Product classification
HS code for Particulate filter: 8421.32
Machinery, catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines.
Classification of particulate filter under HS 8421.32
Particulate filters, particularly those used for purifying exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, are classified under HS code 8421.32. Chapter 84 includes machinery for various industrial processes, and heading 8421 specifically covers centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, and filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. Within this heading, subheading 8421.32 is reserved for catalytic converters or particulate filters for exhaust gases. This classification is driven by the function of the device, which is to remove particulate matter (such as soot) from the exhaust stream of a vehicle or stationary engine. Following GRI 1, the heading and subheading descriptions are the primary authority. This code is critical for environmental regulation and trade, as it separates emission control technology from general air filters (8421.31) or liquid filters (8421.23). The hardware must be specifically designed for exhaust gas treatment to be classified here; general gas filtering equipment for industrial HVAC systems would fall under 8421.39. The classification remains the same whether the filter is made of ceramic cordierite, silicon carbide, or metallic fibers.
- Covers
- Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
- Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPF)
- Combined catalytic converters and particulate filters
- Soot traps for heavy-duty engine exhaust
- Exhaust gas purifiers for industrial generators
- Also under 8421.32
- MagnaFlow catalytic converters
- Walker exhaust systems (with integrated converters)
- Tenneco DPFs
- Johnson Matthey catalysts
Codes often confused with 8421.32
Common mistake. Particulate filters are often confused with 8421.31, which is strictly for intake air filters for internal combustion engines. They are also sometimes incorrectly placed in 8421.39, which is the residual category for other gas filtering apparatus that do not treat engine exhaust.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842132 (the code used for particulate filter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842132 (the code used for particulate filter) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 842132, not only particulate filter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.6B 25% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $2.1B 20% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.1B 11% of world exports
World total: $10.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.0B 27% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 21% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $634M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $11.4B 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 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 particulate filter
Brazil classifies particulate filter under NCM 8421.32.00: HS 8421.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about particulate filter
What is the HS code for Particulate filter?
The HS code for Particulate filter is 842132 (Machinery; catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines). The HS code for particulate filters used in exhaust systems is 8421.32.
How do I classify Particulate filter for customs?
Particulate filter is classified under HS code 842132 — Machinery; catalytic converters or particulate filters, whether or not combined, for purifying or filtering exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the housing and sensors?
If the sensors are integrated into the filter unit as a single functional apparatus, they are classified under 8421.32. Separate sensors are usually classified in Chapter 90.
Which countries are the top exporters of particulate filter (HS 842132)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842132 (the code used for particulate filter) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.6B, 25% of world exports), Mexico ($2.1B) and the United States ($1.1B). World exports came to about $10.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of particulate filter (HS 842132)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842132 (the code used for particulate filter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.0B, 27% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and Mexico ($634M). World imports came to about $11.4B, 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 Particulate filter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842132 for Particulate 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 particulate filter in Brazil?
In Brazil, particulate filter (HS 842132) is classified under NCM 8421.32.00.