HS code for hair dryers in the European Union
Last updated
Key facts
- Most likely code
- 8516.31
- Candidate codes
- 1
- HS edition
- HS2022
- National lines
- 1
- General duty (MFN)
- 2.7%
Summary
Hair dryers imported into the European Union are usually classified under HS code 8516.31 when it is an electro-thermic hair dryer. It sits in heading 85.16, “Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus (for example, hair dryers, hair curlers, curling tong heaters) and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other electro-thermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; electric heating resistors, other than those of heading 85.45”. The tariff of the European Union has 1 national line under this code. The general (MFN) duty in the European Union on the national lines under 8516.31 is 2.7%.
How to choose the right code
Is it a hair dryer, or another heated styling tool? Use 8516.31 when it is an electro-thermic hair dryer. Use 8516.32 when it is another electro-thermic hairdressing appliance, such as a straightener or curling tongs.
Some similar goods are classified elsewhere: 8516.32 applies when it is another electro-thermic hairdressing appliance, such as a straightener or curling tongs.
Codes for hair dryers
Each code is listed with its legal text from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, quoted as published, and the condition under which it applies to hair dryers.
- 8516.31
Most likely
Legal text: “Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus: Hair dryers”
Heading 85.16: “Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus (for example, hair dryers, hair curlers, curling tong heaters) and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other electro-thermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; electric heating resistors, other than those of heading 85.45”
Applies when it is an electro-thermic hair dryer.
- 8516.32
Classified elsewhere
Legal text: “Electrothermic hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus: Other hair-dressing apparatus”
Heading 85.16: “Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus (for example, hair dryers, hair curlers, curling tong heaters) and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other electro-thermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; electric heating resistors, other than those of heading 85.45”
Applies when it is another electro-thermic hairdressing appliance, such as a straightener or curling tongs.
National lines in the European Union
The tariff of the European Union splits this code into 1 national line, listed with their published text and general duty.
The general (MFN) duty in the European Union on the national lines under 8516.31 is 2.7%. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Under 8516.31
- 8516 31 00 00“Hairdryers”2.7%
Similar products
Products in the same category as hair dryers, or classified under the same headings.
- Hair straightenersHS 8516.32
- DeodorantHS 3307.20
- LipstickHS 3304.10
- MascaraHS 3304.20
- MoisturisersHS 3304.99
- Nail polishHS 3304.30
- PerfumeHS 3303.00
- ShampooHS 3305.10
- SunscreenHS 3304.99
- ToothpasteHS 3306.10
Other countries
National tariff lines for hair dryers are live for the United States. Each page lists the lines under the codes above, with their duty rates where they are live.
- Hair dryers in United States1 national lines, duty rates live
Check your exact product
Describe your product, or paste its page, and the classifier suggests the code in the tariff of the European Union with its reasons.
Classification depends on the exact product
The right code depends on what the product is made of, how it is made and what it is for, so two products sold as hair dryers can fall under different codes.
Guidance from published tariff data, not a binding ruling. For a decision customs must follow, apply to the destination’s customs authority for a binding tariff ruling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for hair dryers?
Hair dryers imported into the European Union are usually classified under HS code 8516.31 when it is an electro-thermic hair dryer. It sits in heading 85.16, “Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters; electric space heating apparatus and soil heating apparatus; electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus (for example, hair dryers, hair curlers, curling tong heaters) and hand dryers; electric smoothing irons; other electro-thermic appliances of a kind used for domestic purposes; electric heating resistors, other than those of heading 85.45”.
Does the type of appliance change the HS code for hair dryers?
Yes. Use 8516.31 when it is an electro-thermic hair dryer. Use 8516.32 when it is another electro-thermic hairdressing appliance, such as a straightener or curling tongs.
What is the duty on hair dryers imported into the European Union?
The general (MFN) duty in the European Union on the national lines under 8516.31 is 2.7%. Import VAT or sales tax is charged on top, and de minimis rules can change what is due; the landed cost calculator works it out for a shipment.
Sources and updates
The legal texts are from the HS2022 Harmonized System release, live on border.bot since 11 October 2026.
The national lines are from the tariff release of EU (areas=https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/9e277705-ac42-441d-8580-90cd730d9bc6/Geographical%20areas%20composition.xlsx#?; duties=https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/bfb94607-8b4c-40c3-ad33-1efef11bb80a/Duties%20Import%2001-99.xlsx#?; exclusions=https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/4b3c682c-947c-4f34-932d-0b8d192537bd/Measure%20exclusions.xlsx#?; nomenclature=https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/13694f84-6980-4966-8c91-22459447b52b/Nomenclature%20EN.xlsx#?), live on border.bot since 11 October 2026.
The duty rates are from the live rates release, live on border.bot since 11 October 2026.
The conditions and questions on this page were written for hair dryers by border.bot and checked against those legal texts; the page changes when a new release goes live or the topic is reviewed again.