Product classification
HS code for Distillation unit: 8419.40
Distilling or rectifying plant, not used for domestic purposes.
Classification of distillation unit under HS 8419.40
Distillation units designed for industrial, chemical, or laboratory applications are classified under HS code 8419.40. This classification is based on the functional nature of the equipment, which is designed to separate substances through the application of heat and the exploitation of different boiling points. Heading 8419 covers machinery and plant for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature. Subheading 8419.40 specifically identifies distilling or rectifying plant. To be classified here, the unit must be intended for non-domestic purposes. These units typically consist of a heating chamber, a fractionating column, and a condenser. The classification applies to the complete assembly of the plant, whether it is imported as a single unit or in a disassembled state (provided it meets the requirements of GRI 2a). The equipment may be used in various industries, including petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, and beverage production, provided the unit is of an industrial scale and not a simple household appliance.
- Covers
- Industrial distilling columns
- Rectifying plants for chemical processing
- Fractional distillation units
- Large-scale laboratory distillation apparatus
- Solvent recovery distillation systems
- 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 units are often confused with HS code 8419.89, which is a residual category for other machinery involving temperature changes. However, because 8419.40 specifically names distilling plants, it takes precedence according to GRI 3a. Another common error is classifying laboratory units under 7017 (laboratory glassware). If the unit consists primarily of glass without mechanical or thermal components, it belongs in Chapter 70; however, if it is a functional machine with heating elements and controls, it belongs in 8419.40. Domestic water distillers are often classified under 8516.79.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation unit), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation unit) 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 unit.
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 unit
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 unit
What is the HS code for Distillation unit?
The HS code for Distillation unit is 841940 (Distilling or rectifying plant; not used for domestic purposes). The HS code for industrial or non-domestic distillation or rectifying units is 8419.40.
How do I classify Distillation unit for customs?
Distillation unit 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 small home water distillers?
No, HS code 8419.40 is for industrial or plant-scale units. Small domestic electric distillers are typically classified under heading 8516.
Which countries are the top exporters of distillation unit (HS 841940)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation unit) 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 unit (HS 841940)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841940 (the code used for distillation unit) 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 unit the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841940 for Distillation unit 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 unit in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841940 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for distillation unit 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).