Product classification

HS code for Industrial liquid filter: 8421.29

Machinery, for filtering or purifying liquids, n.e.c. in item no. 8421.2.

Classification of industrial liquid filter under HS 8421.29

Industrial liquid filters are classified under HS code 8421.29 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Heading 8421 is dedicated to centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, and filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. Within this heading, the 8421.2 series focuses exclusively on liquid filtration systems. Subheading 8421.29 serves as a residual category for liquid filtering equipment that is not specifically designed for water purification (8421.21), filtering beverages other than water (8421.22), or filtering oil or fuel in internal combustion engines (8421.23). These industrial-grade filters are essential components in chemical processing, manufacturing, and specialized hydraulic systems. They function by passing a liquid through a medium—such as mesh, fabric, or sintered metal—to remove solid contaminants or chemical impurities. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the filter is a standalone machine or a replaceable component, provided it meets the technical definitions of filtering apparatus under the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for industrial applications.

Covers
  • Chemical processing filters
  • Hydraulic fluid filtration units
  • Industrial coolant filters
  • Wastewater treatment filters (non-potable)
  • Electroplating solution filters
  • Paint and ink filtration systems
Also under 8421.29
  • Pall Corporation industrial filters
  • Suez water treatment systems
  • GE Water & Process Technologies
  • Brita water filter systems (industrial scale)

Codes often confused with 8421.29

Common mistake. Industrial liquid filters are frequently confused with HS code 8421.21, which is strictly reserved for the filtering or purifying of water for human consumption or general water supply. Another common error is using 8421.23, which is specifically for oil or petrol filters used in internal combustion engines. If the filter is for gases rather than liquids, it must be classified under 8421.39.

8421.21Machinery; for filtering or purifying water8421.23Machinery; filtering or purifying machinery, oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines8421.39Machinery; for filtering or purifying gases, other than intake air filters, catalytic converters or particulate filters for internal combustion engines

Top exporters and importers of HS 842129 (the code used for industrial liquid filter), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842129 (the code used for industrial liquid filter) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 842129, not only industrial liquid filter.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $3.1B
  2. 2 Germany $2.7B
  3. 3 China $2.0B

World total: $14.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.7B
  2. 2 China $1.2B
  3. 3 France $1.1B

World total: $15.3B 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 liquid filter

Brazil splits HS 8421.29 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about industrial liquid filter

What is the HS code for Industrial liquid filter?

The HS code for Industrial liquid filter is 842129 (Machinery; for filtering or purifying liquids, n.e.c. in item no. 8421.2). The primary HS code for industrial liquid filters not used for water or engine fuel is 8421.29.

How do I classify Industrial liquid filter for customs?

Industrial liquid filter is classified under HS code 842129 — Machinery; for filtering or purifying liquids, n.e.c. in item no. 8421.2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 8421.21 and 8421.29?

HS code 8421.21 is specifically for water filtering and purifying machinery, whereas 8421.29 covers all other liquid filtering machinery used in industrial processes.

Which countries are the top exporters of industrial liquid filter (HS 842129)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842129 (the code used for industrial liquid filter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.1B, 21% of world exports), Germany ($2.7B) and China ($2.0B). World exports came to about $14.8B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of industrial liquid filter (HS 842129)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 842129 (the code used for industrial liquid filter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 11% of world imports), China ($1.2B) and France ($1.1B). World imports came to about $15.3B, 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 liquid filter the same in all countries?

The base HS code 842129 for Industrial liquid 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 industrial liquid filter in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 842129 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial liquid filter depends on the product's details: 8421.29.11 (Capillary haemodialysis filters), 8421.29.19 (Other haemodialysis filtering apparatus), 8421.29.20 (Reverse osmosis apparatus), 8421.29.30 (Filter presses), 8421.29.90 (Other liquid filtering or purifying machinery).