HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8479.20 – Machinery; for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils

HS code 8479.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery, for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils. It is used for oilseed presses, solvent extraction plants, oil refining systems, palm oil mills and olive oil centrifuges.

What HS 8479.20 covers

This code encompasses specialized industrial machinery crucial for the global production of edible oils, biofuels, and various industrial fats. It includes equipment used in every stage from raw material processing to the final extraction and purification of oils from sources like soybeans, palm, sunflower seeds, olives, and even animal rendering plants or microbial cultures. Key players in this trade are countries with large agricultural sectors or significant demand for processed oils, such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the EU. Importers often seek advanced, energy-efficient systems to maximize yield and quality, while exporters are typically specialized manufacturers from Germany, Italy, and the USA. Understanding the specific type of oil (vegetable, animal, microbial) and the processing method (cold press, solvent extraction, refining) is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance. The market is driven by food industry demand, biofuel production, and the cosmetics sector, making these machines a cornerstone of global supply chains for essential commodities.

Covers
  • Oilseed presses
  • Solvent extraction plants
  • Oil refining systems
  • Palm oil mills
  • Olive oil centrifuges
  • Biodiesel production equipment
  • Animal fat rendering machines
  • Microbial oil bioreactors
Examples
  • Alfa Laval decanters
  • Crown Iron Works solvent extractors
  • Desmet Ballestra refining lines
  • GEA Westfalia separators
  • Pieralisi olive oil mills

Codes often confused with 8479.20

Common mistake. This code can be confused with general food processing machinery under 8438, especially if the machinery has broader applications beyond fat/oil extraction. It's distinct from 843810 (bakery machinery) or 843850 (meat/poultry processing) by its specific focus on fats and oils.

84.38Machinery n.e.c. in this chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink; other than machinery for extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils8438.10Machinery; industrial, for bakery and for the manufacture of macaroni, spaghetti or similar products8438.50Machinery; industrial, for the preparation of meat or poultry

Top exporters and importers of HS code 847920, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 847920 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 19% 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 Malaysia $246M
  2. 2 China $237M
  3. 3 Italy $169M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Indonesia $216M
  2. 2 Türkiye $46M
  3. 3 Nigeria $44M

World total: $1.1B 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 8479.20

Brazil does not split HS 8479.20: its NCM code is 8479.20.00.

  1. 8479.20.00 Machines for extracting or preparing fats and oilsMáquinas e aparelhos para extração ou preparação de óleos ou gorduras vegetais ou de origem microbiana, fixos, ou de animais

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.79 →

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

Questions about HS 8479.20

What is HS code 847920?

HS code 847920 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery; for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils. This code encompasses specialized industrial machinery crucial for the global production of edible oils, biofuels, and various industrial fats. It includes equipment used in every stage from raw material processing to the final extraction and purification of oils from sources like soybeans, palm, sunflower seeds, olives, and even animal rendering plants or microbial cultures. Key players in this trade are countries with large agricultural sectors or significant demand for processed oils, such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the EU. Importers often seek advanced, energy-efficient systems to maximize yield and quality, while exporters are typically specialized manufacturers from Germany, Italy, and the USA. Understanding the specific type of oil (vegetable, animal, microbial) and the processing method (cold press, solvent extraction, refining) is vital for accurate classification and trade compliance. The market is driven by food industry demand, biofuel production, and the cosmetics sector, making these machines a cornerstone of global supply chains for essential commodities.

What products fall under HS code 847920?

Oilseed presses, Solvent extraction plants, Oil refining systems, Palm oil mills, Olive oil centrifuges, Biodiesel production equipment, Animal fat rendering machines, Microbial oil bioreactors

What are common misclassifications for HS code 847920?

This code can be confused with general food processing machinery under 8438, especially if the machinery has broader applications beyond fat/oil extraction. It's distinct from 843810 (bakery machinery) or 843850 (meat/poultry processing) by its specific focus on fats and oils.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 847920?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 847920 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($246M, 22% of world exports), China ($237M) and Italy ($169M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 847920?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 847920 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($216M, 19% of world imports), Türkiye ($46M) and Nigeria ($44M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 847920 structured?

HS code 847920 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (79) 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 847920?

In Brazil, HS code 847920 is NCM 8479.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.