Product classification
HS code for Industrial chiller: 8418.69
Refrigerating or freezing equipment, n.e.c. in heading no. 8418.
Classification of industrial chiller under HS 8418.69
Industrial chillers are classified under HS code 8418.69 because they are specialized refrigerating equipment designed for industrial process cooling rather than domestic food preservation. Heading 8418 covers refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerating or freezing equipment, whether or not electric. Since industrial chillers utilize a vapor-compression, centrifugal, or absorption cycle to remove heat from a liquid (usually water or a water-glycol mixture), they fit the technical definition of refrigerating machinery. Subheading 8418.69 is a residual category for "other" refrigerating equipment that is not specifically listed as household units, heat pumps, or display counters. These units are essential in manufacturing environments, data centers, and large-scale food processing where precise temperature control of machinery or products is required. The classification depends on the primary function being the extraction of heat through a refrigeration cycle, distinguishing them from simple heat exchangers that do not use a refrigerant medium to achieve sub-ambient temperatures.
- Covers
- Water-cooled industrial chillers
- Air-cooled industrial chillers
- Centrifugal process chillers
- Absorption chilling units for industrial use
- Reciprocating and screw compressor chillers
- Also under 8418.69
- Thermo Fisher Scientific ultra-low freezers
- Carrier Transicold cold rooms
- York industrial chillers
- Manitowoc ice machines
- Kold-Draft ice makers
Codes often confused with 8418.69
Common mistake. Industrial chillers are frequently confused with air conditioning machines under HS code 8415. While both use refrigeration cycles, 8415 is reserved for units designed to change the temperature and humidity for human comfort. Another common error is classifying them under 8419.50 as heat exchangers. However, if the unit incorporates a complete refrigeration system (compressor, evaporator, condenser), it must stay within 8418.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841869 (the code used for industrial chiller), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841869 (the code used for industrial chiller) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 841869, not only industrial chiller.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.9B 26% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $1.8B 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $1.5B 9.9% of world exports
World total: $15.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.8B 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $952M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 China $848M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $15.8B 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 industrial chiller
Brazil splits HS 8418.69 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8418.69.10Non-domestic ice cream making machines
- 8418.69.20Milk coolers
- 8418.69.31Refrigerated water or juice dispensers
- 8418.69.32Refrigerated carbonated drink dispensers
- 8418.69.40Compression refrigerating units, max 30,000 frig/h
- 8418.69.91Lithium bromide absorption water chillers
- 8418.69.99Other refrigerating or freezing equipment
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial chiller
What is the HS code for Industrial chiller?
The HS code for Industrial chiller is 841869 (Refrigerating or freezing equipment; n.e.c. in heading no. 8418). The primary HS code for an industrial chiller is 8418.69, which covers other refrigerating or freezing equipment not elsewhere specified.
How do I classify Industrial chiller for customs?
Industrial chiller is classified under HS code 841869 — Refrigerating or freezing equipment; n.e.c. in heading no. 8418. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does a chiller without a compressor fall under 8418.69?
No, if the device is merely a heat exchanger without a refrigeration cycle (lacking a compressor or absorption generator), it is typically classified under HS code 8419.50.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial chiller (HS 841869)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841869 (the code used for industrial chiller) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.9B, 26% of world exports), Mexico ($1.8B) and Italy ($1.5B). World exports came to about $15.4B, 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 industrial chiller (HS 841869)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841869 (the code used for industrial chiller) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.8B, 24% of world imports), Germany ($952M) and China ($848M). World imports came to about $15.8B, 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 Industrial chiller the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841869 for Industrial chiller 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 industrial chiller in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841869 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial chiller depends on the product's details: 8418.69.10 (Non-domestic ice cream making machines), 8418.69.20 (Milk coolers), 8418.69.31 (Refrigerated water or juice dispensers), 8418.69.32 (Refrigerated carbonated drink dispensers), 8418.69.40 (Compression refrigerating units, max 30,000 frig/h), 8418.69.91 (Lithium bromide absorption water chillers), and more.