Product classification

HS code for Beer brewing machine: 8438.40

Machinery, industrial, brewery machinery.

Classification of beer brewing machine under HS 8438.40

The classification of a beer brewing machine under HS code 8438.40 is determined by its primary function as industrial machinery for the preparation of beverages. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 84 covers mechanical appliances and machinery. Specifically, heading 8438 is reserved for machinery not specified elsewhere in the chapter that is used for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink. Subheading 8438.40 is the specific international designation for brewery machinery. This classification applies to equipment designed for the commercial production of beer, where the mechanical components are integrated to perform tasks such as mashing, boiling, and cooling the wort. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the machine is imported as a complete unit or in major functional components, provided they constitute the essential character of brewery machinery.

Covers
  • Industrial mash tuns with mechanical agitators
  • Lauter tuns equipped with raking systems
  • Wort kettles with integrated heating and circulation systems
  • Whirlpool vessels for trub separation
  • Complete automated brewhouse systems
  • Industrial wort coolers specifically designed for brewery integration
Also under 8438.40
  • Krones Bottling Lines
  • GEA Brewery Systems
  • Alfa Laval Separators
  • BrauKon Brewhouses
  • Ziemann Holvrieka Tanks

Codes often confused with 8438.40

Common mistake. Beer brewing machines are frequently misclassified under HS code 8419.81, which covers machinery for making hot drinks or for cooking food. However, 8419 is a more general heading for heat-exchange equipment, whereas 8438 is more specific to the food and beverage industry. Another common error is using HS code 8422.30, which is intended for machinery for filling, closing, sealing, or labeling bottles or cans. While these machines are used in breweries, they are distinct from the brewing machinery itself. Additionally, large stainless steel tanks without mechanical features may be misclassified under 7309.00 as reservoirs or vats, but if they contain mechanical agitators or specialized brewing components, they must stay within 8438.40.

8419.81Machinery, plant and equipment; for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food84.19Machinery, plant (not domestic), or laboratory equipment; electrically heated or not, (excluding items in 85.14) for the treatment of materials by a process involving change of temperature; including instantaneous or non electric storage water heaters84.38Machinery n.e.c. in this chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink; other than machinery for extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils8422.30Machinery; for filling, closing, sealing, capsuling or labelling bottles, cans, bags or other containers, machinery for aerating beverages7309.00Reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers; for any material (excluding compressed or liquefied gas), of iron or steel, capacity exceeding 300l, whether or not lined or heat insulated

Top exporters and importers of HS 843840 (the code used for beer brewing machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843840 (the code used for beer brewing machine) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 18% 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 843840, not only beer brewing machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $161M
  2. 2 China $79M
  3. 3 Belgium $20M

World total: $368M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Brazil $74M
  2. 2 United States $34M
  3. 3 Ireland $29M

World total: $423M 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 beer brewing machine

Brazil classifies beer brewing machine under NCM 8438.40.00: HS 8438.40 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about beer brewing machine

What is the HS code for Beer brewing machine?

The HS code for Beer brewing machine is 843840 (Machinery; industrial, brewery machinery). The primary HS code for industrial beer brewing machinery is 8438.40. This code specifically covers brewery-related mechanical equipment used in the production process.

How do I classify Beer brewing machine for customs?

Beer brewing machine is classified under HS code 843840 — Machinery; industrial, brewery machinery. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code apply to small home-brewing kits?

No, small home-brewing kits that are essentially non-mechanical containers or simple electric appliances may fall under 7323 or 8516, depending on their construction and heating elements. HS code 8438.40 is strictly for industrial-grade machinery.

Which countries are the top exporters of beer brewing machine (HS 843840)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843840 (the code used for beer brewing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($161M, 44% of world exports), China ($79M) and Belgium ($20M). World exports came to about $368M, 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 beer brewing machine (HS 843840)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 843840 (the code used for beer brewing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($74M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($34M) and Ireland ($29M). World imports came to about $423M, 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 Beer brewing machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 843840 for Beer brewing machine 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 beer brewing machine in Brazil?

In Brazil, beer brewing machine (HS 843840) is classified under NCM 8438.40.00.