these, space heating apparatus refers to electrothermic appliances used to raise the temperature of a room or enclosed space, including convection, radiation, fan-forced, and other types. The first 2 digits, 85, indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles). Digits 3-4, 16, indicate heading 8516 (electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electrothermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers; electric irons; other household electrothermic appliances; and electric heating resistors). Digits 5-6, 29, indicate subheading 8516.29, namely other space heating apparatus. This subheading covers all space heaters other than 8516.21 (radiation-type space heaters) and 8516.29, such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled types. This product is a space heater that uses electrical energy to generate heat in order to raise the temperature of an enclosed space, which conforms to the description of heading 8516. At the subheading level, 8516.21 specifically refers to radiation-type space heaters, while 8516.29 covers other types (such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled types). If the heater is not electrothermic (e.g., gas or oil), it should be classified under Chapter 73 or Chapter 84, etc. Therefore, electrothermic and non-radiation-type space heaters are classified under 8516.29.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter includes equipment for the generation, transformation, storage, control, regulation, and protection of electricity, as well as various appliances that operate using electrical energy, such as electrothermal appliances, electric lighting equipment, and telecommunications equipment. Space heaters, as appliances that use electrical energy to generate heat, are typical goods of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 8516 covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electrothermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers; electric irons; other household electrothermic appliances; and electric heating resistors. Among these, space heating apparatus refers to electrothermic appliances used to raise the temperature of a room or enclosed space, including convection, radiation, fan-forced, and other types.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits, 85, indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles). Digits 3-4, 16, indicate heading 8516 (electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electrothermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers; electric irons; other household electrothermic appliances; and electric heating resistors). Digits 5-6, 29, indicate subheading 8516.29, namely other space heating apparatus. This subheading covers all space heaters other than 8516.21 (radiation-type space heaters) and 8516.29, such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled types.
Classification Basis
This product is a space heater that uses electrical energy to generate heat in order to raise the temperature of an enclosed space, which conforms to the description of heading 8516. At the subheading level, 8516.21 specifically refers to radiation-type space heaters, while 8516.29 covers other types (such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled types). If the heater is not electrothermic (e.g., gas or oil), it should be classified under Chapter 73 or Chapter 84, etc. Therefore, electrothermic and non-radiation-type space heaters are classified under 8516.29.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "electric convection space heater" or "oil-filled electric heater". Use: Describe the usage scenario of the heater, such as "for room heating" or "for office heating". Working Principle: Describe how the heater generates and transfers heat, such as "resistance wire heating, forced fan convection" or "heat transfer oil heating, natural convection". Brand: The brand name of the declared commodity; if there is no brand, fill in "unbranded". Model: The specific model of the declared commodity, used to distinguish different specifications under the same brand. Power: The rated power of the heater, in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Heating Method: State whether it is radiation-type, convection-type, fan-type, or oil-filled type, etc. Product Name: Electric convection space heater; Use: For room heating; Working Principle: Resistance wire heating, natural convection; Brand: ABC; Model: XYZ-2000; Power: 2000W; Heating Method: Convection-type. Mistakenly classifying radiation-type space heaters under 8516.29, when they should actually be classified under 8516.21. Failure to distinguish between electrothermic and non-electrothermic; non-electrothermic space heaters should be classified under other chapters. Incomplete declaration elements, such as missing power or heating method, affecting classification.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "electric convection space heater" or "oil-filled electric heater".
⚠️ Writing only "heater" or "warmer" without specifying electrothermic and type.
Use
Describe the usage scenario of the heater, such as "for room heating" or "for office heating".
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "for heating".
Working Principle
Describe how the heater generates and transfers heat, such as "resistance wire heating, forced fan convection" or "heat transfer oil heating, natural convection".
⚠️ Failure to state whether it is electrothermic or another heat source, or confusing radiation with convection.
Brand
The brand name of the declared commodity; if there is no brand, fill in "unbranded".
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or failing to provide a Chinese translation.
Model
The specific model of the declared commodity, used to distinguish different specifications under the same brand.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual product.
