HS Code Category

HS Code Candidates for Kitchen Appliances

Use this page to prepare candidate HS headings, product facts, material and function variants, invoice descriptions, ecommerce catalog fields, and risk flags before official review.

Use HS Code Finder Check CSV Catalog Read Methodology

Answer summary

Product facts to verify

Main material and fiber or chemical composition
Construction: knitted, woven, molded, assembled
Function and intended use
Whether it includes electronics, battery, magnets, leather, or textile
Country of origin and destination market

Use this tool

HS Code Finder Commercial Invoice CSV Catalog Checker

Source note

Candidates are preparation aids only. Verify final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or the destination tariff database before filing.

Last reviewed

2026-08-02

Candidate headings table

Review candidates

The table below lists candidate HS headings for kitchen appliances. Each row is a starting point, not a final classification; verify in the destination tariff database before filing.

Code	Heading	Use when
`8516.40`	Electric smoothing irons	Clothing irons; usually out of scope for kitchen but listed for completeness.
`8516.50`	Microwave ovens	Microwave ovens for kitchen or commercial use; verify watt rating.
`8516.71`	Coffee or tea makers	Drip coffee makers, espresso machines, and electric kettles for coffee or tea.
`8516.72`	Toasters	Pop-up toasters, sandwich toasters, and similar bread-toasting appliances.
`8516.79`	Other electrothermic appliances	Air fryers, rice cookers, slow cookers, electric grills, and similar kitchen appliances.
`8509.40`	Food grinders and mixers; fruit or vegetable juice extractors	Stand mixers, hand mixers, blenders, and food processors with motor-driven blades.

National extensions after the 6-digit heading vary by destination market. Verify the full national code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff before filing.

Decision tree

How to classify kitchen appliances

Step 1: Identify function

Kettle, coffee maker, toaster, blender, air fryer, rice cooker, mixer, food processor.

Step 2: Pick the heading family

Coffee / tea makers and other electrothermic appliances are 8516; motor-driven kitchen tools are 8509.

Step 3: Apply the national extension

Open USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff and confirm the 10-digit code.

Step 4: Check electrical safety

Verify UL / ETL (US), CE (EU), UKCA (UK), CCC (China), PSE (Japan) for the destination.

Step 5: Document on the invoice

Use a strong description: function + capacity + voltage + wattage. Avoid generic words such as appliance, kitchen, gadget.

Step 6: Save the classification note

Write a short note explaining function, capacity, voltage, candidate code, origin, and any certification considered.

Material variants

How material changes the code

Material	Typical heading	Notes
Stainless steel housing	8516 / 8509	Premium kettles and toasters; function drives the heading, not the housing material.
Plastic housing	8516 / 8509	Common blenders, hand mixers, and entry-level appliances; same chapter as metal-housed versions.
Glass jar or pitcher	8509	Blender jars and food processor bowls are part of the appliance, not separate articles.
Cast aluminum or coated metal	8516.79	Air fryer baskets and rice cooker pots; coated metal is fine for kitchen contact.
Ceramic inner pot	8516.79	Slow cooker ceramic inserts; the appliance is still classified as an electrothermic appliance.
Wooden handle or trim	8516 / 8509	Decorative wood trim does not change the heading; function still drives it.

Function and use-case variants

How function changes the code

Function	Typical heading	Notes
Electric kettle	8516.71	Coffee or tea maker; verify whether the kettle is for coffee/tea or general boiling.
Coffee maker (drip or espresso)	8516.71	Coffee or tea maker; espresso and drip both fall here.
Toaster	8516.72	Pop-up or sandwich toaster; verify the function is bread toasting.
Blender or food processor	8509.40	Motor-driven blender or food processor; verify whether the appliance is for kitchen or commercial use.
Air fryer, rice cooker, slow cooker	8516.79	Other electrothermic appliances; verify the function is kitchen cooking.
Hand mixer or stand mixer	8509.40	Motor-driven mixer; verify whether the appliance is for kitchen or commercial use.

