HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8508.60 – Vacuum cleaners, other than with a self-contained electric motor
HS code 8508.60 is the 6-digit subheading for vacuum cleaners, other than with a self-contained electric motor. It is used for pneumatic industrial vacuums, air-powered shop vacuums, central vacuum system attachments (without motor), venturi vacuum cleaners and explosion-proof pneumatic vacuums.
What HS 8508.60 covers
This HS code covers vacuum cleaners that do not incorporate their own electric motor, meaning they rely on an external power source or a different mechanism for suction. This category primarily includes pneumatic vacuum cleaners, which use compressed air, or those designed to be connected to a central vacuum system's power unit (where the motor is classified separately). These are often specialized units used in industrial settings, hazardous environments (e.g., where electric motors could spark), or for specific applications requiring high-volume air movement without an integrated motor. Trade in these items is less consumer-driven and more focused on industrial and commercial procurement. Importers are typically industries with specialized cleaning needs, while exporters are manufacturers of industrial equipment. Key aspects include robust construction, specialized filtration, and compatibility with existing pneumatic or central vacuum infrastructures.
- Covers
- Pneumatic industrial vacuums
- Air-powered shop vacuums
- Central vacuum system attachments (without motor)
- Venturi vacuum cleaners
- Explosion-proof pneumatic vacuums
- Wet/dry air vacuums
- Examples
- Ruwac NA35
- Nilfisk CFM 3707
- EXAIR Reversible Drum Vac
- Vac-U-Max Air-Vac
- Delfin DG 50 EXP (pneumatic version)
Codes often confused with 8508.60
Common mistake. This code is distinct from all other vacuum cleaner codes (850811, 850819) because it explicitly excludes those with a self-contained electric motor, focusing instead on non-motorized or externally powered systems.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850860, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850860 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 $29M 14% of world exports
- 2 United States $16M 7.6% of world exports
- 3 Poland $16M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $215M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $71M 15% of world imports
- 2 Denmark $33M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $29M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $489M 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 8508.60
Brazil does not split HS 8508.60: its NCM code is 8508.60.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8508.60
What is HS code 850860?
HS code 850860 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vacuum cleaners, other than with a self-contained electric motor. This HS code covers vacuum cleaners that do not incorporate their own electric motor, meaning they rely on an external power source or a different mechanism for suction. This category primarily includes pneumatic vacuum cleaners, which use compressed air, or those designed to be connected to a central vacuum system's power unit (where the motor is classified separately). These are often specialized units used in industrial settings, hazardous environments (e.g., where electric motors could spark), or for specific applications requiring high-volume air movement without an integrated motor. Trade in these items is less consumer-driven and more focused on industrial and commercial procurement. Importers are typically industries with specialized cleaning needs, while exporters are manufacturers of industrial equipment. Key aspects include robust construction, specialized filtration, and compatibility with existing pneumatic or central vacuum infrastructures.
What products fall under HS code 850860?
Pneumatic industrial vacuums, Air-powered shop vacuums, Central vacuum system attachments (without motor), Venturi vacuum cleaners, Explosion-proof pneumatic vacuums, Wet/dry air vacuums
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850860?
This code is distinct from all other vacuum cleaner codes (850811, 850819) because it explicitly excludes those with a self-contained electric motor, focusing instead on non-motorized or externally powered systems.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850860?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850860 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($29M, 14% of world exports), the United States ($16M) and Poland ($16M). World exports came to about $215M, 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 850860?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850860 in UN Comtrade data were India ($71M, 15% of world imports), Denmark ($33M) and the United States ($29M). World imports came to about $489M, 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 850860 structured?
HS code 850860 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850860?
In Brazil, HS code 850860 is NCM 8508.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.