Product classification
HS code for Freeze dryer: 8419.33
Dryers, lyophilisation apparatus, freeze drying units and spray dryers, not used for domestic purposes.
Classification of freeze dryer under HS 8419.33
A freeze dryer, or lyophilization apparatus, is classified under HS code 8419.33. This classification is determined by the functional nature of the machine, which uses a process of sublimation to remove moisture from products. Heading 8419 covers machinery and plant equipment for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature, such as heating or drying. Within this heading, subheading 8419.33 is specifically dedicated to lyophilization apparatus and freeze-drying units. This code is applicable to industrial and laboratory-grade equipment used in pharmaceutical, food processing, and scientific research sectors. The classification relies on the fact that the primary function is drying through the specific technical method of freezing the material and then reducing the surrounding pressure to allow frozen water to sublimate.
- Covers
- Industrial lyophilization units for pharmaceutical use
- Laboratory-scale freeze dryers
- Commercial freeze-drying systems for food preservation
- Manifold freeze dryers
- Tray-style freeze drying apparatus
- Also under 8419.33
- GEA (spray dryers)
- SP Scientific (freeze dryers)
- IMA Pharma (lyophilizers)
- Buchi (laboratory spray dryers)
- Telstar (freeze dryers)
Codes often confused with 8419.33
Common mistake. Freeze dryers are often misclassified under HS code 8418, which covers refrigerators and freezers. While freeze dryers do incorporate refrigeration components to freeze the product, their primary purpose is drying, not just cooling or storage, which places them in 8419. Another common error is using 8419.39, which is the residual category for "other" dryers. Because 8419.33 is a specific 6-digit subheading for lyophilization, it takes precedence over the general category. Furthermore, small domestic units might be confused with 8509 (electro-mechanical domestic appliances), but if the unit performs true lyophilization, 8419.33 remains the most accurate technical classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841933 (the code used for freeze dryer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841933 (the code used for freeze dryer) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.5% 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 841933, not only freeze dryer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $144M 35% of world exports
- 2 United States $61M 15% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $43M 10% of world exports
World total: $412M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $33M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$28M 7.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Switzerland $26M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $390M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 freeze dryer
Brazil classifies freeze dryer under NCM 8419.33.00: HS 8419.33 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about freeze dryer
What is the HS code for Freeze dryer?
The HS code for Freeze dryer is 841933 (Dryers; lyophilisation apparatus, freeze drying units and spray dryers, not used for domestic purposes). The international HS code for a freeze dryer (lyophilization apparatus) is 8419.33.
How do I classify Freeze dryer for customs?
Freeze dryer is classified under HS code 841933 — Dryers; lyophilisation apparatus, freeze drying units and spray dryers, not used for domestic purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to both food and medical freeze dryers?
Yes, HS code 8419.33 applies to freeze-drying units regardless of whether they are used for food preservation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or laboratory research, provided they are not for domestic use.
Which countries are the top exporters of freeze dryer (HS 841933)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841933 (the code used for freeze dryer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($144M, 35% of world exports), the United States ($61M) and Denmark ($43M). World exports came to about $412M, 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 freeze dryer (HS 841933)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841933 (the code used for freeze dryer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($33M, 8.5% of world imports), Vietnam (about $28M) and Switzerland ($26M). World imports came to about $390M, 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 Freeze dryer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841933 for Freeze dryer 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 freeze dryer in Brazil?
In Brazil, freeze dryer (HS 841933) is classified under NCM 8419.33.00.