Product classification
HS code for Hopper scale: 8423.30
Weighing machines, constant weight scales and scales for discharging a predetermined weight of material into a bag or container, including hopper scales.
Classification of hopper scale under HS 8423.30
Hopper scales are classified under HS code 8423.30, which specifically covers weighing machines designed for discharging a predetermined weight of material into a bag or container. This classification is based on the functional application of the machinery within an industrial or agricultural setting. Unlike general-purpose scales that measure the weight of an object placed upon them, a hopper scale is an integrated system that controls the flow of bulk materials (such as grain, cement, or chemicals) to reach a specific target weight before discharging. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for heading 8423 emphasize that this subheading includes "constant weight" scales and scales for discharging a predetermined weight. These machines are often part of an automated production line. The classification is determined by the machine's primary function of batching or filling, which distinguishes it from other types of weighing machinery. This code is essential for identifying industrial automation equipment and ensuring correct duty rates are applied to specialized manufacturing hardware.
- Covers
- Automatic hopper scales
- Bagging scales (predetermined weight)
- Bulk weighers with discharge mechanisms
- Batching scales for industrial mixing
- Automatic gravimetric filling machines
- Also under 8423.30
- Yamato Dataweigh Multihead Weighers (for pre-determined weight)
- Premier Tech Chronos Bagging Scales
- Mettler Toledo IND780 Batching Systems
- Schenck Process DISOCONT Weigh Feeders (batching)
- Rice Lake Weighing Systems Hopper Scales
Codes often confused with 8423.30
Common mistake. Hopper scales are frequently misclassified under 8423.81 or 8423.82, which are codes for general-purpose weighing machinery (retail or industrial). The distinction lies in the "predetermined weight" function; if the scale is designed to fill a container to a specific weight, it belongs in 8423.30. Another error is using 8422.30, which covers machinery for filling and closing containers. While a hopper scale fills, its primary function is weighing, and according to Note 3 to Section XVI, the primary function determines the classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842330 (the code used for hopper scale), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842330 (the code used for hopper scale) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 842330, not only hopper scale.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $159M 20% of world exports
- 2 Japan $145M 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $121M 16% of world exports
World total: $775M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $132M 20% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $40M 5.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $37M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $675M 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 hopper scale
Brazil splits HS 8423.30 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8423.30.11Dosing scale systems with peripheral units
- 8423.30.19Other dosing scales
- 8423.30.90Constant weight and bagging scales
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hopper scale
What is the HS code for Hopper scale?
The HS code for Hopper scale is 842330 (Weighing machines; constant weight scales and scales for discharging a predetermined weight of material into a bag or container, including hopper scales). The HS code for a hopper scale used for discharging a predetermined weight is 8423.30.
How do I classify Hopper scale for customs?
Hopper scale is classified under HS code 842330 — Weighing machines; constant weight scales and scales for discharging a predetermined weight of material into a bag or container, including hopper scales. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a bagging machine a hopper scale?
If the machine's primary function is to weigh out a specific amount of product into a bag, it is classified as a hopper scale under 8423.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of hopper scale (HS 842330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842330 (the code used for hopper scale) in UN Comtrade data were China ($159M, 20% of world exports), Japan ($145M) and Germany ($121M). World exports came to about $775M, 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 hopper scale (HS 842330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842330 (the code used for hopper scale) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($132M, 20% of world imports), the Netherlands ($40M) and Germany ($37M). World imports came to about $675M, 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 Hopper scale the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842330 for Hopper scale 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 hopper scale in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842330 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for hopper scale depends on the product's details: 8423.30.11 (Dosing scale systems with peripheral units), 8423.30.19 (Other dosing scales), 8423.30.90 (Constant weight and bagging scales).