HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8421.32 – Machinery; catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines

HS code 8421.32 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery, catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. It is used for catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, exhaust gas purifiers and three-way catalysts.

What HS 8421.32 covers

This category covers catalytic converters and particulate filters, whether combined or separate, specifically designed for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. These devices are critical for environmental protection, playing a key role in reducing harmful emissions from vehicles and industrial engines to meet stringent global air quality standards. The trade is heavily influenced by environmental regulations and technological advancements in emissions control. Importers include automotive manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers, and vehicle repair centers, while exporters are often countries with advanced automotive technology and precious metal processing capabilities. The high value of these products is often linked to the precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) used in their construction.

Covers
  • Catalytic converters
  • Diesel particulate filters (DPF)
  • Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems
  • Exhaust gas purifiers
  • Three-way catalysts
  • Oxidation catalysts
  • Ceramic particulate filters
Examples
  • MagnaFlow catalytic converters
  • Walker exhaust systems (with integrated converters)
  • Tenneco DPFs
  • Johnson Matthey catalysts

Codes often confused with 8421.32

Common mistake. Could be confused with 842139 (other gas filters) if not specifically for exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, or even parts of exhaust systems in 8708.

8421.39Machinery; for filtering or purifying gases, other than intake air filters, catalytic converters or particulate filters for internal combustion engines87.08Motor vehicles; parts and accessories, of heading no. 8701 to 8705

Top exporters and importers of HS code 842132, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842132 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 Germany $2.6B
  2. 2 Mexico $2.1B
  3. 3 United States $1.1B

World total: $10.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $3.0B
  2. 2 Germany $2.4B
  3. 3 Mexico $634M

World total: $11.4B 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 8421.32

Brazil does not split HS 8421.32: its NCM code is 8421.32.00.

  1. 8421.32.00 Exhaust catalytic converters, particulate filtersConversores catalíticos e filtros de partículas, mesmo combinados, para depurar ou filtrar os gases de escape dos motores de ignição por centelha (faísca) ou por compressão

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 8421.32

What is HS code 842132?

HS code 842132 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. This category covers catalytic converters and particulate filters, whether combined or separate, specifically designed for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. These devices are critical for environmental protection, playing a key role in reducing harmful emissions from vehicles and industrial engines to meet stringent global air quality standards. The trade is heavily influenced by environmental regulations and technological advancements in emissions control. Importers include automotive manufacturers, aftermarket suppliers, and vehicle repair centers, while exporters are often countries with advanced automotive technology and precious metal processing capabilities. The high value of these products is often linked to the precious metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium) used in their construction.

What products fall under HS code 842132?

Catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, exhaust gas purifiers, three-way catalysts, oxidation catalysts, ceramic particulate filters

What are common misclassifications for HS code 842132?

Could be confused with 842139 (other gas filters) if not specifically for exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, or even parts of exhaust systems in 8708.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842132?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842132 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.6B, 25% of world exports), Mexico ($2.1B) and the United States ($1.1B). World exports came to about $10.4B, 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 842132?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842132 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.0B, 27% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and Mexico ($634M). World imports came to about $11.4B, 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 842132 structured?

HS code 842132 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 (32) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842132?

In Brazil, HS code 842132 is NCM 8421.32.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.