HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8421.31 – Machinery; intake air filters for internal combustion engines
HS code 8421.31 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery, intake air filters for internal combustion engines. It is used for engine air filters, cabin air filters, performance air filters, pleated paper air filters and foam air filters.
What HS 8421.31 covers
This HS code specifically covers machinery for filtering intake air for internal combustion engines. These filters are fundamental for protecting engines in vehicles, heavy machinery, and power generators from dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants. Their role is crucial for maintaining engine performance, preventing premature wear, and ensuring fuel efficiency. The global trade involves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for new vehicles, as well as a robust aftermarket for replacement parts. Importers include automotive assembly plants, auto parts distributors, and heavy equipment maintenance providers. Exporters are typically countries with strong automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors, highlighting the widespread demand for these essential engine components across various industries worldwide.
- Covers
- Engine air filters
- Cabin air filters
- Performance air filters
- Pleated paper air filters
- Foam air filters
- Panel air filters
- Heavy-duty engine air filters
- Examples
- K&N performance air filters
- Donaldson heavy-duty air filters
- Mahle air filters
- Purolator air filters
Codes often confused with 8421.31
Common mistake. Can be confused with 842123 (oil/fuel filters) due to being automotive filters, or 842139 (other gas filters) if not specifically for engine intake.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 842131, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842131 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 Germany $720M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $680M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $678M 14% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $636M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $365M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Canada $273M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 code for 8421.31
Brazil does not split HS 8421.31: its NCM code is 8421.31.00.
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 8421.31
What is HS code 842131?
HS code 842131 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; intake air filters for internal combustion engines. This HS code specifically covers machinery for filtering intake air for internal combustion engines. These filters are fundamental for protecting engines in vehicles, heavy machinery, and power generators from dust, dirt, and other airborne contaminants. Their role is crucial for maintaining engine performance, preventing premature wear, and ensuring fuel efficiency. The global trade involves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for new vehicles, as well as a robust aftermarket for replacement parts. Importers include automotive assembly plants, auto parts distributors, and heavy equipment maintenance providers. Exporters are typically countries with strong automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors, highlighting the widespread demand for these essential engine components across various industries worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 842131?
Engine air filters, cabin air filters, performance air filters, pleated paper air filters, foam air filters, panel air filters, heavy-duty engine air filters
What are common misclassifications for HS code 842131?
Can be confused with 842123 (oil/fuel filters) due to being automotive filters, or 842139 (other gas filters) if not specifically for engine intake.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842131?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842131 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($720M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($680M) and China ($678M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 842131?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842131 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($636M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($365M) and Canada ($273M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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 842131 structured?
HS code 842131 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 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842131?
In Brazil, HS code 842131 is NCM 8421.31.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.