Kitchen Appliances HSN Code Explained Clearly: 1 Minute to Understand HSN Codes for Kitchen Appliances

Clear HSN classification saves time, cuts dispute risk, and keeps pricing predictable. In kitchens, appliances span from small countertop devices to built-in heavy equipment, so getting the right code—and the correct tax rate—matters for importers, retailers, and designers specifying products. According to Steelcase’s research on choice and clarity in product information, reducing ambiguity improves decision speed and confidence for buyers; in my projects, the same principle applies to compliance details that live alongside product specs. WELL v2 also emphasizes consistent product documentation and labeling as part of organizational safety and operations, a small but meaningful link between design process discipline and compliant procurement.

From a global trade perspective, Harmonized System codes are standardized by the World Customs Organization, and most jurisdictions map tariff schedules to HS chapters. Kitchen appliances typically fall under HS Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) and Chapter 84 (Machinery, mechanical appliances), depending on power source and function. WELL v2’s Materials and Operations guidance underscores responsible product selection workflows; pairing accurate HSN coding with transparent specifications helps teams maintain traceability across procurement and installation phases. When I integrate appliances into drawings, I document both the HS heading and functional attributes (capacity, power rating) so finance and logistics teams have what they need early.

Core HSN Chapters for Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen equipment usually concentrates in these headings:

1. HS 85.16: Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters; electric heating apparatus; hair dryers; irons; toasters; coffee/tea makers; deep fryers; grills and other domestic electric appliances. Many small kitchen electrics (toasters, kettles, mixers) sit here.
2. HS 85.09: Domestic vacuum cleaners. While not a kitchen appliance per se, it’s relevant for cleaning equipment specified for pantry/service areas.
3. HS 84.19: Machinery for heating, cooking, roasting, distilling, sterilizing; industrial or commercial equipment (e.g., commercial ovens, dishwashers not solely domestic, certain steamers). Non-electric or gas-operated cooking apparatus may also land here depending on design.
4. HS 84.21: Centrifuges and filtering machines; includes certain juicers or extractors if industrial in scale.
5. HS 84.24: Mechanical appliances for spraying liquids (occasionally relevant for cleaning systems in commercial kitchens).
6. HS 73 / 39 (parts & enclosures): Steel or plastic components and housings may classify separately when traded as parts rather than complete appliances.

Typical Household Kitchen Appliances and Indicative HSN

These examples reflect common practice; always verify with the latest tariff schedule in your jurisdiction:

1. Electric kettle, toaster, sandwich maker, rice cooker, air fryer: HS 8516.
2. Coffee machine (domestic): HS 8516.
3. Stand mixer, hand mixer, electric blender: Often HS 8509 or 8516 depending on motorized handheld vs. heating function; many domestic blenders/mixers with electric motors classify under HS 8509.
4. Microwave oven: HS 8516 (electric cooking apparatus).
5. Dishwasher (domestic): Typically HS 8422 for dishwashing machines; commercial high-capacity units also in HS 8422.
6. Refrigerator, freezer: HS 8418 (refrigerating or freezing equipment).
7. Range hood (exhaust hood): HS 8414 (fans) or 8516 if combined with heating; most domestic hoods use 8414.
8. Gas cooktop (non-electric): HS 7321 (stoves, ranges, grates) when primarily non-electric.
9. Electric cooktop/induction hob: HS 8516.

Decoding the Structure: Chapter, Heading, Subheading

HSN codes follow a hierarchy: Chapter (2 digits), Heading (4 digits), Subheading (6 digits), and country-specific extensions (8 or more digits). Classification hinges on principal function, power source, and whether the product is complete or a part. If an appliance combines multiple functions (e.g., toaster-oven-air fryer), classify by the principal function or the function giving the essential character, supported by the General Rules for Interpretation (GRI).

