HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8428.20 – Elevators and conveyors; pneumatic

HS code 8428.20 is the 6-digit subheading for elevators and conveyors, pneumatic. It is used for pneumatic conveyor, vacuum conveyor, dilute phase conveying system, dense phase conveying system and pneumatic tube system.

What HS 8428.20 covers

This HS code specifically covers pneumatic elevators and conveyors. These systems utilize air pressure or vacuum to transport bulk materials such as powders, granules, and pellets through enclosed pipelines. They are widely employed across various industries including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, and agriculture, where hygiene, dust control, and efficient material transfer are paramount. International trade involves specialized industrial equipment manufacturers exporting to processing plants and manufacturing facilities globally. Key considerations for trade include system capacity, material compatibility, energy consumption, and compliance with industry-specific cleanliness standards. Their role is critical in automating and optimizing the handling of dry bulk goods.

Covers
  • Pneumatic conveyor
  • Vacuum conveyor
  • Dilute phase conveying system
  • Dense phase conveying system
  • Pneumatic tube system
  • Air slide conveyor
  • Pneumatic feeder
Examples
  • Schenck Process pneumatic conveying
  • Coperion K-Tron pneumatic conveying
  • Palamatic Process vacuum conveyors
  • Aerocom pneumatic tube systems

Codes often confused with 8428.20

Common mistake. Could be confused with other types of conveyors under 84283X (e.g., belt conveyors) if the 'pneumatic' method of transport is not specifically identified.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 842820, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842820 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $304M
  2. 2 Italy $225M
  3. 3 Germany $225M

World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $209M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$192M
  3. 3 Indonesia $73M

World total: $1.5B 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 codes for 8428.20 2

Brazil splits HS 8428.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 8428.20.10 Mobile pneumatic tube conveyors over 90 kWTransportadores tubulares (transvasadores) móveis, acionados com motor de potência superior a 90 kW (120 HP)
  2. 8428.20.90 Other pneumatic elevators and conveyorsOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.28 →

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

Questions about HS 8428.20

What is HS code 842820?

HS code 842820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Elevators and conveyors; pneumatic. This HS code specifically covers pneumatic elevators and conveyors. These systems utilize air pressure or vacuum to transport bulk materials such as powders, granules, and pellets through enclosed pipelines. They are widely employed across various industries including food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, and agriculture, where hygiene, dust control, and efficient material transfer are paramount. International trade involves specialized industrial equipment manufacturers exporting to processing plants and manufacturing facilities globally. Key considerations for trade include system capacity, material compatibility, energy consumption, and compliance with industry-specific cleanliness standards. Their role is critical in automating and optimizing the handling of dry bulk goods.

What products fall under HS code 842820?

Pneumatic conveyor, vacuum conveyor, dilute phase conveying system, dense phase conveying system, pneumatic tube system, air slide conveyor, pneumatic feeder

What are common misclassifications for HS code 842820?

Could be confused with other types of conveyors under 84283X (e.g., belt conveyors) if the 'pneumatic' method of transport is not specifically identified.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842820?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842820 in UN Comtrade data were China ($304M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($225M) and Germany ($225M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 842820?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842820 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($209M, 14% of world imports), Russia (about $192M) and Indonesia ($73M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 842820 structured?

HS code 842820 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (28) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842820?

Brazil splits HS code 842820 into 2 NCM codes: 8428.20.10 (Mobile pneumatic tube conveyors over 90 kW), 8428.20.90 (Other pneumatic elevators and conveyors). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.