Power
The rated power of the heater, in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).
⚠️ Failure to provide power or incorrect unit.
Heating Method
State whether it is radiation-type, convection-type, fan-type, or oil-filled type, etc.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring radiation-type as convection-type, leading to classification errors.
Example： Product Name: Electric convection space heater; Use: For room heating; Working Principle: Resistance wire heating, natural convection; Brand: ABC; Model: XYZ-2000; Power: 2000W; Heating Method: Convection-type.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying radiation-type space heaters under 8516.29, when they should actually be classified under 8516.21.
Failure to distinguish between electrothermic and non-electrothermic; non-electrothermic space heaters should be classified under other chapters.
Incomplete declaration elements, such as missing power or heating method, affecting classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification criteria: First, determine whether it is an electrothermic space heater, i.e., one that uses electrical energy to generate heat for raising the temperature of an enclosed space. Second, distinguish radiation-type (8516.21) from other types (8516.29). Radiation-type heaters mainly transfer heat through infrared radiation, while other types such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled mainly rely on air convection. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether it is a space heater rather than industrial heating equipment (which may be classified under Chapter 84 or other headings of Chapter 85). 8516.21 Radiation-type space heaters: 8516.21 specifically refers to radiation-type space heaters, which directly heat objects through infrared radiation, while 8516.29 covers other types such as convection and fan-forced. 8516.80 Electric heating resistors: 8516.80 is electric heating resistors, which are parts of heating elements, while 8516.29 is complete space heaters. 8479.89 Other machines with individual functions: If a space heater is used for industrial processes rather than space heating, it may be classified under 8479.89, but space heaters for household or similar use are still classified under 8516. 7321.81 Non-electric iron or steel space heaters: 7321.81 covers non-electrothermic space heaters, such as gas or oil heaters, while 8516.29 is electrothermic. Is it an electrothermic space heater? Is it used to raise the temperature of an enclosed space? Is it radiation-type? If yes, classify under 8516.21. Is it non-radiation-type? If yes, classify under 8516.29. Is it a part rather than a complete heater?
Basis
Core classification criteria: First, determine whether it is an electrothermic space heater, i.e., one that uses electrical energy to generate heat for raising the temperature of an enclosed space. Second, distinguish radiation-type (8516.21) from other types (8516.29). Radiation-type heaters mainly transfer heat through infrared radiation, while other types such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled mainly rely on air convection. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether it is a space heater rather than industrial heating equipment (which may be classified under Chapter 84 or other headings of Chapter 85).
Confused Codes：
8516.21 - Radiation-type space heaters
8516.21 specifically refers to radiation-type space heaters, which directly heat objects through infrared radiation, while 8516.29 covers other types such as convection and fan-forced.
8516.80 - Electric heating resistors
8516.80 is electric heating resistors, which are parts of heating elements, while 8516.29 is complete space heaters.
8479.89 - Other machines with individual functions
If a space heater is used for industrial processes rather than space heating, it may be classified under 8479.89, but space heaters for household or similar use are still classified under 8516.
7321.81 - Non-electric iron or steel space heaters
7321.81 covers non-electrothermic space heaters, such as gas or oil heaters, while 8516.29 is electrothermic.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it an electrothermic space heater?
✓ Is it used to raise the temperature of an enclosed space?
✓ Is it radiation-type? If yes, classify under 8516.21.
✓ Is it non-radiation-type? If yes, classify under 8516.29.
✓ Is it a part rather than a complete heater?
