Product classification
HS code for Paper shredder: 8472.90
Office machines, not elsewhere classified.
Classification of paper shredder under HS 8472.90
Paper shredders are classified under HS code 8472.90. This classification is situated within Chapter 84, which deals with mechanical appliances. Heading 8472 is designated for "Other office machines," which includes a variety of equipment used in an office environment that is not more specifically described in other headings. Since paper shredders are primarily used for document destruction in administrative settings and do not fit into the categories of calculating machines (8470) or automatic data processing machines (8471), they are placed in the residual subheading 8472.90. This code covers a wide range of shredding technologies, from basic strip-cut models to high-security micro-cut machines. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the machine is powered by an electric motor or operated manually, provided it is designed for office-scale use. For customs purposes, the essential character of the machine is its ability to cut paper into small pieces to ensure data privacy. Large-scale industrial shredders used in recycling plants or for bulk waste management may be classified elsewhere, but the standard office shredder is firmly within 8472.90.
- Covers
- Cross-cut office shredders
- Strip-cut paper shredders
- Micro-cut document shredders
- Heavy-duty office shredders
- Manual hand-cranked paper shredders
- Also under 8472.90
- Fellowes Powershred 99Ci
- GBC Fusion 6000L laminator
- Olympia CM 941 cash register
- Acroprint BioTouch time clock
Codes often confused with 8472.90
Common mistake. Paper shredders are sometimes misclassified under 8479.89, which is a general category for mechanical appliances with individual functions. However, because they are specifically office machines, 8472.90 takes precedence. They are also occasionally confused with 8509.80 (electromechanical domestic appliances), but their primary use in an office environment keeps them in 8472.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847290 (the code used for paper shredder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847290 (the code used for paper shredder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 847290, not only paper shredder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.0B 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $630M 14% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$385M 8.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $846M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $247M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Canada $189M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 paper shredder
Brazil splits HS 8472.90 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8472.90.10ATMs and automatic banknote dispensers
- 8472.90.20Bank teller machines with authenticating device
- 8472.90.30Coin and banknote sorting and counting machines
- 8472.90.40Pencil sharpeners, punches, staplers and removers
- 8472.90.51Document sorters, over 400 documents per minute
- 8472.90.59Document sorters, up to 400 documents per minute
- 8472.90.91Addressing and address plate embossing machines
- 8472.90.99Other office machines not elsewhere specified
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paper shredder
What is the HS code for Paper shredder?
The HS code for Paper shredder is 847290 (Office machines; not elsewhere classified). The HS code for a standard office paper shredder is 8472.90.
How do I classify Paper shredder for customs?
Paper shredder is classified under HS code 847290 — Office machines; not elsewhere classified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is an industrial waste shredder classified under this code?
No, industrial-scale shredders used for waste processing are typically classified under 8479.89.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper shredder (HS 847290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847290 (the code used for paper shredder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.0B, 23% of world exports), Germany ($630M) and Vietnam (about $385M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 paper shredder (HS 847290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847290 (the code used for paper shredder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($846M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($247M) and Canada ($189M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 Paper shredder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847290 for Paper shredder 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 paper shredder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 847290 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for paper shredder depends on the product's details: 8472.90.10 (ATMs and automatic banknote dispensers), 8472.90.20 (Bank teller machines with authenticating device), 8472.90.30 (Coin and banknote sorting and counting machines), 8472.90.40 (Pencil sharpeners, punches, staplers and removers), 8472.90.51 (Document sorters, over 400 documents per minute), 8472.90.59 (Document sorters, up to 400 documents per minute), and more.