Domestic vs. Commercial Appliances

Scale, capacity, duty cycle, and installation type often tip codes toward Chapter 84 for commercial machinery. A domestic countertop steamer sits in HS 8516, while a floor-standing, high-capacity combi oven for restaurants tends toward HS 8419. Documentation such as capacity (liters), rated power (kW), and intended use (domestic/commercial) helps customs determine the correct bucket. I always include these parameters on schedules and cut sheets.

Power Source Matters

Gas-fired or non-electric cooking appliances frequently move out of Chapter 85 into 73/84 headings (e.g., HS 7321 for non-electric stoves). Induction and resistive-electric cooktops, however, clearly fit 8516. Portable battery-driven devices with small motors may fall under 8509 if motor function is dominant.

Built-in vs. Countertop

Built-in appliances share the same HS chapter/heading as their countertop counterparts when the core function is identical. The difference lies in installation accessories and cabinetry, which are classified separately if shipped independently. When planning casework, I coordinate logistics so appliance units and panels have distinct codes to avoid misclassification.

Layout and Specification Workflow

Accurate HSN coding becomes easier when appliances are organized by function in the layout. Grouping cooking, refrigeration, and cleaning zones in drawings clarifies the bill of quantities and associated codes. For quick spatial testing of appliance footprints and clearances, a room layout tool can be useful for planning.

room layout tool

Documentation You Should Maintain

1. Technical datasheets: capacity, voltage, wattage, dimensions.
2. Functional summary: principal use, auxiliary functions.
3. Power source: electric, gas, combined.
4. Certification and safety marks: useful context for customs and insurance.
5. Exploded parts lists: helpful when shipping spares or modular kits (parts vs. complete units).

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

1. Ignoring principal function: Multi-function devices need a clear “essential character.”
2. Mixing parts with complete appliances: Pack and invoice separately when appropriate.
3. Assuming domestic = electric: Many domestic appliances are gas or mechanical and shift headings.
4. Not updating codes after a design change: A switch from gas to induction changes classification and tax.

Sustainability and Compliance

Material transparency and energy performance are part of responsible specification. WELL v2 highlights operational integrity and health. Aligning energy-efficient choices (e.g., induction over resistive, high-efficiency refrigeration) with clear HSN classification supports both environmental intent and clean procurement records.

FAQ

What is the HSN code for an electric kettle?

Typically HS 8516, under domestic electric heating and cooking apparatus.

How do I classify a gas cooktop?

Non-electric stoves and cookers often fall under HS 7321. Confirm design details and fuel type.

Where do refrigerators and freezers sit?

HS 8418 covers refrigerating or freezing equipment, including domestic refrigerators and freezers.

Are dishwashers in Chapter 85?

No. Dishwashing machines—domestic or commercial—commonly classify under HS 8422.

Is a blender 8509 or 8516?

Motor-driven domestic appliances not elsewhere specified typically fall under HS 8509; if the appliance’s core is heating, it shifts to 8516.

Do built-in ovens differ from countertop ovens?

Both are generally HS 8516 if electric. Installation type doesn’t change the chapter; function does.

How do I handle multi-function air fryer–toaster–oven units?

Classify by essential character per GRI, commonly under HS 8516 as electric cooking apparatus.

What documentation helps customs decide quickly?

Datasheets with capacity, power rating, intended use (domestic vs. commercial), and clear functional descriptions streamline classification.

Does HSN affect design layout?

Indirectly. Grouping appliances by function simplifies schedules and coding, reducing errors during procurement.

Can cleaning appliances for the kitchen be included?

Yes. Domestic vacuum cleaners fall under HS 8509; commercial cleaning systems may fall under HS 84.24 or other relevant headings.

How do energy-efficient choices relate to HSN?

Efficiency doesn’t change the chapter, but specifying induction, efficient refrigeration, or ENERGY STAR equivalents helps compliance and operational goals alongside correct HSN coding.

What about spare parts and panels shipped separately?

Parts may classify under different headings (e.g., steel or plastic components). Invoice and document them distinctly to avoid misclassification.