Product classification

HS code for Centrifugal dryer: 8421.19

Centrifuges, n.e.c. in heading no. 8421, including centrifugal dryers (but not clothes-dryers).

Classification of centrifugal dryer under HS 8421.19

The centrifugal dryer is classified under HS code 8421.19, which falls within the broader category of centrifuges. Heading 8421 covers centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, as well as filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. The primary reason for this classification is the mechanical principle of operation. Unlike thermal dryers that rely on heat and evaporation, a centrifugal dryer uses high-speed rotation to generate centrifugal force, which physically separates moisture or liquids from solid materials. This distinction is critical in the Harmonized System, as it separates mechanical separation equipment from thermal processing equipment. Subheading 8421.19 is a residual category for centrifuges that are not specifically designed for cream separation or clothes-drying. Because industrial centrifugal dryers are used across various sectors—including chemical processing, waste management, and food production—to dewater materials without necessarily applying heat, they are correctly placed here. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the machine is used for drying plastic pellets, salt, or industrial sludge, provided the separation is achieved through centrifugal action.

Covers
  • Industrial centrifugal dewaterers for plastic recycling
  • Centrifugal salt dryers used in chemical processing
  • Sugar centrifuges for separating crystals from liquor
  • Centrifugal separators for industrial sludge management
  • Laboratory centrifuges not used for medical or cream separation
  • Continuous flow centrifugal dryers for bulk solids
  • Hydro-extractors for industrial laundry (non-textile specific)
Also under 8421.19
  • Alfa Laval decanter centrifuges
  • GEA Westfalia disc stack separators
  • Eppendorf laboratory centrifuges
  • Hettich centrifuges
  • Flottweg decanter centrifuges

Codes often confused with 8421.19

Common mistake. Centrifugal dryers are frequently misclassified under HS code 8451.21 or 8451.29, which cover laundry-type dryers. However, heading 8451 is reserved for machinery that dries textiles using heat or air circulation. Another common error is using HS code 8419.39, which covers industrial dryers that utilize thermal energy. The key differentiator is the method of moisture removal; if the machine uses centrifugal force (spinning) rather than heat, it must stay within 8421. Additionally, household clothes dryers with a centrifugal function are often confused with industrial units, but household units are specifically excluded from 8421 if they fall under 8451.

8451.21Drying machines; of a dry linen capacity not exceeding 10kg8451.29Drying machines; of a dry linen capacity exceeding 10kg84.51Machinery (not of heading no. 8450) for washing, cleaning, wringing, drying, ironing, pressing, bleaching, dyeing, dressing, finishing, coating or impregnating textile yarn, fabrics or made up articles8419.39Dryers; for products n.e.c. in heading no. 8419, not used for domestic purposes84.21Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases

Top exporters and importers of HS 842119 (the code used for centrifugal dryer), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842119 (the code used for centrifugal dryer) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 842119, not only centrifugal dryer.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $903M
  2. 2 China $404M
  3. 3 United States $188M

World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $314M
  2. 2 United States $308M
  3. 3 India $87M

World total: $2.2B 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 centrifugal dryer

Brazil splits HS 8421.19 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about centrifugal dryer

What is the HS code for Centrifugal dryer?

The HS code for Centrifugal dryer is 842119 (Centrifuges; n.e.c. in heading no. 8421, including centrifugal dryers (but not clothes-dryers)). The HS code for an industrial centrifugal dryer is 8421.19, which covers centrifuges not specified elsewhere in the heading.

How do I classify Centrifugal dryer for customs?

Centrifugal dryer is classified under HS code 842119 — Centrifuges; n.e.c. in heading no. 8421, including centrifugal dryers (but not clothes-dryers). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does 8421.19 differ from 8421.11?

HS code 8421.11 is specifically reserved for cream separators used in the dairy industry, whereas 8421.19 covers a broad range of other centrifugal machines, including those used for drying solids or separating chemicals.

Which countries are the top exporters of centrifugal dryer (HS 842119)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842119 (the code used for centrifugal dryer) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($903M, 39% of world exports), China ($404M) and the United States ($188M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 centrifugal dryer (HS 842119)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 842119 (the code used for centrifugal dryer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($314M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($308M) and India ($87M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Centrifugal dryer the same in all countries?

The base HS code 842119 for Centrifugal dryer 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 centrifugal dryer in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 842119 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for centrifugal dryer depends on the product's details: 8421.19.10 (Laboratory centrifuges), 8421.19.90 (Other centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers).