Product classification
HS code for Cream separator: 8421.11
Centrifuges, cream separators.
Classification of cream separator under HS 8421.11
Cream separators are classified under HS code 8421.11. This code is situated within heading 8421, which covers centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, as well as filtering or purifying machinery for liquids or gases. The classification of a cream separator is based on its functional mechanism: it uses centrifugal force to separate milk into cream and skimmed milk based on the different densities of the components. Because the Harmonized System provides a specific 6-digit subheading (8421.11) for cream separators, this specific description takes precedence over more general dairy machinery codes found in heading 8434. This applies to both small-scale manual separators used in artisanal dairy production and large-scale industrial centrifugal separators used in commercial milk processing plants. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the machine is used for bovine milk or milk from other animals.
- Covers
- Centrifugal cream separators
- Industrial dairy separators
- Manual hand-cranked cream separators
- Self-cleaning centrifugal separators for milk
- Automatic milk fat standardization separators
- Also under 8421.11
- Alfa Laval cream separators
- GEA Westfalia separators
- Tetra Pak separators
- DeLaval cream separators
- Seital cream separators
Codes often confused with 8421.11
Common mistake. Cream separators are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8434.20, which covers general dairy machinery. However, since 8421.11 specifically mentions cream separators as a type of centrifuge, GRI 3(a) dictates that the more specific heading must be used. Another error is using 8421.19, which is the "other" category for centrifuges. Because cream separators have their own dedicated subheading, 8421.19 is incorrect. Parts for these machines are also sometimes misclassified; they should generally fall under 8421.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842111 (the code used for cream separator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842111 (the code used for cream separator) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 842111, not only cream separator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $14M 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $14M 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 15% of world exports
World total: $69M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 20% of world imports
- 2 Latvia $7.0M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 India $5.9M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $84M 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 cream separator
Brazil splits HS 8421.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8421.11.10Cream separators, 30,000 l/h or more
- 8421.11.90Other cream separators
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cream separator
What is the HS code for Cream separator?
The HS code for Cream separator is 842111 (Centrifuges; cream separators). The specific HS code for a cream separator is 8421.11, which is a sub-category of centrifuges.
How do I classify Cream separator for customs?
Cream separator is classified under HS code 842111 — Centrifuges; cream separators. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are parts for cream separators included in 8421.11?
No, 8421.11 is for the complete machine. Parts for centrifuges, including cream separators, are classified under HS code 8421.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of cream separator (HS 842111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842111 (the code used for cream separator) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($14M, 21% of world exports), Germany ($14M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $69M, 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 cream separator (HS 842111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842111 (the code used for cream separator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 20% of world imports), Latvia ($7.0M) and India ($5.9M). World imports came to about $84M, 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 Cream separator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842111 for Cream separator 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 cream separator in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842111 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for cream separator depends on the product's details: 8421.11.10 (Cream separators, 30,000 l/h or more), 8421.11.90 (Other cream separators).