HS 841821 Refrigerators, household type
Quick Answer: Refrigerators, household type, imported under HS code 841821, enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 1.50% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 35% ad valorem. This classification specifically covers domestic refrigerators, including those with freezers, designed for cooling and preserving food. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on specific product features and origin country, particularly in the US market. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying the precise tariff line and applicable duties for each import transaction to ensure compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8418211090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8418211010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8418210000 | — | — | — |
| 8418211000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8418215100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8418210000 | — | — | — |
| 8418211000 | 1.50 % | — | — |
| 8418211010 | 1.50 % | — | — |
| 8418211090 | 1.50 % | — | — |
| 8418215100 | 2.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8418210010 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 84182100 | Free | — | — |
| 8418210020 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8418210090 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8418210030 | — | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 841821 cover?
This subheading covers household-type refrigerators, which are defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) as refrigerating appliances designed for domestic use, typically for preserving food. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, this includes units that provide refrigeration, freezing, or both, and are intended for installation in a dwelling or for personal use. The key characteristic is their application in a household environment, distinguishing them from commercial or industrial refrigeration units.
What falls outside HS 841821?
The following products are excluded from HS 841821: commercial or industrial refrigerators and freezers (classified under other subheadings of 8418), ice cream makers (841830 or 841840), water coolers (841869), and appliances that primarily function as beverage dispensers or ice makers without significant refrigeration capacity for food preservation. For instance, a standalone ice machine for a bar would not be classified here, nor would a portable cooler chest designed for picnics that relies on ice packs.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 841821?
A common error is misclassifying commercial or semi-commercial refrigeration units as household types. This often occurs when a product, while compact, is designed for light commercial use, such as in a small office breakroom or a convenience store. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are mixed or composed of different materials or components, classification is determined by the essential character, which for refrigerators is their primary function and intended use.
How should importers classify products under HS 841821?
The correct procedure for classifying refrigerators under HS 841821 involves verifying the intended use and design of the appliance. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical specifications and marketing materials to confirm it is designed for domestic household use. Cross-referencing with official tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and considering any explanatory notes from the WCO, is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 841821?
A Liebherr CUEesf 2313 freestanding refrigerator-freezer with a declared customs value of $750.00 USD would attract a US duty of $56.25. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.5% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS code 8418.21.00, as 7.5% of $750.00 equals $56.25.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 841821?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 841821, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for eligible goods originating from Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from certain developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific origin country and the importing jurisdiction's regulations.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 841821 (household refrigerators) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, HS code 841821 generally carries a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem. This rate is applied to the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a shipment of refrigerators has a customs value of $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 \times 0.035 = $350. It is crucial for importers and brokers to verify the specific rate applicable at the time of entry, as trade agreements or specific country of origin can influence the final duty. Refer to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule for definitive rates.
Are there any preferential duty rates for HS code 841821 under common trade agreements?
While the United States has various trade agreements, specific preferential duty rates for HS code 841821 (household refrigerators) are not universally applicable or may have specific conditions. For instance, goods originating from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US might qualify for duty-free entry, provided they meet the rules of origin stipulated in that agreement. Importers and brokers must consult the relevant FTA text and the USITC's Harmonized Tariff Schedule, checking the specific column for the country of origin, to determine eligibility and any required certifications, such as a Certificate of Origin.
What specific criteria define a 'refrigerator, household type' under HS code 841821?
HS code 841821 covers refrigerating appliances of the compression type, designed for domestic use. Key classification criteria include their intended function (refrigeration and/or freezing for food preservation), capacity (typically within a range suitable for household use), and design features (e.g., single or multiple compartments, integrated freezers, aesthetic considerations for placement in a home). Appliances designed for industrial, commercial, or scientific use, or those with specialized functions beyond general food preservation, would typically be classified under different HS codes. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes provide further guidance on distinguishing household types from other refrigerating appliances.
What documentation is typically required for importing household refrigerators (HS 841821) into the EU?
When importing household refrigerators (HS 841821) into the European Union, standard customs documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill. Crucially, importers must ensure the goods comply with EU safety and energy efficiency standards. This often necessitates a Declaration of Conformity and CE marking. Depending on the country of origin, an EUR.1 movement certificate or a declaration on invoice may be required to claim preferential tariff treatment under an EU Free Trade Agreement. Importers should consult the EU's TARIC database for specific duty rates and any additional import formalities or restrictions.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 841821 if the duty rate is 1.50% ad valorem?
An ad valorem duty rate is calculated as a percentage of the customs value of the imported goods. For example, if household refrigerators classified under HS code 841821 have an import duty rate of 1.50% ad valorem, and the total customs value of the shipment is $50,000, the duty payable would be $50,000 \times 0.015 = $750. The customs value typically includes the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight (CIF) up to the point of importation. Importers and customs brokers must ensure accurate valuation and correct application of the duty rate as specified in the importing country's tariff schedule.