HS Code 84.82 – Ball or roller bearings

HS code 8482 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ball or roller bearings. HS Heading 8482 covers ball or roller bearings, which are fundamental mechanical components vital for enabling smooth, low-friction rotational or linear motion in virtually all types of machinery. This classification is profoundly significant in international trade due to the universal application of bearings across industries, including automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, power generation, and consumer electronics. The scope encompasses a wide variety of bearing types, such as deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and needle roller bearings, along with their parts. These precision-engineered components are critical for machine performance, longevity, and energy efficiency. As part of Section XVI (Machinery and Mechanical Appliances), this heading underscores their role as essential mechanical elements. Accurate classification is crucial for trade compliance, impacting tariffs, anti-dumping duties (which are sometimes applied to specific bearing types), and adherence to technical standards. The global trade in bearings highlights interconnected supply chains and the specialized manufacturing capabilities required for these high-precision components.

Deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, self-aligning ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, needle roller bearings, thrust ball bearings, thrust roller bearings, miniature bearings, ceramic bearings, stainless steel bearings, mounted bearings (with integral ball/roller bearing), super precision bearings, thin section bearings, flanged bearings, wheel hub bearings, clutch release bearings, differential bearings, gimbal bearings, pillow block bearings (with integral ball/roller bearing), linear bearings (rolling element type), slewing bearings.

A common mistake is confusing ball or roller bearings (8482) with plain shaft bearings (8483), which are distinct in their operating principle. While both are bearings, 8482 is exclusively for rolling element types. Another error is classifying parts of bearings, such as individual balls, rollers, or races, separately from the complete bearing, as these typically fall under 8482 as 'parts.' Additionally, complex assemblies containing bearings, like a complete wheel hub assembly, might be misclassified under 8482 instead of parts of vehicles (Chapter 87) if they are specifically designed for a particular vehicle type.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8482 in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.5B, 20% of world exports), Germany ($4.8B) and Japan ($3.4B). World exports came to about $33.1B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8482 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($4.0B, 12% of world imports), China ($3.4B) and the United States ($3.3B). World imports came to about $33.6B, 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.

HS code 8482 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (82) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.