Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is the core chapter for electrical and electronic goods in the HS classification, covering a wide range of fields including power generation, power transformation, power consumption, communications, and consumer electronics. Headings within the chapter are arranged by function or use, such as 8501 electric motors, 8504 transformers, 8517 telephone sets, etc. Goods in this chapter generally operate on electrical or electronic principles, but care must be taken to distinguish them from mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84 and optical instruments of Chapter 90. Heading 8516 covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus (such as hair dryers and hair curlers) and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other household electro-thermic appliances; and electric heating resistors, etc. The core characteristic of this heading is "electro-thermic," i.e., the conversion of electrical energy into heat for household or similar purposes. However, note that electro-thermic appliances used for industrial or laboratory purposes may be classified under other headings. First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. Digits 3-4, 16: indicates heading 8516, i.e., electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other household electro-thermic appliances; electric heating resistors, etc. Digits 5-6, 79: indicates subheading 8516.79, i.e., other electro-thermic appliances. This subheading is a residual subheading covering other household electro-thermic appliances not listed in 8516.10 to 8516.60, such as electric blankets, electrically heated footwear, electric cups, etc. The goods are electro-thermic appliances and are not specifically named in 8516.10 to 8516.60, so they are classified under 8516.79. If they were electric instantaneous water heaters, they would be classified under 8516.10; if electric space heating apparatus, under 8516.20; if electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus, under 8516.30; if electric smoothing irons, under 8516.40; if other household electro-thermic appliances but constituting microwave ovens, electric stoves, etc., under 8516.60. 8516.79 is a residual subheading applicable to other electro-thermic appliances not elsewhere specified.
Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. This chapter is the core chapter for electrical and electronic goods in the HS classification, covering a wide range of fields including power generation, power transformation, power consumption, communications, and consumer electronics. Headings within the chapter are arranged by function or use, such as 8501 electric motors, 8504 transformers, 8517 telephone sets, etc. Goods in this chapter generally operate on electrical or electronic principles, but care must be taken to distinguish them from mechanical apparatus of Chapter 84 and optical instruments of Chapter 90.
Heading
Heading 8516 covers electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus (such as hair dryers and hair curlers) and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other household electro-thermic appliances; and electric heating resistors, etc. The core characteristic of this heading is "electro-thermic," i.e., the conversion of electrical energy into heat for household or similar purposes. However, note that electro-thermic appliances used for industrial or laboratory purposes may be classified under other headings.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 85: indicates Chapter 85, i.e., electric motors, electrical equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories thereof. Digits 3-4, 16: indicates heading 8516, i.e., electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other household electro-thermic appliances; electric heating resistors, etc. Digits 5-6, 79: indicates subheading 8516.79, i.e., other electro-thermic appliances. This subheading is a residual subheading covering other household electro-thermic appliances not listed in 8516.10 to 8516.60, such as electric blankets, electrically heated footwear, electric cups, etc.
Classification Basis
The goods are electro-thermic appliances and are not specifically named in 8516.10 to 8516.60, so they are classified under 8516.79. If they were electric instantaneous water heaters, they would be classified under 8516.10; if electric space heating apparatus, under 8516.20; if electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus, under 8516.30; if electric smoothing irons, under 8516.40; if other household electro-thermic appliances but constituting microwave ovens, electric stoves, etc., under 8516.60. 8516.79 is a residual subheading applicable to other electro-thermic appliances not elsewhere specified.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "electric blanket," "electric cup," etc. Use: Explain the usage scenario of the goods, such as household, commercial, industrial, etc. Household use is the key to classification under 8516.79. Material: Main constituent materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, etc., which affect classification and tax rates. Brand: The brand or trademark of the goods; if no brand, fill in "no brand." Model: The model or specifications of the goods, such as voltage, power, and other parameters. Power: The rated power of the electro-thermic appliance, in watts (W), which affects product performance and classification. Heating Method: Such as resistance heating, infrared heating, electromagnetic heating, etc. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Electric Blanket
Use: Household
Material: Polyester fabric, alloy heating wire
Brand: Warm Sun
Model: NY-2000
Power: 100W
Heating Method: Resistance heating
HS Code: 85167990
Quantity: 1000 pieces
Unit Price: USD 10
Total Price: USD 10,000 Misclassifying industrial electro-thermic appliances under 8516.79 when they should actually be classified under other headings. Ignoring the voltage of electro-thermic appliances; if low voltage (e.g., below 36V), they may be classified under other codes. Failing to distinguish electro-thermic appliances from electro-mechanical appliances, such as confusing electric blankets with electric fans.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "electric blanket," "electric cup," etc.
