HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8484.20 – Seals; mechanical
HS code 8484.20 is the 6-digit subheading for seals, mechanical. It is used for cartridge mechanical seals, component mechanical seals, bellows mechanical seals, mixer seals and pump seals.
What HS 8484.20 covers
Mechanical seals are precision-engineered devices designed to prevent leakage of fluids along a rotating shaft, crucial for pumps, mixers, compressors, and other rotating equipment. Unlike simpler packing seals, mechanical seals provide a superior, long-lasting seal by maintaining contact between two precisely lapped faces, one stationary and one rotating. This category is vital for industries where fluid containment and operational reliability are paramount, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and power generation. Countries with extensive industrial infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities, like the USA, Germany, China, and India, are significant importers, requiring these seals for new equipment and maintenance. Exporters often specialize in advanced materials and precision engineering. Key factors in international trade include the materials of construction (e.g., silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, carbon graphite), pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, and compliance with international standards, as seal failure can lead to costly downtime and environmental hazards.
- Covers
- Cartridge mechanical seals
- Component mechanical seals
- Bellows mechanical seals
- Mixer seals
- Pump seals
- Compressor seals
- Agitator seals
- Examples
- John Crane mechanical seals
- Flowserve mechanical seals
- EagleBurgmann mechanical seals
- AESSEAL mechanical seals
- Chesterton mechanical seals
Codes often confused with 8484.20
Common mistake. These are often confused with simpler oil seals or lip seals (e.g., 401693 for rubber seals) but are distinguished by their complex, precision-engineered rotating and stationary faces designed for high-performance applications. The engineering complexity is the key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 848420, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 848420 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 10% 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 Germany $748M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $590M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $376M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $378M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $312M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $294M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 8484.20
Brazil does not split HS 8484.20: its NCM code is 8484.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.84 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8484.20
What is HS code 848420?
HS code 848420 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seals; mechanical. Mechanical seals are precision-engineered devices designed to prevent leakage of fluids along a rotating shaft, crucial for pumps, mixers, compressors, and other rotating equipment. Unlike simpler packing seals, mechanical seals provide a superior, long-lasting seal by maintaining contact between two precisely lapped faces, one stationary and one rotating. This category is vital for industries where fluid containment and operational reliability are paramount, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and power generation. Countries with extensive industrial infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities, like the USA, Germany, China, and India, are significant importers, requiring these seals for new equipment and maintenance. Exporters often specialize in advanced materials and precision engineering. Key factors in international trade include the materials of construction (e.g., silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, carbon graphite), pressure and temperature ratings, chemical compatibility, and compliance with international standards, as seal failure can lead to costly downtime and environmental hazards.
What products fall under HS code 848420?
Cartridge mechanical seals, component mechanical seals, bellows mechanical seals, mixer seals, pump seals, compressor seals, agitator seals
What are common misclassifications for HS code 848420?
These are often confused with simpler oil seals or lip seals (e.g., 401693 for rubber seals) but are distinguished by their complex, precision-engineered rotating and stationary faces designed for high-performance applications. The engineering complexity is the key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 848420?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 848420 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($748M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($590M) and France ($376M). 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 848420?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 848420 in UN Comtrade data were France ($378M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($312M) and Germany ($294M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 848420 structured?
HS code 848420 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (84) 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 848420?
In Brazil, HS code 848420 is NCM 8484.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.