Product classification
HS code for Catalytic converter: 8421.32
Machinery, catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines.
Classification of catalytic converter under HS 8421.32
Catalytic converters are classified under HS code 8421.32. While these components are integral to the exhaust systems of motor vehicles, they are classified based on their primary function as machinery for purifying or filtering gases. Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System covers mechanical appliances, and Heading 8421 specifically includes centrifuges and filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. Subheading 8421.32 is reserved for catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, designed for purifying exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. This functional classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, as the specific description for gas purification apparatus in 8421 takes precedence over the more general category of vehicle parts in Chapter 87. The device works by using a catalyst (often precious metals like platinum or palladium) to convert toxic gases into less harmful substances, which aligns perfectly with the definition of a purifying apparatus.
- Covers
- Automotive catalytic converters
- Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units
- Three-way catalytic converters for gasoline engines
- Oxidation catalysts for exhaust systems
- Also under 8421.32
- MagnaFlow catalytic converters
- Walker exhaust systems (with integrated converters)
- Tenneco DPFs
- Johnson Matthey catalysts
Codes often confused with 8421.32
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for catalytic converters is 8708.92, which covers silencers (mufflers) and exhaust pipes for motor vehicles. While a catalytic converter is part of the exhaust line, the specific function of gas purification dictates that 8421.32 must be used. Another error involves 3815.12, which covers supported catalysts with precious metal; however, this code is for the chemical preparation itself, not the finished mechanical housing or the complete converter unit.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842132 (the code used for catalytic converter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842132 (the code used for catalytic converter) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 842132, not only catalytic converter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.6B 25% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $2.1B 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.1B 11% of world exports
World total: $10.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.0B 27% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 21% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $634M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $11.4B 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 catalytic converter
Brazil classifies catalytic converter under NCM 8421.32.00: HS 8421.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about catalytic converter
What is the HS code for Catalytic converter?
The HS code for Catalytic converter is 842132 (Machinery; catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines). The HS code for catalytic converters used in internal combustion engines is 8421.32.
How do I classify Catalytic converter for customs?
Catalytic converter is classified under HS code 842132 — Machinery; catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are diesel particulate filters (DPF) under the same code?
Yes, HS code 8421.32 specifically includes particulate filters for purifying exhaust gases alongside catalytic converters.
Which countries are the top exporters of catalytic converter (HS 842132)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842132 (the code used for catalytic converter) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.6B, 25% of world exports), Mexico ($2.1B) and the United States ($1.1B). World exports came to about $10.4B, 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 catalytic converter (HS 842132)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842132 (the code used for catalytic converter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.0B, 27% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and Mexico ($634M). World imports came to about $11.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Catalytic converter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842132 for Catalytic converter 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 catalytic converter in Brazil?
In Brazil, catalytic converter (HS 842132) is classified under NCM 8421.32.00.