⚠️ Writing only "electro-thermic appliance" is too general and should be made specific.
Use
Explain the usage scenario of the goods, such as household, commercial, industrial, etc. Household use is the key to classification under 8516.79.
⚠️ Misreporting industrial electro-thermic appliances as household use.
Material
Main constituent materials, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, etc., which affect classification and tax rates.
⚠️ Ignoring the material of the heating element, such as the resistance wire material.
Brand
The brand or trademark of the goods; if no brand, fill in "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting it.
Model
The model or specifications of the goods, such as voltage, power, and other parameters.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry, resulting in inability to identify.
Power
The rated power of the electro-thermic appliance, in watts (W), which affects product performance and classification.
⚠️ Incorrect power unit or failure to provide it.
Heating Method
Such as resistance heating, infrared heating, electromagnetic heating, etc.
⚠️ Misreporting electromagnetic heating as resistance heating.
Misclassifying industrial electro-thermic appliances under 8516.79 when they should actually be classified under other headings.
Ignoring the voltage of electro-thermic appliances; if low voltage (e.g., below 36V), they may be classified under other codes.
Failing to distinguish electro-thermic appliances from electro-mechanical appliances, such as confusing electric blankets with electric fans.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the goods are electro-thermic appliances, i.e., utilizing electrical energy converted into heat; second, confirm whether they are for household or similar purposes; third, confirm whether they are specifically named in 8516.10 to 8516.60; if not named in any, classify under 8516.79. Reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for heading 8516, as well as national subheading notes. 8516.10 Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters: 8516.10 specifically refers to liquid heaters, while 8516.79 covers other electro-thermic appliances not involving liquid heating. 8516.20 Electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus: 8516.20 is for space heating, such as electric heaters, while 8516.79 is for other uses. 8516.30 Electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers: 8516.30 specifically refers to hairdressing and hand-drying uses, such as hair dryers, while 8516.79 covers others. 8516.40 Electric smoothing irons: 8516.40 specifically refers to electric smoothing irons, while 8516.79 covers other electro-thermic appliances. 8516.60 Other electro-thermic ovens, cookers, heating plates, heating rings, etc.: 8516.60 is for electro-thermic ovens, etc., while 8516.79 covers other household electro-thermic appliances. Are they electro-thermic appliances? Are they for household or similar purposes? Are they specifically named in 8516.10-8516.60? Do they have an independent function? Are they confused with electro-mechanical appliances?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: First, confirm whether the goods are electro-thermic appliances, i.e., utilizing electrical energy converted into heat; second, confirm whether they are for household or similar purposes; third, confirm whether they are specifically named in 8516.10 to 8516.60; if not named in any, classify under 8516.79. Reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for heading 8516, as well as national subheading notes.
Confused Codes：
8516.10 - Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters
8516.10 specifically refers to liquid heaters, while 8516.79 covers other electro-thermic appliances not involving liquid heating.
8516.20 - Electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus
8516.20 is for space heating, such as electric heaters, while 8516.79 is for other uses.
8516.30 - Electro-thermic hairdressing apparatus and hand dryers
8516.30 specifically refers to hairdressing and hand-drying uses, such as hair dryers, while 8516.79 covers others.
8516.40 - Electric smoothing irons
8516.40 specifically refers to electric smoothing irons, while 8516.79 covers other electro-thermic appliances.
8516.60 - Other electro-thermic ovens, cookers, heating plates, heating rings, etc.
8516.60 is for electro-thermic ovens, etc., while 8516.79 covers other household electro-thermic appliances.
