Product classification
HS code for Air liquefier: 8419.60
Machinery, for liquefying air or gas, not used for domestic purposes.
Classification of air liquefier under HS 8419.60
Air liquefiers are classified under HS code 8419.60, which pertains to machinery for liquefying air or other gases. This classification falls under Heading 8419, which encompasses a broad range of industrial equipment designed to treat materials through processes involving a change in temperature, such as heating, cooking, roasting, distilling, or cooling. The specific subheading 8419.60 is reserved for non-domestic machinery that achieves the phase change of gases into liquid form, typically through cryogenic cooling and compression cycles. This classification is guided by the function of the machine rather than its cooling mechanism alone. It is important to note that this code excludes equipment used for domestic purposes, which would fall under different headings. The classification relies on the industrial scale and the specific output of liquefied atmospheric gases, which are essential for various medical, scientific, and industrial applications. The technical complexity of these units, which often involve multi-stage compression and heat exchange, places them firmly within the industrial machinery category of Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Cryogenic air separation units (ASU)
- Industrial nitrogen liquefaction plants
- Oxygen liquefiers for medical or industrial use
- Argon and rare gas liquefaction machinery
- Large-scale gas liquefiers for laboratory research
- Also under 8419.60
- Linde Engineering (air separation & liquefaction)
- Air Products (cryogenic equipment)
- Chart Industries (LNG & industrial gas liquefaction)
- Messer (industrial gas plants)
- Sumitomo Heavy Industries (cryogenic equipment)
Codes often confused with 8419.60
Common mistake. Air liquefiers are often misclassified under HS code 8418, which covers refrigerators, freezers, and other cooling or freezing equipment. However, 8418 is generally for equipment that maintains a cold environment rather than equipment that changes the physical state of a gas to a liquid. Another common error is using 8414.80, which covers air or gas compressors; while liquefiers contain compressors, the complete system for liquefaction is more specifically described by 8419.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841960 (the code used for air liquefier), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841960 (the code used for air liquefier) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 841960, not only air liquefier.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $614M 40% of world exports
- 2 India $202M 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $184M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $199M 13% of world imports
- 2 Canada $155M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $133M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 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 air liquefier
Brazil classifies air liquefier under NCM 8419.60.00: HS 8419.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about air liquefier
What is the HS code for Air liquefier?
The HS code for Air liquefier is 841960 (Machinery; for liquefying air or gas, not used for domestic purposes). The HS code for industrial machinery used for liquefying air or other gases is 8419.60.
How do I classify Air liquefier for customs?
Air liquefier is classified under HS code 841960 — Machinery; for liquefying air or gas, not used for domestic purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include domestic air conditioners?
No, domestic air conditioning units are classified under HS code 8415, as they are designed for environmental temperature control rather than gas liquefaction.
Which countries are the top exporters of air liquefier (HS 841960)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841960 (the code used for air liquefier) in UN Comtrade data were China ($614M, 40% of world exports), India ($202M) and Italy ($184M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 air liquefier (HS 841960)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841960 (the code used for air liquefier) in UN Comtrade data were China ($199M, 13% of world imports), Canada ($155M) and the United States ($133M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Air liquefier the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841960 for Air liquefier is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for air liquefier in Brazil?
In Brazil, air liquefier (HS 841960) is classified under NCM 8419.60.00.