Product classification
HS code for Industrial cooking equipment: 8419.81
Machinery, plant and equipment, for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food.
Classification of industrial cooking equipment under HS 8419.81
Industrial cooking equipment is classified under HS code 841981, which falls within Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. This chapter encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8419 is specifically designated for machinery and plant, whether or not electrically heated, for the treatment of materials by a process involving a change of temperature. Subheading 841981 is the specific classification for machinery used for making hot drinks or for cooking or heating food in a commercial or industrial setting. This classification is distinct from domestic appliances because it focuses on high-capacity, heavy-duty machinery designed for continuous operation in professional environments such as hospitals, hotels, and food processing factories. The primary factor for classification is the functional application of the machine—specifically the thermal preparation of food or beverages. Even if the machine has mechanical components for moving the food, if the primary purpose is the thermal change (cooking), it remains under 841981.
- Covers
- Commercial convection ovens for industrial bakeries
- Industrial deep fryers for food processing lines
- Large-scale pressurized steam kettles
- Professional espresso and coffee brewing systems for catering
- Industrial microwave ovens for commercial food preparation
- Also under 8419.81
- Rational Combi-Steamer
- Hobart Industrial Mixer
- Electrolux Professional Ovens
- La Marzocco Espresso Machines
- Frymaster Deep Fryers
Codes often confused with 8419.81
Common mistake. A frequent mistake is classifying industrial electric ovens under HS code 8514, which covers industrial or laboratory electric furnaces and ovens. However, if the oven is specifically for cooking food, 841981 takes precedence. Another common misclassification is 8516, which is reserved for domestic electro-thermic appliances. Importers must ensure that the scale and intended use of the equipment justify the industrial classification under 841981 rather than the domestic 8516.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841981 (the code used for industrial cooking equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841981 (the code used for industrial cooking equipment) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 841981, not only industrial cooking equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $1.4B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 18% of world exports
- 3 China $971M 13% of world exports
World total: $7.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.4B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $585M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $388M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $7.4B 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 cooking equipment
Brazil splits HS 8419.81 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8419.81.10Autoclaves for hot drinks, cooking or heating food
- 8419.81.90Other hot-drink, food cooking or heating machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial cooking equipment
What is the HS code for Industrial cooking equipment?
The HS code for Industrial cooking equipment is 841981 (Machinery, plant and equipment; for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food). The HS code for industrial cooking equipment used for making hot drinks or heating food is 841981.
How do I classify Industrial cooking equipment for customs?
Industrial cooking equipment is classified under HS code 841981 — Machinery, plant and equipment; for making hot drinks, for cooking or heating food. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are industrial refrigerators included in this code?
No, industrial refrigerators and freezers are classified under HS code 8418, as they are designed for cooling and preservation rather than cooking or heating.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial cooking equipment (HS 841981)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841981 (the code used for industrial cooking equipment) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($1.4B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($1.4B) and China ($971M). World exports came to about $7.5B, 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 cooking equipment (HS 841981)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841981 (the code used for industrial cooking equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($585M) and the United Kingdom ($388M). World imports came to about $7.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Industrial cooking equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841981 for Industrial cooking equipment 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 cooking equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841981 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial cooking equipment depends on the product's details: 8419.81.10 (Autoclaves for hot drinks, cooking or heating food), 8419.81.90 (Other hot-drink, food cooking or heating machinery).