Product classification
HS code for Bearing balls: 8482.91
Bearings, parts, balls, needles and rollers.
Classification of bearing balls under HS 8482.91
Bearing balls are classified under HS code 8482.91, which specifically covers "Bearings; parts, balls, needles and rollers." This classification is designated for the essential rolling elements that enable the smooth operation of various types of bearings. These components are crucial for reducing friction and supporting loads within machinery. The subheading 8482.91 is highly specific, distinguishing these rolling elements from other parts of bearings and from complete, assembled bearings. Their classification here reflects their role as fundamental, precision-engineered components designed exclusively for use in bearings, regardless of the material from which they are made.
- Covers
- Precision steel balls for ball bearings
- Ceramic bearing balls
- Tapered rollers for roller bearings
- Cylindrical rollers for roller bearings
- Needle rollers for needle bearings
- Spherical rollers for spherical roller bearings
- Bearing balls made from various alloys
- Also under 8482.91
- Tsubaki balls
- GMN precision balls
- Koyo rollers
- SKF bearing components
Codes often confused with 8482.91
Common mistake. Bearing balls are commonly misclassified with complete bearings or with other parts of bearings. Complete ball bearings, for instance, are classified under HS code 8482.10, while complete roller bearings fall under 8482.20 (tapered roller), 8482.30 (spherical roller), 8482.40 (needle roller), or 8482.50 (other cylindrical roller). The key distinction is that 8482.91 is exclusively for the *parts* that are the rolling elements, not the assembled unit. Another common error is confusing bearing balls with other bearing parts like cages, rings, or seals, which are classified under HS code 8482.99. The description for 8482.91 explicitly lists "balls, needles and rollers," making it distinct from the residual category for other parts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848291 (the code used for bearing balls), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848291 (the code used for bearing balls) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 848291, not only bearing balls.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $381M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $202M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $129M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $184M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $161M 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $115M 7.4% 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 codes for bearing balls
Brazil splits HS 8482.91 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8482.91.11Steel balls for ballpoint pen refills
- 8482.91.19Other calibrated steel balls
- 8482.91.20Cylindrical rollers for bearings
- 8482.91.30Tapered rollers for bearings
- 8482.91.90Other bearing balls, needles and rollers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bearing balls
What is the HS code for Bearing balls?
The HS code for Bearing balls is 848291 (Bearings; parts, balls, needles and rollers). The HS code for bearing balls is 8482.91, which covers balls, needles, and rollers as parts of bearings.
How do I classify Bearing balls for customs?
Bearing balls is classified under HS code 848291 — Bearings; parts, balls, needles and rollers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are bearing balls distinguished from complete bearings for classification?
Bearing balls (HS 8482.91) are individual rolling elements that are components of a bearing. Complete bearings (e.g., 8482.10 for ball bearings) are assembled units comprising multiple parts, including the rolling elements, races, and cages, designed to function as a single unit.
Which countries are the top exporters of bearing balls (HS 848291)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848291 (the code used for bearing balls) in UN Comtrade data were China ($381M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($202M) and Japan ($129M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 bearing balls (HS 848291)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848291 (the code used for bearing balls) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($184M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($161M) and the United States ($115M). 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 Bearing balls the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848291 for Bearing balls 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 bearing balls in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 848291 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for bearing balls depends on the product's details: 8482.91.11 (Steel balls for ballpoint pen refills), 8482.91.19 (Other calibrated steel balls), 8482.91.20 (Cylindrical rollers for bearings), 8482.91.30 (Tapered rollers for bearings), 8482.91.90 (Other bearing balls, needles and rollers).