Risk flags

Source-check required

Flag	Impact on classification	Where to verify
Electrical safety certification	Kitchen appliances must meet destination electrical safety rules (UL, CE, UKCA, CCC, PSE).	Destination consumer product safety authority, IEC 60335.
Power and voltage compatibility	Appliances are usually voltage-specific (110 V vs 220-240 V); verify the destination voltage and plug standard.	Destination consumer safety authority, IEC plug standards.
High-value and heavy goods	Kitchen appliances are often high-value and heavy; freight class and insurance may apply.	Carrier freight class rules, freight forwarder guidance.
Country of origin	Section 301 additional tariff may apply on top of base duty for China-origin appliances.	USTR Section 301 list, USITC HTS.
Warranty and support coverage	Destination warranty rules may require local support or registration for appliances.	Destination consumer protection rules.
Food-contact materials	Inner pots and jars must meet destination food-contact material rules.	FDA (US), EU food-contact regulation, destination food safety authority.

Risk flags signal the need for official review before the candidate code is used on customs documents.

Invoice description examples

Strong descriptions

Strong invoice descriptions include material, function, product type, and key components (battery, electronics, magnet, leather, textile). Avoid generic words such as gift, sample, accessory, or product. The descriptions below are examples only, not final classifications.

Stainless steel electric kettle, 1.7 L, 220-240 V, 1500 W
Countertop blender, 1.5 L glass jar, 220-240 V, 800 W
Drip coffee maker, 12-cup capacity, 110-120 V, 900 W
Air fryer, 5 L basket, 110-120 V, 1500 W
4-slice pop-up toaster, stainless steel, 110-120 V, 1400 W
Hand mixer, 5-speed, 110-120 V, 250 W

Use these descriptions on the commercial invoice line item, with the candidate HS code and country of origin declared per line.

Ecommerce catalog fields

Shopify, WooCommerce, and CSV fields to check

Before labels and invoices are generated, prepare these fields in your ecommerce catalog. The CSV Catalog Checker scans Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, or custom CSV exports for missing customs fields locally in your browser.

Field	Why it matters
SKU	Stable identifier; survives product title edits; maps catalog row to invoice line.
Product title	Marketing label; should match but not replace the customs description.
Function (kettle / coffee maker / toaster / blender / air fryer / rice cooker)	Drives the heading within chapter 85; function must be on the invoice.
Voltage and plug standard	Drives the destination electrical safety and plug rule; must be on the invoice.
Wattage	Drives the destination electrical safety rule; must be on the invoice.
Capacity or size	Customs description input; supports the freight class and shipping paperwork.
Country of origin	Drives Section 301 additional tariff and destination electrical safety rules.
Candidate HS code	Working candidate from the AI HS Code Finder; never a final classification.
Customs description	Strong description (function + capacity + voltage + wattage) used on the commercial invoice.
Unit value and currency	Customs value input; affects duty base and de minimis treatment.
Quantity per inner pack / case	Supports packing list cross-check and weight validation.
Destination market	Pick the correct national tariff database for verification (USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).

Pair this with the Commercial Invoice Generator, the HS Code Finder, and the CSV Catalog Checker.

Worked example

Worked example: classifying a $35 stainless steel electric kettle

Scenario: A kitchen merchant lists a 1.7 L stainless steel electric kettle at a unit value of $35, FOB Shenzhen, MOQ 200 units, sold to US buyers. The merchant needs a candidate HS code and a commercial invoice draft.

Step 1: identify the product facts. Function is electric kettle; capacity is 1.7 L; voltage is 110-120 V; wattage is 1500 W; housing is stainless steel.
Step 2: pick the closest candidate heading. Electric kettles for coffee or tea fall under 8516.71. The merchant uses 8516.71 as a working candidate and verifies the national extension in USITC HTS.
Step 3: confirm the function and voltage. The description "stainless steel electric kettle, 1.7 L, 110-120 V, 1500 W" matches the candidate; verify UL or ETL listing for the destination.
Step 4: confirm origin and additional tariff. Origin is China; the merchant checks the USTR Section 301 list for the current rate on 8516.71.
Step 5: write the invoice description. Use "stainless steel electric kettle, 1.7 L, 110-120 V, 1500 W" so the description matches the candidate.
Step 6: document the basis. Keep a short note: function kettle, voltage 110-120 V, wattage 1500 W, candidate 8516.71, country of origin China.

