Product classification
HS code for Container cleaning machine: 8422.20
Machinery, for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers.
Classification of container cleaning machine under HS 8422.20
The classification of a container cleaning machine under HS code 8422.20 is governed by the functional nature of the equipment within the industrial processing chain. Heading 8422 covers a broad range of machinery used for dishwashing, cleaning, drying, filling, and sealing containers. Specifically, subheading 8422.20 is reserved for machinery designed for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these machines are specialized for the maintenance and preparation of vessels (such as bottles, jars, or industrial drums) before they are filled with product, they fall squarely into this category. The machinery typically employs mechanical, chemical, or thermal processes to remove contaminants, and the inclusion of drying components does not change the classification, as the subheading explicitly mentions both cleaning and drying functions.
- Covers
- Industrial bottle washing machines for beverage plants
- Automatic jar rinsing and cleaning systems
- Keg and barrel cleaning machinery
- Ultrasonic container cleaning systems for laboratory use
- Drying tunnels specifically designed for containers after washing
- Rotary container washers for pharmaceutical vials
- Also under 8422.20
- Krones bottle washers
- Sidel container cleaning systems
- GEA bottle drying machines
- KHS container cleaning equipment
Codes often confused with 8422.20
Common mistake. Container cleaning machines are frequently misclassified under HS code 8424, which covers mechanical appliances for projecting, dispersing, or spraying liquids. While cleaning machines often use sprays, their primary purpose is the cleaning of a specific vessel, whereas 8424 is for the spray mechanism itself. Another common error is using HS code 8479, which is a 'catch-all' category for machines having individual functions not specified elsewhere. However, because 8422.20 specifically describes cleaning and drying machinery for containers, it takes precedence over the more general 8479.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842220 (the code used for container cleaning machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842220 (the code used for container cleaning machine) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 842220, not only container cleaning machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $324M 27% of world exports
- 2 Italy $182M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $145M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $180M 18% of world imports
- 2 China $69M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $50M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $995M 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 container cleaning machine
Brazil classifies container cleaning machine under NCM 8422.20.00: HS 8422.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about container cleaning machine
What is the HS code for Container cleaning machine?
The HS code for Container cleaning machine is 842220 (Machinery; for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers). The primary HS code for industrial container cleaning and drying machinery is 8422.20.
How do I classify Container cleaning machine for customs?
Container cleaning machine is classified under HS code 842220 — Machinery; for cleaning or drying bottles or other containers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include household dishwashers?
No, household dishwashers are classified under HS code 8422.11, while industrial-grade dishwashers fall under 8422.19.
Which countries are the top exporters of container cleaning machine (HS 842220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842220 (the code used for container cleaning machine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($324M, 27% of world exports), Italy ($182M) and China ($145M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of container cleaning machine (HS 842220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842220 (the code used for container cleaning machine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($180M, 18% of world imports), China ($69M) and Germany ($50M). World imports came to about $995M, 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 Container cleaning machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842220 for Container cleaning 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 container cleaning machine in Brazil?
In Brazil, container cleaning machine (HS 842220) is classified under NCM 8422.20.00.