HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8438.80 – Machinery; used in the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, n.e.c. in heading no. 8438
HS code 8438.80 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery, used in the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, n.e.c. in heading no. 8438. It is used for confectionery depositors, beverage mixers, snack extruders, industrial pasta makers and coffee roasters.
What HS 8438.80 covers
This 'basket' HS code covers industrial machinery for the preparation or manufacture of food or drink, not elsewhere specified in heading 8438. It's a broad category that captures a diverse range of specialized equipment used across various segments of the food and beverage industry, from confectionery and snack production to beverage processing, pasta making, and spice grinding. This machinery is crucial for manufacturers producing niche products or those with unique processing requirements not covered by more specific codes like meat, dairy, or fruit/vegetable processing. Major importers are global food and beverage companies seeking to diversify their product lines or enhance production efficiency. Exporters are typically countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, offering innovative solutions for complex food processing challenges. Trade often involves custom-engineered solutions.
- Covers
- Confectionery depositors
- Beverage mixers
- Snack extruders
- Industrial pasta makers
- Coffee roasters
- Chocolate refiners
- Spice grinders
- Dough sheeters
- Industrial fryers
- Examples
- Bühler chocolate processing lines
- Tetra Pak beverage filling machines
- PFM packaging machines
- APV processing equipment
Codes often confused with 8438.80
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with more specific codes like 843810 (bakery), 843820 (dairy), 843850 (meat), or 843860 (fruit/veg) if the machinery has a primary function that fits those categories. It serves as a residual category for other food/drink machinery.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 843880, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 843880 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 18% 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 Italy $670M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $579M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $500M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $470M 13% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$177M 4.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Kingdom $125M 3.5% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 8438.80 3
Brazil splits HS 8438.80 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8438.80.10 Citrus essential oil extraction machinesMáquinas para extração de óleo essencial de citros
- 8438.80.20 Automatic fish gutting machines over 350 a minuteAutomática, para descabeçar, cortar a cauda e eviscerar peixes, com capacidade superior a 350 unidades por minuto
- 8438.80.90 Other food or drink processing machineryOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.38 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8438.80
What is HS code 843880?
HS code 843880 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; used in the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, n.e.c. in heading no. 8438. This 'basket' HS code covers industrial machinery for the preparation or manufacture of food or drink, not elsewhere specified in heading 8438. It's a broad category that captures a diverse range of specialized equipment used across various segments of the food and beverage industry, from confectionery and snack production to beverage processing, pasta making, and spice grinding. This machinery is crucial for manufacturers producing niche products or those with unique processing requirements not covered by more specific codes like meat, dairy, or fruit/vegetable processing. Major importers are global food and beverage companies seeking to diversify their product lines or enhance production efficiency. Exporters are typically countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities, such as Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, offering innovative solutions for complex food processing challenges. Trade often involves custom-engineered solutions.
What products fall under HS code 843880?
Confectionery depositors, beverage mixers, snack extruders, industrial pasta makers, coffee roasters, chocolate refiners, spice grinders, dough sheeters, industrial fryers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 843880?
This code is frequently confused with more specific codes like 843810 (bakery), 843820 (dairy), 843850 (meat), or 843860 (fruit/veg) if the machinery has a primary function that fits those categories. It serves as a residual category for other food/drink machinery.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 843880?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 843880 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($670M, 18% of world exports), China ($579M) and Germany ($500M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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 843880?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 843880 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($470M, 13% of world imports), Russia (about $177M) and the United Kingdom ($125M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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.
How is HS code 843880 structured?
HS code 843880 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (38) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 843880?
Brazil splits HS code 843880 into 3 NCM codes: 8438.80.10 (Citrus essential oil extraction machines), 8438.80.20 (Automatic fish gutting machines over 350 a minute), 8438.80.90 (Other food or drink processing machinery). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.