❓ FAQ
How to distinguish radiation-type space heaters from other space heaters? Radiation-type space heaters mainly directly heat objects and people through infrared radiation and usually have reflectors, such as quartz tube heaters and halogen heaters. Other types such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled mainly heat air to form convection. For classification, radiation-type is classified under 8516.21, and others under 8516.29. What is the difference between electrothermic space heaters and electric heating resistors (8516.80)? Electrothermic space heaters are complete heating equipment used for space heating and are classified under 8516.29. Electric heating resistors are heating elements, usually used as parts in various electrothermic appliances, and are classified under 8516.80. If a complete heater is imported, it should be classified under 8516.29; if only the resistance heating element is imported, it is classified under 8516.80. Which HS code should non-electrothermic space heaters be classified under? Non-electrothermic space heaters, such as gas, oil, or coal heaters, are usually classified under Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel) or Chapter 84 (mechanical appliances). For example, non-electric iron or steel space heaters are classified under 7321.81. The specific classification depends on the heat source and material. Does the power of a space heater affect HS code classification? Power itself does not affect HS code classification; classification is mainly based on working principle, heating method, and use. However, power is one of the declaration elements and must be declared truthfully so that customs can confirm the product's attributes. How to query the HS code for space heaters sold via cross-border e-commerce? First confirm whether it is an electrothermic space heater, then determine whether it is radiation-type. If radiation-type, query 8516.21; for other types, query 8516.29. It can be confirmed through customs tariff schedules, HS code query websites, or by consulting a customs broker. What declaration elements are required for importing space heaters? Usually, product name, use, working principle, brand, model, power, heating method, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. It is recommended to refer to the declaration elements for 8516.29 in the "Catalogue of Specifications for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China". What is the difference between space heaters and air conditioners (8415)? Air conditioners (8415) are used to regulate air temperature, humidity, etc., usually include cooling and heating functions, and are mostly centralized or split systems. Space heaters are only used for heating, have a single function, and are classified under 8516. If the equipment has both cooling and heating functions, it may be classified under 8415. How to query the import tariff rate for 8516.29? Tariff rates change with national policies and trade agreements. It is recommended to query the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. The "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" can also be referred to for MFN rates, general rates, etc.
Q: How to distinguish radiation-type space heaters from other space heaters?
A: Radiation-type space heaters mainly directly heat objects and people through infrared radiation and usually have reflectors, such as quartz tube heaters and halogen heaters. Other types such as convection, fan-forced, and oil-filled mainly heat air to form convection. For classification, radiation-type is classified under 8516.21, and others under 8516.29.
Q: What is the difference between electrothermic space heaters and electric heating resistors (8516.80)?
A: Electrothermic space heaters are complete heating equipment used for space heating and are classified under 8516.29. Electric heating resistors are heating elements, usually used as parts in various electrothermic appliances, and are classified under 8516.80. If a complete heater is imported, it should be classified under 8516.29; if only the resistance heating element is imported, it is classified under 8516.80.
Q: Which HS code should non-electrothermic space heaters be classified under?
A: Non-electrothermic space heaters, such as gas, oil, or coal heaters, are usually classified under Chapter 73 (articles of iron or steel) or Chapter 84 (mechanical appliances). For example, non-electric iron or steel space heaters are classified under 7321.81. The specific classification depends on the heat source and material.
Q: Does the power of a space heater affect HS code classification?
A: Power itself does not affect HS code classification; classification is mainly based on working principle, heating method, and use. However, power is one of the declaration elements and must be declared truthfully so that customs can confirm the product's attributes.
Q: How to query the HS code for space heaters sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: First confirm whether it is an electrothermic space heater, then determine whether it is radiation-type. If radiation-type, query 8516.21; for other types, query 8516.29. It can be confirmed through customs tariff schedules, HS code query websites, or by consulting a customs broker.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing space heaters?
A: Usually, product name, use, working principle, brand, model, power, heating method, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. It is recommended to refer to the declaration elements for 8516.29 in the "Catalogue of Specifications for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the People's Republic of China".
Q: What is the difference between space heaters and air conditioners (8415)?
A: Air conditioners (8415) are used to regulate air temperature, humidity, etc., usually include cooling and heating functions, and are mostly centralized or split systems. Space heaters are only used for heating, have a single function, and are classified under 8516. If the equipment has both cooling and heating functions, it may be classified under 8415.
Q: How to query the import tariff rate for 8516.29?
A: Tariff rates change with national policies and trade agreements. It is recommended to query the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. The "Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China" can also be referred to for MFN rates, general rates, etc.
⚠️ 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.