Final classification depends on product facts, destination tariff rules, and official review. The candidate is preparation aid only.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Treating all kitchen appliances as one heading family without checking function.
Forgetting to declare voltage and wattage on the commercial invoice.
Treating the heading number as final without verifying the national extension.
Missing Section 301 additional tariff for China-origin appliances.
Reusing one HS code across kettle, blender, and toaster functions.
Ignoring destination electrical safety certification requirements.
Ignoring freight class and insurance rules for high-value heavy appliances.

Related Tools

Continue the workflow

Editorial

About this category page

Written by the TariffCatalog Editorial Team. Maintained by Ryan Cole and reviewed for candidate-only customs-data workflow clarity.

This page follows TariffCatalog's methodology for candidate-only classification, estimate-only calculators, and document draft workflows. Candidates are preparation aids, not binding classifications.

Methodology Sources Report an error

Maintainer

Reviewed by Ryan Cole

Ryan Cole maintains TariffCatalog from the perspective of a long-time ecommerce operator with 15+ years of experience in product catalog, international shipping, and pre-shipment data workflows. This page is reviewed for candidate-only HS code preparation, source-check clarity, and estimate-only or candidate-only wording.

TariffCatalog is a preparation aid, not a customs broker, legal, tax, or freight-forwarding service. Verify final classifications, rates, documents, and filing treatment with official sources or qualified professionals.

Last reviewed: August 2026 · Maintainer entity: Ryan Cole · Source policy: verified against official customs and tariff sources

Official Source Note

Check final codes

USITC HTS

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

CBP

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

EU TARIC

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

UK Trade Tariff

Verify candidate headings and destination-specific extensions.

FAQ

Common questions

Are these HS code candidates binding?

No. The headings on this page are candidates, preparation aids based on common product facts. Final classification depends on function, key specification, destination tariff rules, and any binding ruling in effect. Verify the final code in USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff, or the destination tariff database before filing.

Why does function change the HS code for a kitchen appliance?

HS classification for kitchen appliances is driven by function. Coffee / tea makers and other electrothermic appliances fall under chapter 85.16. Motor-driven kitchen tools (blender, mixer, food processor) fall under chapter 85.09. The function drives the heading, not the brand positioning or the housing material.

Why does voltage and wattage matter for customs?

Voltage and wattage are customs description inputs, not direct candidate heading drivers. The candidate is driven by function. However, voltage and wattage must be on the invoice because they drive destination electrical safety and plug rules. A 110-120 V appliance sold to a 220-240 V market needs a voltage converter or a different SKU.

Does destination electrical safety certification matter for HS code?

Destination electrical safety certification (UL, ETL, CE, UKCA, CCC, PSE) is required for import, but it does not change the candidate heading. The candidate is driven by function. Certification is a separate compliance step.

Do appliances need HS codes on the commercial invoice?

Most courier, freight, and broker channels expect an HS code candidate on the commercial invoice. Postal channels may clear on a CN22 or CN23 without a full code. Even when the channel does not require a code, including a candidate speeds up clearance and supports duty and tax review.

Should a kettle and a blender be classified separately?

Yes. A kettle and a blender fall under different heading families: 8516 vs 8509. The function drives the chapter, not the brand positioning. Verify each function in the destination tariff before quoting.

Can I bulk-assign one HS code to my appliance catalog?

It depends on the variants. Appliances that share function, voltage, and origin can share one candidate. Appliances that change function (kettle vs blender) or voltage (110 V vs 220 V) usually need a different candidate. The CSV Catalog Checker flags these patterns in bulk.

When should I ask a broker or electrical safety specialist?

Ask a licensed broker or electrical safety specialist when the product is regulated (high wattage, food contact, lithium battery), high-value, or ambiguous in classification. A one-time consultation or a written opinion can pay back many times over for a catalog that ships the same appliance family across many orders.

Last reviewed: 2026-08-02

Disclaimer

TariffCatalog provides candidate HS code suggestions, estimate-only calculators, and document drafts. Verify final classifications, duty rates, document requirements, and filing obligations with official sources, carriers, brokers, or destination authorities before filing or shipping.

Candidate headings on this page are preparation aids, not binding classifications. Final classification depends on exact product facts and the destination tariff rules in effect on the entry date.