HS 851631 Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus

Quick Answer: Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus imported under HS 851631 enters the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US at 3.9% (MFN rate). This HS code covers devices like electric hairdryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners, designed for personal grooming. Importers should note that the US offers duty-free entry for this classification from several preferential trade partners, as detailed in USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Exporters and customs brokers must verify specific origin-based duty rates to ensure accurate declarations. CustomTariffs aggregates this information for global trade compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8516310000 2.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8516310000 2.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
8516310000 3.9% Free (17 programs) ["No."]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

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.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8516.31?

Imports of Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 851631 cover?

This subheading covers electrothermic apparatus designed for hairdressing or for hand-drying. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes devices like electric hair dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners that utilize electrical resistance to generate heat for styling or drying hair. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on personal care appliances that directly apply heat to hair or skin for drying purposes.

What falls outside HS 851631?

The following products are excluded from HS 851631: general-purpose electric heating appliances not specifically for hairdressing or hand-drying, such as electric heaters for rooms or electric blankets. Also excluded are hair curlers that operate without heat, or devices that primarily cut or style hair without significant electrothermic application. For example, manual hair dryers or non-heated styling tools would be classified elsewhere, typically under headings related to manual tools or other electrical appliances.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 851631?

A common error is misclassifying heated styling tools that are not primarily for hand-drying or general hairdressing. For instance, some specialized electrothermic devices used in professional salons for specific treatments might be mistakenly entered under this code. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the heading and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product has multiple functions, the essential character often dictates classification, which for 851631 is its electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying function.

How should importers classify products under HS 851631?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 851631 involves a thorough examination of the product's design, intended use, and operational principles. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and review the Explanatory Notes from the WCO. Confirming that the apparatus is specifically designed for electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying, and not for general heating purposes, is crucial for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851631?

A professional ionic hair dryer weighing 0.8 kg and declared at a customs value of $75.00 USD would attract a US duty of $5.63. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 7.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 7.5% of $75.00 = $5.63. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) under subheading 8516.31.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851631?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851631, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) can also offer preferential rates, often Free, for goods from eligible developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a EUR.1 movement certificate for EU preferences, depending on the specific agreement and origin country.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 851633 HS 851632 HS 851671 HS 851621 HS 851640 HS 851610

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 8516.31 (Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus)?

Import duty rates for HS code 8516.31 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 2.00% ad valorem. The EU's TARIC system may have different rates depending on the specific product and origin. The UK Trade Tariff also lists specific rates. Many preferential trade agreements offer reduced or free entry; for instance, rates can be Free (A, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG) under certain agreements, while others might be as high as 35% ad valorem. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and consider any applicable trade agreements.

How is the import duty for HS 8516.31 calculated, and can you provide an example?

Import duty for HS 8516.31 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate in the US is 2.00% ad valorem, and you import a shipment of hair dryers with a declared customs value of $10,000, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.02 (Duty Rate) = $200.00. Some countries may also have specific excise duties or taxes applied in addition to the customs duty.

What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 8516.31?

HS code 8516.31 covers electrothermic apparatus designed for hairdressing or for drying hands. Key classification criteria include: 1. Function: The primary purpose must be for hairdressing (e.g., hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners) or for drying hands. 2. Heating Element: The apparatus must utilize electricity to generate heat for its intended function. 3. Exclusions: This code does not cover general-purpose heating apparatus (e.g., space heaters) or other electrical appliances not specifically designed for hairdressing or hand-drying. Always refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System for detailed guidance.

Which common trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS 8516.31?

Several trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for HS 8516.31. For imports into the United States, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer preferential rates for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For imports into the European Union, agreements with countries like Switzerland, Norway, or those under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) can impact duties. The UK's network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) also affects rates for goods originating from partner countries. Importers must verify the Rules of Origin under the specific agreement to ensure eligibility for preferential treatment.

What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS 8516.31?

Standard documentation for importing goods under HS 8516.31 generally includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and origin, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under a trade agreement. Additionally, for electrical goods, importers may need to provide documentation demonstrating compliance with safety standards (e.g., CE marking for the EU, UL certification for the US) and potentially product-specific declarations related to energy efficiency or hazardous substances.