Product classification

HS code for Meat processing machine: 8438.50

Machinery, industrial, for the preparation of meat or poultry.

Classification of meat processing machine under HS 8438.50

Meat processing machines are classified under HS code 8438.50. This subheading covers industrial machinery specifically designed for the preparation of meat or poultry. Chapter 84 generally covers mechanical appliances, and heading 8438 is dedicated to machinery for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink. Classification under 8438.50 is determined by the machine's specialized function in the meat industry, such as slaughtering, butchering, mincing, or stuffing. These machines are typically characterized by their heavy-duty construction, often using stainless steel for hygiene, and their capacity for high-volume throughput. This code excludes simple hand tools (Chapter 82) and domestic appliances (Chapter 85). The classification follows GRI 1, as the heading text specifically mentions machinery for the preparation of meat or poultry, making it the most specific description for these industrial units.

Covers
  • Industrial meat grinders and mincers for large-scale production
  • Automated sausage stuffing and linking machines
  • Carcass splitting saws and deboning equipment for slaughterhouses
  • Brine injectors and meat tenderizing machines
  • Poultry plucking and eviscerating machinery
  • Meat patty forming and portioning machines
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. Meat processing machines are often confused with 8422, which covers packaging and wrapping machinery. While a machine might be used in a meat plant, if its primary function is to vacuum seal or wrap the meat, it belongs in 8422. Another common error is classifying domestic meat mincers under this code; if they are electromechanical and for household use, they belong in 8509. Furthermore, industrial ovens or smokers used for cooking meat are classified under 8417 or 8419, as they perform a thermal treatment rather than a mechanical preparation.

84.22Dish washing machines; machinery for cleaning, drying, filling, closing, sealing, capsuling or labelling bottles, cans, boxes, bags, etc, machinery for aerating beverages85.09Electro-mechanical domestic appliances; with self-contained electric motor, other than vacuum cleaners of heading 85.08.84.17Furnaces and ovens; industrial or laboratory, including incinerators, non-electric84.19Machinery, plant (not domestic), or laboratory equipment; electrically heated or not, (excluding items in 85.14) for the treatment of materials by a process involving change of temperature; including instantaneous or non electric storage water heaters

Top exporters and importers of HS 843850 (the code used for meat processing machine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843850 (the code used for meat processing machine) 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 processing machine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $802M
  2. 2 Netherlands $628M
  3. 3 China $283M

World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $310M
  2. 2 Spain $131M
  3. 3 Brazil $128M

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 processing machine

Brazil classifies meat processing machine 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 processing machine

What is the HS code for Meat processing machine?

The HS code for Meat processing machine is 843850 (Machinery; industrial, for the preparation of meat or poultry). The HS code for industrial machinery used for the preparation of meat or poultry is 8438.50.

How do I classify Meat processing machine for customs?

Meat processing machine is classified under HS code 843850 — Machinery; industrial, for the preparation of meat or poultry. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include household meat grinders?

No, household meat grinders are typically classified under HS code 8509 (if electric) or 8210 (if manual hand-operated).

Which countries are the top exporters of meat processing machine (HS 843850)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843850 (the code used for meat processing machine) 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 processing machine (HS 843850)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 843850 (the code used for meat processing machine) 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 processing machine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 843850 for Meat processing machine 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 processing machine in Brazil?

In Brazil, meat processing machine (HS 843850) is classified under NCM 8438.50.00.