Product classification
HS code for Fermentation tank: 8438.40
Machinery, industrial, brewery machinery.
Classification of fermentation tank under HS 8438.40
Fermentation tanks are classified under HS code 8438.40, which specifically covers brewery machinery. This classification is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8438 encompasses machinery for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink, not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 84. Since fermentation is a primary process in brewing, these specialized vessels, which often incorporate temperature control systems, agitators, and pressure-relief valves designed for the biochemical conversion of sugars into alcohol, are placed within this subcategory. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the tank is made of stainless steel or other materials, provided its primary function is industrial brewing.
- Covers
- Industrial beer fermentation vessels
- Cylindroconical fermentation tanks (CCTs)
- Unitanks for brewing and conditioning
- Bright beer tanks (BBTs) used in the brewing process
- Mash tuns and brew kettles with integrated mechanical features
- Also under 8438.40
- Krones Bottling Lines
- GEA Brewery Systems
- Alfa Laval Separators
- BrauKon Brewhouses
- Ziemann Holvrieka Tanks
Codes often confused with 8438.40
Common mistake. Fermentation tanks are frequently misclassified under HS code 7309.00, which covers reservoirs, tanks, and vats of iron or steel with a capacity exceeding 300 liters. However, 7309 is a general heading for storage containers that lack mechanical or thermal equipment. If the tank includes specialized brewing components, 8438.40 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 8419.89, which covers machinery for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature. While fermentation involves temperature control, the specific application for brewing makes 8438.40 the more specific and correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 843840 (the code used for fermentation tank), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843840 (the code used for fermentation tank) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, 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 843840, not only fermentation tank.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $161M 44% of world exports
- 2 China $79M 21% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $20M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $368M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $74M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $34M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Ireland $29M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $423M 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 fermentation tank
Brazil classifies fermentation tank under NCM 8438.40.00: HS 8438.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fermentation tank
What is the HS code for Fermentation tank?
The HS code for Fermentation tank is 843840 (Machinery; industrial, brewery machinery). The primary HS code for industrial brewery fermentation tanks is 8438.40.
How do I classify Fermentation tank for customs?
Fermentation tank is classified under HS code 843840 — Machinery; industrial, brewery machinery. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to home brewing kits?
Small-scale or domestic fermentation vessels may be classified under 7326.90 (other articles of iron or steel) or 3926.90 (plastics) if they lack the industrial mechanical features defined in heading 8438.
Which countries are the top exporters of fermentation tank (HS 843840)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843840 (the code used for fermentation tank) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($161M, 44% of world exports), China ($79M) and Belgium ($20M). World exports came to about $368M, 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 fermentation tank (HS 843840)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 843840 (the code used for fermentation tank) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($74M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($34M) and Ireland ($29M). World imports came to about $423M, 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 Fermentation tank the same in all countries?
The base HS code 843840 for Fermentation tank 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 fermentation tank in Brazil?
In Brazil, fermentation tank (HS 843840) is classified under NCM 8438.40.00.