Product classification
HS code for Meat grinder: 8438.50
Machinery, industrial, for the preparation of meat or poultry.
Classification of meat grinder under HS 8438.50
Industrial meat grinders are classified under HS code 843850. This heading is reserved for machinery used in the industrial preparation of meat or poultry. The classification is determined by the machine's primary function and its scale of operation. Unlike domestic appliances, these machines are designed for continuous use in commercial environments such as butcher shops, meat processing plants, or large-scale kitchens. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 84 covers mechanical appliances and machinery. Specifically, heading 8438 includes machinery for the industrial manufacture or preparation of food or drink that is not specified elsewhere in the chapter. Subheading 843850 is the specific designation for equipment dedicated to meat and poultry processing, ensuring that heavy-duty mincers, grinders, and similar preparation tools are distinguished from smaller, household versions or general-purpose food processors.
- Covers
- Industrial meat mincers
- Commercial sausage stuffing machines
- Large-scale poultry deboning machines
- Industrial meat tenderizers (mechanical)
- Automated meat dicing machinery
- Also under 8438.50
- Marel meat processing lines
- GEA Food Solutions equipment
- Handtmann vacuum fillers
- Weber high-speed slicers
Codes often confused with 8438.50
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 850940, which covers electromechanical domestic appliances. If a meat grinder is designed for home use, it belongs in Chapter 85. Another common error is using 821000, which is for hand-operated mechanical appliances weighing 10kg or less. Importers must distinguish between manual tools (Chapter 82), domestic electric tools (Chapter 85), and industrial machinery (Chapter 84).
Top exporters and importers of HS 843850 (the code used for meat grinder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843850 (the code used for meat grinder) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% 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 843850, not only meat grinder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $802M 26% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $628M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $283M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $310M 11% of world imports
- 2 Spain $131M 4.5% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $128M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 code for meat grinder
Brazil classifies meat grinder under NCM 8438.50.00: HS 8438.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about meat grinder
What is the HS code for Meat grinder?
The HS code for Meat grinder is 843850 (Machinery; industrial, for the preparation of meat or poultry). The HS code for an industrial meat grinder is 843850. For a domestic electric meat grinder, the code is 850940.
How do I classify Meat grinder for customs?
Meat grinder is classified under HS code 843850 — Machinery; industrial, for the preparation of meat or poultry. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are spare parts for meat grinders classified under the same code?
No, parts for industrial meat grinders are generally classified under HS code 843890, while specific cutting blades are classified under 820830.
Which countries are the top exporters of meat grinder (HS 843850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843850 (the code used for meat grinder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($802M, 26% of world exports), the Netherlands ($628M) and China ($283M). World exports came to about $3.1B, 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 meat grinder (HS 843850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 843850 (the code used for meat grinder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($310M, 11% of world imports), Spain ($131M) and Brazil ($128M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 Meat grinder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 843850 for Meat grinder 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 meat grinder in Brazil?
In Brazil, meat grinder (HS 843850) is classified under NCM 8438.50.00.