Product classification

HS code for Fat processing machine: 8479.20

Machinery, for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils.

Classification of fat processing machine under HS 8479.20

HS code 8479.20 is specifically designated for machinery used in the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils. This classification is situated within Heading 8479, which covers mechanical appliances having individual functions that are not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 84. The classification is justified by the machine's primary industrial purpose: the processing of lipids. This includes equipment for crushing, heating, or chemically treating raw materials to release oils. Under the Harmonized System, the specificity of subheading 8479.20 takes precedence over more general machinery codes. The machinery must be identifiable as being specialized for the oil industry, whether it is processing sunflower seeds, animal tallow, or microbial cultures. The classification follows the logic that specialized industrial processes require dedicated codes to monitor trade flows and apply appropriate tariffs. If the machine performs a function that is integral to the oil extraction line, such as a specialized press or a solvent extractor, it is correctly placed here.

Covers
  • Oilseed crushing machinery
  • Mechanical screw presses for oil extraction
  • Animal fat rendering equipment
  • Solvent extraction plants for vegetable oils
  • Microbial oil recovery systems
  • Refining machinery integrated into extraction units
Also under 8479.20
  • Alfa Laval decanters
  • Crown Iron Works solvent extractors
  • Desmet Ballestra refining lines
  • GEA Westfalia separators
  • Pieralisi olive oil mills

Codes often confused with 8479.20

Common mistake. This machinery is often confused with HS code 8438.80, which covers general machinery for the industrial preparation of food or drink. However, because 8479.20 specifically mentions fats and oils, it is the more specific and correct code. Another common misclassification is 8421.11, which covers centrifugal cream separators; while these process fats, they are classified by their centrifugal function rather than the oil-extraction purpose. Additionally, 8419.89 for heat treatment equipment is sometimes used incorrectly for rendering cookers.

8438.80Machinery; used in the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, n.e.c. in heading no. 84388421.11Centrifuges; cream separators8419.89Machinery, plant and laboratory equipment; for treating materials by change of temperature, other than for making hot drinks or cooking or heating food

Top exporters and importers of HS 847920 (the code used for fat processing machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847920 (the code used for fat processing machine) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 19% 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 847920, not only fat processing machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Malaysia $246M
  2. 2 China $237M
  3. 3 Italy $169M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Indonesia $216M
  2. 2 Türkiye $46M
  3. 3 Nigeria $44M

World total: $1.1B 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 fat processing machine

Brazil classifies fat processing machine under NCM 8479.20.00: HS 8479.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about fat processing machine

What is the HS code for Fat processing machine?

The HS code for Fat processing machine is 847920 (Machinery; for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils). The primary HS code for machinery used in the extraction or preparation of fats and oils is 8479.20.

How do I classify Fat processing machine for customs?

Fat processing machine is classified under HS code 847920 — Machinery; for the extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code cover machines for both vegetable and animal oils?

Yes, HS code 8479.20 explicitly includes machinery for animal, fixed vegetable, and microbial fats or oils.

Which countries are the top exporters of fat processing machine (HS 847920)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847920 (the code used for fat processing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($246M, 22% of world exports), China ($237M) and Italy ($169M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 fat processing machine (HS 847920)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 847920 (the code used for fat processing machine) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($216M, 19% of world imports), Türkiye ($46M) and Nigeria ($44M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Fat processing machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 847920 for Fat processing 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 fat processing machine in Brazil?

In Brazil, fat processing machine (HS 847920) is classified under NCM 8479.20.00.