Product classification
HS code for Fuel filter: 8421.23
Machinery, filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines.
Classification of fuel filter under HS 8421.23
Fuel filters are classified under HS code 842123, which specifically covers oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines. This classification is governed by the functional nature of the product as a filtering apparatus. Under the Harmonized System, machinery and mechanical appliances are classified in Chapter 84. Heading 8421 is dedicated to centrifuges and filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. Within this heading, subheading 842123 is reserved for filters used in engines to remove contaminants from fuel or lubricating oil. This specificity takes precedence over more general classifications. For instance, while a fuel filter is a part of a motor vehicle, General Interpretative Rule 3(a) dictates that the most specific description should be used. Since 842123 specifically describes the function and application of the filter, it is used instead of the general parts of motor vehicles heading. The construction of these filters, whether they utilize pleated paper, synthetic fibers, or metal mesh, does not change the classification as long as they are designed for internal combustion engines.
- Covers
- Diesel fuel filters for trucks
- Gasoline filters for passenger cars
- Spin-on fuel filters
- Cartridge-type fuel filters
- In-line fuel filters for small engines
- Also under 8421.23
- Bosch oil filters
- Mann-Filter fuel filters
- Fram Extra Guard oil filters
- Wix fuel filters
Codes often confused with 8421.23
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for fuel filters is HS code 870899, which covers other parts and accessories of motor vehicles. However, the rules of the Harmonized System state that parts specifically included in a heading of Chapter 84 (like 8421) must be classified there. Another error is using 842129, which is for other liquid filtering machinery. This code should only be used if the filter is not for an internal combustion engine. Air filters are also frequently confused with fuel filters, but they belong under 842131.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842123 (the code used for fuel filter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842123 (the code used for fuel filter) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 842123, not only fuel filter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.7B 18% of world exports
- 2 China $1.3B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.2B 12% of world exports
World total: $9.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $896M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Canada $448M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $10.2B 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 fuel filter
Brazil classifies fuel filter under NCM 8421.23.00: HS 8421.23 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fuel filter
What is the HS code for Fuel filter?
The HS code for Fuel filter is 842123 (Machinery; filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines). The HS code for fuel filters used in internal combustion engines is 842123.
How do I classify Fuel filter for customs?
Fuel filter is classified under HS code 842123 — Machinery; filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are oil filters and fuel filters under the same HS code?
Yes, HS code 842123 covers both oil and petrol (fuel) filters for internal combustion engines.
Which countries are the top exporters of fuel filter (HS 842123)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842123 (the code used for fuel filter) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.7B, 18% of world exports), China ($1.3B) and the United States ($1.2B). World exports came to about $9.7B, 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 fuel filter (HS 842123)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842123 (the code used for fuel filter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($896M) and Canada ($448M). World imports came to about $10.2B, 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 Fuel filter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842123 for Fuel filter 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 fuel filter in Brazil?
In Brazil, fuel filter (HS 842123) is classified under NCM 8421.23.00.