How to avoid pitfalls in barbecue grill exports? Experts answer your questions!

When exporting grill products, market access requirements and product certifications vary by country. Companies must understand the target markets laws and regulations in advance to ensure compliance with local standards.

EU Market: CE Certification and EN1860 Standards

Grills exported to the EU requireCE Certification, a mandatory market access requirement. Additionally, they must comply withEN1860 standardfor grill products, ensuring structural, material, and safety performance meet regulations. CE certification includesLVD Low Voltage DirectiveandEMC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directiveto verify electrical/mechanical safety and electromagnetic compatibility. The EN1860 standard covers structural stability, material safety, usage instructions, and safety warnings to ensure consumer safety.

U.S. Market: FCC Certification and UL Certification

Grills exported to the U.S. must passFCC certificationto comply with the Federal Communications Commissions electromagnetic compatibility standards. AlthoughUL certificationis not mandatory, it is a critical certification for ensuring product safety in the U.S., especially for grills sold on platforms likeCross-border E-commerce. UL certification significantly reduces delisting risks and covers electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility.

Other Emerging Markets: India, Saudi Arabia, etc.

Beyond Europe and the U.S., emerging markets like India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia are increasingly raising access requirements for grills and other appliances, coveringenvironmental protection, energy efficiency, product performance, safety standards, and electromagnetic compatibility.and other aspects. Enterprises should thoroughly research the market access requirements of the target market before exporting to ensure product compliance and avoid unnecessary economic losses.

The HS code for barbecue grills depends on their type and energy source, mainly divided into non-electric grills (such as gas or charcoal) and electric grills.

A. Non-electric Grills

• HS code: 7321.11 or 7321.19
  • 7321.11: Cooking appliances and heating plates using gas fuel or a combination of gas and other fuels
  • 7321.19: Cooking appliances and heating plates using other fuels (including solid fuels such as charcoal)

B. Electric Grills

• HS code: 8516.60
  • 8516.60: Other ovens; cooking appliances, heating plates, boiling rings, roasters, and toasters

Classification Basis

Classification Basis for Non-electric Grills

• Chapter attribution: Chapter 73 - Base Metals and Articles Thereof
• Heading 7321: Stoves, ranges, grates, cooking appliances (including those with subsidiary boilers for heating), barbecue grills, braziers, gas rings, heating plates, and similar non-electric household appliances and parts thereof, of iron or steel
• Classification Reasons: Non-electric grills use non-electric energy sources such as gas, charcoal, or coal for cooking and grilling food, typically made of base metals like iron or steel.

Classification Basis for Electric Grills

• Chapter attribution: Chapter 85 - Electrical Machinery and Equipment and Parts Thereof
• Item 8516: Electric water heaters, space heaters, electric hair care appliances, electric irons, other household electric heating appliances, and electric heating resistors
• Classification Reasons: Electric grills use electricity as the energy source, generating heat through electric heating elements for cooking and grilling food, meeting the definition of household electric heating appliances.

When exporting barbecue grill products, enterprises must pay attention to the compliance of customs declarations and regulatory requirements.

Customs Declaration and Supervision

According to the relevant regulations of the General Administration of Customs, barbecue grill products are not subject to mandatory statutory inspection. However, customs may conduct random inspections on goods not listed in the statutory inspection catalog. Therefore, enterprises must truthfully declare relevant information to customs during export and actively cooperate with on-site inspections. Enterprises certified under theCustoms Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programcan enjoy customs facilitation measures in mutual recognition countries and regions, effectively reducing trade costs.

Export Document Preparation and Customs Clearance

When exporting barbecue grills, enterprises need to preparecommercial invoices, packing lists,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:certificates of origin, quality certificates, and shipping documentsand understand the trade requirements of the target market in advance. Upon arrival at the destination country, the goods must undergoenterprise registration, item declaration, tax payment, and inspection and quarantineprocedures to ensure smooth customs clearance.

In recent years, countries have increasingly implementedThe EUs new Battery Law (2023) requires importers to provide a carbon footprint statementtechnical measures targeting household appliances such as barbecue grills, covering environmental protection, low-carbon, and green barriers. According to statistics, in 2023, WTO member states reported 1,844 technical trade measures related to barbecue grill products, accounting for 35.8% of the total notifications. Enterprises need to reasonably address these technical measures to avoid export disruptions due to non-compliance.

Proactively Addressing Foreign Technical Barriers

When encountering foreign technical trade measures, enterprises should actively maintain communication withpurchasers, foreign distributors, associations, and testing institutionsto obtain relevant information in a timely manner. At the same time, they can reasonably use legal means to protect their rights and strive for trade fairness. Additionally, enterprises should increase investment inresearch equipment and technical personnelto enhance technical capabilities and adapt to the rapid changes in foreign standards.

Strengthening Compliance and Certification Preparation

In response to the increasing number of technical trade measures, enterprises need to prepare for product certification and compliance in advance, including environmental certifications, energy efficiency certifications, etc., to ensure products meet the latest standards of target markets. They should also utilize resources such as customs technology centers to understand the compliance requirements of target markets, thereby reducing economic losses caused by non-compliance.

Product Certification and Testing

Certification requirements vary across markets. Enterprises should contact certification agencies in advance to ensure products pass all necessary certifications before export. For barbecue grills exported to the EU, special attention should be paid to CE certification and EN1860 standard compliance, while FCC and UL certifications are particularly important for exports to the U.S.

Monitoring Market Trends and Regulatory Updates

Requirements for household appliances are constantly updated, especially regarding environmental protection, low-carbon, and energy efficiency. Enterprises should regularly track regulatory changes in target markets and adjust product designs and certifications promptly to maintain market competitiveness.

Enhancing Logistics and Customs Clearance Efficiency

As large household appliances, the efficiency of logistics and customs clearance directly impacts the export cycle and cost of barbecue grills. Choosing experiencedExport Representationcompanies can help enterprises improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and ensure timely entry into overseas markets.

The export of barbecue grill products involves multiple stages and requirements, including market access certifications, customs declarations and clearance, and addressing foreign technical trade measures. Enterprises must prepare thoroughly before export to ensure products comply with the laws, regulations, and certification requirements of target markets, avoiding economic losses due to non-compliance. For any questions, feel free to contact ourZhongShen International Tradeexpert team, and we will be delighted to assist you!