Product classification

HS code for Liquid filter: 8421.29

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

Classification of liquid filter under HS 8421.29

Liquid filters are classified under HS code 8421.29. This classification is governed by the rules of Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8421 is a broad category for centrifuges (including centrifugal dryers) and filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. The heading is subdivided based on the medium being filtered (liquid vs. gas) and the specific application of the filter. Subheadings 8421.21 through 8421.23 cover specific liquid filters: 8421.21 for water filtering/purifying, 8421.22 for filtering beverages other than water, and 8421.23 for oil or petrol filters for internal combustion engines. Subheading 8421.29 is the residual category for "other" liquid filtering machinery that does not meet the criteria of the more specific subheadings. This includes industrial filters for chemicals, coolants, paints, and hydraulic fluids. The classification is based on the primary function of the apparatus, which is the separation of solid, suspended, or colloidal matter from a liquid.

Covers
  • Chemical liquid filtration units
  • Industrial coolant filters
  • Hydraulic fluid filters
  • Paint and lacquer filters
  • Electroplating solution filters
  • Liquid medicine filtration apparatus
  • Wastewater filters (non-potable)
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. The most common misclassification occurs when a liquid filter is placed under 8421.21 (water filters) or 8421.23 (oil/petrol filters). If a filter is designed for general industrial liquids or chemicals, it must be placed in 8421.29. Another error involves 8421.39, which is for gas filters (like air filters); these are distinct from liquid filters. Furthermore, replaceable filter elements (cartridges) made of paper, textile, or ceramics are sometimes misclassified by their material component (e.g., Chapter 48 or 59), but they should generally be classified as parts of the machinery under 8421.99 or under the same heading as the machinery depending on the specific Section XVI notes.

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 engines8421.99Machinery; parts for filtering or purifying liquids or gases

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842129 (the code used for 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 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 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 liquid filter

What is the HS code for Liquid filter?

The HS code for Liquid filter is 842129 (Machinery; for filtering or purifying liquids, n.e.c. in item no. 8421.2). The HS code for general liquid filters not used for water, beverages, or internal combustion engines is 8421.29.

How do I classify Liquid filter for customs?

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.

How do I distinguish between 8421.21 and 8421.29?

HS code 8421.21 is strictly for machinery used to filter or purify water (such as for drinking or swimming pools). If the machine filters any other liquid, such as industrial chemicals or hydraulic oil, it falls under 8421.29.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842129 (the code used for 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 liquid filter (HS 842129)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 842129 (the code used for 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 Liquid filter the same in all countries?

The base HS code 842129 for 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 liquid filter in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 842129 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for 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).