84182100
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, electric or other; heat pumps other than air-conditioning machines of heading 8415
Refrigerators, household type - Compression-type
Subcodes (5)
Classification scope of compression refrigerators (841821)
CN code 841821 covers household-type compression refrigerators. These are refrigerators using a mechanical compressor refrigeration cycle to maintain internal temperature above zero degrees Celsius (typically 2-8 C). This includes single-compartment refrigerators without a freezer, refrigerators with a small internal freezer compartment (without separate doors) and bar-type (minibar) refrigerators. The classification criterion is use of a mechanical compressor. Absorption and other non-compression refrigerators fall under 841829. Combined fridge-freezers with separate doors under 841810.
Import requirements and regulations for refrigerators (841821)
Importing refrigerators into the EU is subject to extensive regulations. Energy Labelling Regulation (EU) 2019/2016 requires A-G energy labels. Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2019 sets minimum efficiency requirements. F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 restricts high-GWP refrigerants. LVD, EMC and RoHS require CE marking. WEEE Directive imposes end-of-life obligations. Importers must hold an EORI number. Documentation includes invoice, CE declaration, energy label and product fiche.
EU compression refrigerator market (841821)
The compression refrigerator market is a mature household appliance segment. Modern refrigerators feature variable-speed inverter compressors for low energy use and quiet operation. No-frost technology eliminates ice build-up. Multi-zone systems allow different temperature settings. R600a (isobutane) is the standard refrigerant in new EU refrigerators. Leading manufacturers include BSH, Electrolux, Samsung, LG and Whirlpool. Built-in refrigerators are a growing segment. Imports from China, Turkey and Korea are significant.
Compression-type refrigerators - EU energy labels and ecodesign
CN code 8418 21 covers compression-type refrigerators. Import requires compliance with F-gas Regulation EU 517/2014, Ecodesign Directive, energy labelling requirements and LVD. Refrigeration appliances must carry EU energy labels rated at least class F. Customs clearance requires CE certificate and full technical documentation.
Frequently asked questions
What refrigerators are classified under 841821?
Subheading 841821 covers household compression-type refrigerators - single-compartment units and those with small internal freezer compartments without separate doors. The criterion is mechanical compressor use. Absorption refrigerators fall under 841829. Combined fridge-freezers with separate doors under 841810.
What energy efficiency requirements must refrigerators meet?
Refrigerators on the EU market must meet minimum efficiency requirements under Ecodesign Regulation (EU) 2019/2019 and carry an energy label (classes A-G). Appliances below minimum requirements cannot be placed on the EU market. The energy label includes the EEI index and annual energy consumption.
Can refrigerators with R134a refrigerant be imported into the EU?
F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 prohibits from 2025 placing new household appliances with refrigerants of GWP above 150 on the EU market. R134a has GWP=1430, so new refrigerators with this refrigerant cannot enter the EU market. The EU standard is R600a (isobutane, GWP=3).
What energy labels apply to compression-type refrigerators CN 8418 21?
Compression-type refrigerators CN 8418 21 must carry EU energy labels per the delegated regulation. Energy class affects market attractiveness. The label must accompany the product at point of sale.
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