Product classification
HS code for Confectionery machine: 8438.20
Machinery, industrial, for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa or chocolate.
Classification of confectionery machine under HS 8438.20
The classification of industrial machinery for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa, or chocolate under HS code 8438.20 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GIR). Specifically, Heading 8438 covers machinery for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 84. Subheading 8438.20 is a specific provision for equipment used in the confectionery and chocolate industries. This classification is determined by the machine's specialized function, such as grinding cocoa beans, mixing chocolate paste, or molding sugar-based candies. It is important to note that this code applies to industrial-scale equipment rather than small domestic appliances. The machinery must be primarily designed for the processing of sugar confectionery or the transformation of cocoa into chocolate products. Under GIR 1, the section and chapter notes provide the legal framework, and since no other heading more specifically describes these confectionery-making machines, 8438.20 is the appropriate designation for international trade documentation.
- Covers
- Chocolate tempering machines
- Enrobing machines for candy coating
- Industrial cocoa bean roasters
- Sugar-coating pans and drums
- Candy pulling and forming machines
- Chocolate molding and depositing lines
- Caramel and toffee cookers
- 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. This code is frequently confused with HS code 8438.10, which is reserved for bakery machinery used in the production of bread, biscuits, or pasta. If a machine is designed for dough-based products, it belongs in 8438.10 even if the final product is sweet. Another common error is using HS code 8419.81, which covers general-purpose industrial heating or cooking equipment. If the machine is specifically engineered for confectionery, 8438.20 takes precedence. Additionally, packaging or wrapping machines used in confectionery plants must be classified under 8422.30 or 8422.40 rather than 8438.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 843820 (the code used for confectionery machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843820 (the code used for confectionery 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 confectionery 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 confectionery 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 confectionery machine
What is the HS code for Confectionery machine?
The HS code for Confectionery machine is 843820 (Machinery; industrial, for the manufacture of confectionery, cocoa or chocolate). The primary HS code for industrial confectionery and chocolate manufacturing machinery is 8438.20.
How do I classify Confectionery machine for customs?
Confectionery 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 domestic candy-making appliances?
No, HS code 8438.20 is strictly for industrial machinery. Domestic appliances are typically classified under heading 8509 for electromechanical domestic appliances or 7321 for non-electric cooking appliances.
Which countries are the top exporters of confectionery machine (HS 843820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843820 (the code used for confectionery 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 confectionery machine (HS 843820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 843820 (the code used for confectionery 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 Confectionery machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 843820 for Confectionery 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 confectionery machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 843820 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for confectionery 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).