HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8421.11 – Centrifuges; cream separators
HS code 8421.11 is the 6-digit subheading for centrifuges, cream separators. It is used for milk cream separators, industrial cream separators, farm-scale cream separators, continuous cream separators and batch cream separators.
What HS 8421.11 covers
This HS code specifically identifies cream separators, which are a type of centrifuge designed to separate cream from milk based on differences in density. These machines are fundamental to the dairy industry, enabling the production of various dairy products like butter, cheese, and different fat-content milks. The trade in cream separators involves specialized dairy equipment manufacturers, agricultural machinery suppliers, and dairy processing plants of all sizes, from small farms to large industrial operations. Importers often seek to modernize their dairy processing capabilities, improve efficiency, or expand their product lines. Key considerations include throughput capacity, separation efficiency, hygiene standards, and ease of cleaning. The global demand is influenced by the growth of the dairy industry, particularly in regions with increasing milk production and consumption, and the need for high-quality, consistent dairy product manufacturing.
- Covers
- Milk cream separators
- Industrial cream separators
- Farm-scale cream separators
- Continuous cream separators
- Batch cream separators
- Self-cleaning cream separators
- Examples
- Alfa Laval cream separators
- GEA Westfalia separators
- Tetra Pak separators
- DeLaval cream separators
- Seital cream separators
Codes often confused with 8421.11
Common mistake. This code is very specific to cream separation, distinguishing it from other centrifuges like 842112 (clothes dryers) or 842119 (other centrifuges for industrial use).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 842111, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842111 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 Italy $14M 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $14M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 15% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 20% of world imports
- 2 Latvia $7.0M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 India $5.9M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $84M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for 8421.11 2
Brazil splits HS 8421.11 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8421.11.10 Cream separators, 30,000 l/h or moreCom capacidade de processamento de leite igual ou superior a 30.000 l/h
- 8421.11.90 Other cream separatorsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.21 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8421.11
What is HS code 842111?
HS code 842111 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Centrifuges; cream separators. This HS code specifically identifies cream separators, which are a type of centrifuge designed to separate cream from milk based on differences in density. These machines are fundamental to the dairy industry, enabling the production of various dairy products like butter, cheese, and different fat-content milks. The trade in cream separators involves specialized dairy equipment manufacturers, agricultural machinery suppliers, and dairy processing plants of all sizes, from small farms to large industrial operations. Importers often seek to modernize their dairy processing capabilities, improve efficiency, or expand their product lines. Key considerations include throughput capacity, separation efficiency, hygiene standards, and ease of cleaning. The global demand is influenced by the growth of the dairy industry, particularly in regions with increasing milk production and consumption, and the need for high-quality, consistent dairy product manufacturing.
What products fall under HS code 842111?
Milk cream separators, Industrial cream separators, Farm-scale cream separators, Continuous cream separators, Batch cream separators, Self-cleaning cream separators
What are common misclassifications for HS code 842111?
This code is very specific to cream separation, distinguishing it from other centrifuges like 842112 (clothes dryers) or 842119 (other centrifuges for industrial use).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842111?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842111 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($14M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($14M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 842111?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842111 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 20% of world imports), Latvia ($7.0M) and India ($5.9M). World imports came to about $84M, 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 842111 structured?
HS code 842111 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842111?
Brazil splits HS code 842111 into 2 NCM codes: 8421.11.10 (Cream separators, 30,000 l/h or more), 8421.11.90 (Other cream separators). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.