Product classification
HS code for Mechanical seal: 8484.20
Seals, mechanical.
Classification of mechanical seal under HS 8484.20
Mechanical seals are classified under HS code 8484.20. Unlike simple gaskets or joints made of a single material, mechanical seals are complex assemblies designed to prevent leakage between a rotating shaft and a stationary housing. Heading 8484 covers gaskets and similar joints of metal sheeting combined with other material or of two or more layers of metal. However, subheading 8484.20 is a specific provision for mechanical seals. These components usually consist of a stationary element, a rotating element, and a spring or bellows mechanism to maintain contact between the seal faces. The classification is based on the function and the mechanical nature of the assembly. It is important to distinguish these from simple oil seals or O-rings, which are classified based on their constituent material. Mechanical seals are essential in centrifugal pumps, compressors, and agitators. The inclusion of this specific subheading in the HS nomenclature recognizes the technical complexity of these seals compared to standard sealing washers or gaskets. They are considered mechanical components of machinery rather than simple material-based seals.
- Covers
- Cartridge mechanical seals
- Bellows mechanical seals
- Pusher-type mechanical seals
- Component seals for pumps
- Split mechanical seals
- Also under 8484.20
- John Crane mechanical seals
- Flowserve mechanical seals
- EagleBurgmann mechanical seals
- AESSEAL mechanical seals
- Chesterton mechanical seals
Codes often confused with 8484.20
Common mistake. Mechanical seals are often misclassified under 4016.93, which is for rubber gaskets, washers, and other seals. However, if the seal is a mechanical assembly with moving parts or springs, 8484.20 takes precedence. They are also sometimes confused with 8484.10, which is for gaskets made of metal sheeting combined with other materials. Simple O-rings made of plastics should be classified in 3926.90, not here.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848420 (the code used for mechanical seal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848420 (the code used for mechanical seal) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 10% 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 848420, not only mechanical seal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $748M 20% of world exports
- 2 United States $590M 16% of world exports
- 3 France $376M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $378M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $312M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $294M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 mechanical seal
Brazil classifies mechanical seal under NCM 8484.20.00: HS 8484.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mechanical seal
What is the HS code for Mechanical seal?
The HS code for Mechanical seal is 848420 (Seals; mechanical). The HS code for a mechanical seal assembly is 8484.20.
How do I classify Mechanical seal for customs?
Mechanical seal is classified under HS code 848420 — Seals; mechanical. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are O-rings classified as mechanical seals?
No, O-rings are generally classified by their material. Rubber O-rings fall under 4016.93, while plastic O-rings fall under 3926.90. Mechanical seals are complex assemblies, not simple rings.
Which countries are the top exporters of mechanical seal (HS 848420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848420 (the code used for mechanical seal) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($748M, 20% of world exports), the United States ($590M) and France ($376M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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 mechanical seal (HS 848420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848420 (the code used for mechanical seal) in UN Comtrade data were France ($378M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($312M) and Germany ($294M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Mechanical seal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848420 for Mechanical seal 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 mechanical seal in Brazil?
In Brazil, mechanical seal (HS 848420) is classified under NCM 8484.20.00.