Product classification
HS code for Candy making machine: 8438.20
Machinery, industrial, for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa or chocolate.
Classification of candy making machine under HS 8438.20
Industrial machinery used for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa, or chocolate is classified under HS code 8438.20. This code is a subheading of 8438, which covers machinery, not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 84, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink. The confectionery industry requires highly specialized equipment for processes such as sugar boiling, cooling, molding, and coating. Subheading 8438.20 is specifically tailored to capture these machines. The classification logic follows the principle of intended use within an industrial context. For a machine to be classified here, it must be designed for the commercial production of sweets, chocolates, or other sugar-based treats. This includes everything from large-scale chocolate tempering units to automated gummy bear production lines and enrobing machines. The Harmonized System groups food processing machinery by the specific industry it serves (e.g., bakery, confectionery, brewery) to allow for detailed economic analysis and the application of specific trade policies. Because these machines are complex mechanical appliances, they are situated in Chapter 84, which handles mechanical power and industrial tools. Accurate classification under 8438.20 is vital for manufacturers and distributors to ensure compliance with safety standards and to determine the correct import duties for heavy industrial equipment. The classification remains the same whether the machine is electric, gas-heated, or part of a larger automated production line.
- Covers
- Chocolate tempering and molding machines
- Candy pulling and kneading machines
- Hard candy depositors and forming lines
- Confectionery enrobing (coating) machines
- Cocoa bean roasting and grinding machinery
- Also under 8438.20
- Bühler chocolate processing lines
- Aasted tempering machines
- Sollich enrobers
- Bosch Packaging Technology (confectionery)
- Caotech cocoa processing equipment
Codes often confused with 8438.20
Common mistake. Candy making machines are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8419.81, which covers machinery for making hot drinks or for cooking or heating food. While candy machines often involve heating, 8438.20 is more specific to the confectionery industry and takes precedence. Another error is using 8516.79 (other electro-thermic appliances), which is generally reserved for domestic or small-scale commercial appliances rather than heavy industrial manufacturing machinery.
Top exporters and importers of HS 843820 (the code used for candy making machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843820 (the code used for candy making machine) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 843820, not only candy making machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $459M 31% of world exports
- 2 Italy $210M 14% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $187M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $192M 13% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $132M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$77M 5.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.5B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 candy making machine
Brazil splits HS 8438.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8438.20.11Chocolate bonbon moulders, 150 kg/h or more
- 8438.20.19Other confectionery machinery
- 8438.20.90Cocoa or chocolate machinery, not confectionery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about candy making machine
What is the HS code for Candy making machine?
The HS code for Candy making machine is 843820 (Machinery; industrial, for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa or chocolate). The HS code for industrial candy making machinery is 8438.20.
How do I classify Candy making machine for customs?
Candy making machine is classified under HS code 843820 — Machinery; industrial, for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa or chocolate. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include chocolate manufacturing equipment?
Yes, HS code 8438.20 specifically includes machinery for the manufacture of cocoa and chocolate in addition to sugar confectionery.
Which countries are the top exporters of candy making machine (HS 843820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843820 (the code used for candy making machine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($459M, 31% of world exports), Italy ($210M) and the Netherlands ($187M). 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 candy making machine (HS 843820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 843820 (the code used for candy making machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($192M, 13% of world imports), Türkiye ($132M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $77M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Candy making machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 843820 for Candy making 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 candy making machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 843820 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for candy making machine depends on the product's details: 8438.20.11 (Chocolate bonbon moulders, 150 kg/h or more), 8438.20.19 (Other confectionery machinery), 8438.20.90 (Cocoa or chocolate machinery, not confectionery).