Self-Check：
✓ Are they electro-thermic appliances?
✓ Are they for household or similar purposes?
✓ Are they specifically named in 8516.10-8516.60?
✓ Do they have an independent function?
✓ Are they confused with electro-mechanical appliances?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between 851679 and 851660? 851660 is "other electro-thermic ovens, cookers, heating plates, heating rings, etc.," mainly used for cooking or industrial heating; 851679 is "other electro-thermic appliances," a residual subheading applicable to household electro-thermic appliances not elsewhere specified, such as electric blankets, electric cups, etc. Which HS code should electric blankets be classified under? Electric blankets are household electro-thermic appliances and are not specifically named in 8516.10 to 8516.60, so they should be classified under 8516.79. When declaring, elements such as use, material, and power must be specified. Are industrial electro-thermic ovens classified under 851679? Not necessarily. Industrial electro-thermic ovens are typically classified under 8514 (industrial or laboratory electric furnaces and ovens), not 8516. 8516 mainly covers household or similar purposes. How to check the tax rate for 851679? The latest tax rates can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, China International Trade Single Window, or the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." Tax rates may vary by country, trade agreements, etc., and the latest official publication should prevail. What are common errors when declaring 851679? Common errors include: misreporting industrial use as household use, failing to provide power, confusing electro-thermic appliances with electro-mechanical appliances, and omitting brand and model. Product attributes should be carefully verified to ensure complete and accurate declaration elements. Does 851679 include electrically heated footwear? Yes, electrically heated footwear is a household electro-thermic appliance and should be classified under 851679. However, note that if the electrically heated footwear has a massage function, it may be classified under 9019 (massage appliances). How to declare electric cups sold via cross-border e-commerce? Electric cups are classified under 851679. When declaring, elements such as product name, use, material, brand, model, power, and heating method must be provided. Cross-border e-commerce should note the customs requirements of the destination country, which may require certification documents. What is the difference between 851679 and 851629? 851629 is "other electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus," used for heating space or soil; 851679 covers other electro-thermic appliances not used for space heating. For example, electric heaters are classified under 851629, and electric blankets under 851679.
Q: What is the difference between 851679 and 851660?
A: 851660 is "other electro-thermic ovens, cookers, heating plates, heating rings, etc.," mainly used for cooking or industrial heating; 851679 is "other electro-thermic appliances," a residual subheading applicable to household electro-thermic appliances not elsewhere specified, such as electric blankets, electric cups, etc.
Q: Which HS code should electric blankets be classified under?
A: Electric blankets are household electro-thermic appliances and are not specifically named in 8516.10 to 8516.60, so they should be classified under 8516.79. When declaring, elements such as use, material, and power must be specified.
Q: Are industrial electro-thermic ovens classified under 851679?
A: Not necessarily. Industrial electro-thermic ovens are typically classified under 8514 (industrial or laboratory electric furnaces and ovens), not 8516. 8516 mainly covers household or similar purposes.
Q: How to check the tax rate for 851679?
A: The latest tax rates can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, China International Trade Single Window, or the "Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China." Tax rates may vary by country, trade agreements, etc., and the latest official publication should prevail.
Q: What are common errors when declaring 851679?
A: Common errors include: misreporting industrial use as household use, failing to provide power, confusing electro-thermic appliances with electro-mechanical appliances, and omitting brand and model. Product attributes should be carefully verified to ensure complete and accurate declaration elements.
Q: Does 851679 include electrically heated footwear?
A: Yes, electrically heated footwear is a household electro-thermic appliance and should be classified under 851679. However, note that if the electrically heated footwear has a massage function, it may be classified under 9019 (massage appliances).
Q: How to declare electric cups sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: Electric cups are classified under 851679. When declaring, elements such as product name, use, material, brand, model, power, and heating method must be provided. Cross-border e-commerce should note the customs requirements of the destination country, which may require certification documents.
Q: What is the difference between 851679 and 851629?
A: 851629 is "other electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus," used for heating space or soil; 851679 covers other electro-thermic appliances not used for space heating. For example, electric heaters are classified under 851629, and electric blankets under 851679.
⚠️ 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.