Product classification
HS code for Distillation plant: 8419.40
Distilling or rectifying plant, not used for domestic purposes.
Classification of distillation plant under HS 8419.40
Distillation plants are classified under HS code 8419.40. This code falls within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8419 encompasses machinery and plant, whether or not electrically heated, for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature, such as heating, cooking, roasting, or distilling. Subheading 8419.40 is dedicated to distilling or rectifying plant. These systems are designed to separate mixtures into their component parts based on differences in volatility through evaporation and condensation. The classification applies to industrial-scale equipment and excludes small-scale domestic appliances. The plant must be a functional unit designed for the distillation process, which may include columns, condensers, and heat exchangers. Classification is guided by GRI 1 and the Section XVI notes, which address functional units consisting of separate components intended to contribute together to a clearly defined function.
- Covers
- Industrial alcohol distillation columns
- Petroleum refinery fractionating units
- Water distillation units (industrial scale)
- Essential oil extraction distillation plants
- Rectifying apparatus for chemical processing
- Also under 8419.40
- GEA (distillation plants)
- Alfa Laval (distillation equipment)
- Praj Industries (ethanol plants)
- Sulzer (distillation technology)
- Ziemann Holvrieka (distillery equipment)
Codes often confused with 8419.40
Common mistake. Distillation plants are often confused with filtering or purifying machinery classified under 8421. While both processes purify substances, distillation relies on thermal phase changes, whereas 8421 relies on physical or chemical filtration. Another common error is classifying individual components separately; for example, a heat exchanger might be put under 8419.50, but if it is part of a complete distillation plant imported together, it should be under 8419.40. Domestic water distillers are often misclassified here but belong in 8419.81 or 8516 depending on their design.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation plant), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation plant) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 10% 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 841940, not only distillation plant.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $499M 34% of world exports
- 2 India $175M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $150M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $142M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $134M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $80M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 codes for distillation plant
Brazil splits HS 8419.40 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8419.40.10Water distilling plant
- 8419.40.20Stills for alcohols, volatile fluids, hydrocarbons
- 8419.40.90Other distilling or rectifying plant
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about distillation plant
What is the HS code for Distillation plant?
The HS code for Distillation plant is 841940 (Distilling or rectifying plant; not used for domestic purposes). The HS code for industrial distilling or rectifying plant is 8419.40.
How do I classify Distillation plant for customs?
Distillation plant is classified under HS code 841940 — Distilling or rectifying plant; not used for domestic purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include laboratory glassware?
No, laboratory glassware for distillation is classified under heading 7017, as 8419.40 is for mechanical and industrial plant equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of distillation plant (HS 841940)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation plant) in UN Comtrade data were China ($499M, 34% of world exports), India ($175M) and Germany ($150M). 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 distillation plant (HS 841940)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation plant) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($142M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($134M) and Indonesia ($80M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Distillation plant the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841940 for Distillation plant 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 distillation plant in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841940 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for distillation plant depends on the product's details: 8419.40.10 (Water distilling plant), 8419.40.20 (Stills for alcohols, volatile fluids, hydrocarbons), 8419.40.90 (Other distilling or rectifying plant).