HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8419.33 – Dryers; lyophilisation apparatus, freeze drying units and spray dryers, not used for domestic purposes

HS code 8419.33 is the 6-digit subheading for dryers, lyophilisation apparatus, freeze drying units and spray dryers, not used for domestic purposes. It is used for pharmaceutical freeze dryers, industrial lyophilizers, laboratory freeze drying units, food spray dryers and chemical spray dryers.

What HS 8419.33 covers

This HS code covers sophisticated industrial drying equipment, specifically lyophilizers (freeze dryers) and spray dryers, which are vital for preserving sensitive materials and creating fine powders in various industries. Lyophilization is crucial for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food processing, enabling long-term storage of vaccines, enzymes, and instant coffee. Spray dryers are extensively used in dairy, chemical, and ceramic industries to convert liquid feeds into dry powders. International trade is driven by the demand for high-quality, stable products and efficient processing. Importers include pharmaceutical companies, food processors, chemical manufacturers, and research labs. Exporters are typically specialized engineering firms. Key trade considerations involve capacity, energy efficiency, product integrity, and compliance with industry-specific regulations (e.g., GMP for pharma).

Covers
  • Pharmaceutical freeze dryers
  • Industrial lyophilizers
  • Laboratory freeze drying units
  • Food spray dryers
  • Chemical spray dryers
  • Ceramic powder spray dryers
  • Pilot-scale freeze dryers
  • Vacuum freeze dryers
Examples
  • GEA (spray dryers)
  • SP Scientific (freeze dryers)
  • IMA Pharma (lyophilizers)
  • Buchi (laboratory spray dryers)
  • Telstar (freeze dryers)

Codes often confused with 8419.33

Common mistake. This code is specific to lyophilization and spray drying, differentiating it from general industrial dryers (841939) or agricultural dryers (841934) which use different drying principles. It's important to distinguish the specific drying technology.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 841933, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 841933 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.5% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $144M
  2. 2 United States $61M
  3. 3 Denmark $43M

World total: $412M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $33M
  2. 2 Vietnam* ~$28M
  3. 3 Switzerland $26M

World total: $390M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM code for 8419.33

Brazil does not split HS 8419.33: its NCM code is 8419.33.00.

  1. 8419.33.00 Freeze-drying apparatus and spray dryersAparelhos de liofilização, aparelhos de criodessecação e secadores por pulverização

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.19 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8419.33

What is HS code 841933?

HS code 841933 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dryers; lyophilisation apparatus, freeze drying units and spray dryers, not used for domestic purposes. This HS code covers sophisticated industrial drying equipment, specifically lyophilizers (freeze dryers) and spray dryers, which are vital for preserving sensitive materials and creating fine powders in various industries. Lyophilization is crucial for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and food processing, enabling long-term storage of vaccines, enzymes, and instant coffee. Spray dryers are extensively used in dairy, chemical, and ceramic industries to convert liquid feeds into dry powders. International trade is driven by the demand for high-quality, stable products and efficient processing. Importers include pharmaceutical companies, food processors, chemical manufacturers, and research labs. Exporters are typically specialized engineering firms. Key trade considerations involve capacity, energy efficiency, product integrity, and compliance with industry-specific regulations (e.g., GMP for pharma).

What products fall under HS code 841933?

Pharmaceutical freeze dryers, Industrial lyophilizers, Laboratory freeze drying units, Food spray dryers, Chemical spray dryers, Ceramic powder spray dryers, Pilot-scale freeze dryers, Vacuum freeze dryers

What are common misclassifications for HS code 841933?

This code is specific to lyophilization and spray drying, differentiating it from general industrial dryers (841939) or agricultural dryers (841934) which use different drying principles. It's important to distinguish the specific drying technology.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 841933?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 841933 in UN Comtrade data were China ($144M, 35% of world exports), the United States ($61M) and Denmark ($43M). World exports came to about $412M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 841933?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 841933 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 8.5% of world imports), Vietnam (about $28M) and Switzerland ($26M). World imports came to about $390M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

How is HS code 841933 structured?

HS code 841933 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (19) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (33) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 841933?

In Brazil, HS code 841933 is NCM 8419.33.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.