Product classification
HS code for Pneumatic conveyor: 8428.20
Elevators and conveyors, pneumatic.
Classification of pneumatic conveyor under HS 8428.20
Pneumatic conveyors are classified under HS code 8428.20. Heading 8428 covers a broad range of lifting, handling, loading, or unloading machinery, such as lifts, escalators, conveyors, and teleferics. Subheading 8428.20 specifically addresses pneumatic elevators and conveyors. These systems are defined by their use of air—either through positive pressure (blowing) or negative pressure (vacuum)—to move bulk materials, powders, or small discrete items through a closed piping system. The classification is based on the mechanical principle of transport rather than the specific industry in which the machine is used. For example, a pneumatic system used to move grain in an agricultural setting and a pneumatic tube system used to move documents in a hospital both fall under this code. It is important to distinguish the complete conveyor system from individual components like industrial fans or compressors, which are classified separately under heading 8414 if presented alone.
- Covers
- Vacuum suction conveyors
- Dilute phase pressure conveyors
- Dense phase pneumatic transport systems
- Pneumatic tube systems for documents or small parts
- Pneumatic grain elevators
- Also under 8428.20
- Schenck Process pneumatic conveying
- Coperion K-Tron pneumatic conveying
- Palamatic Process vacuum conveyors
- Aerocom pneumatic tube systems
Codes often confused with 8428.20
Common mistake. Pneumatic conveyors are often confused with other types of continuous-action conveyors. For instance, belt conveyors are classified under 8428.33, and bucket conveyors fall under 8428.32. Another common error is attempting to classify the system under 8414.59 (fans and blowers). While a pneumatic conveyor uses a blower, the conveyor is a complete handling machine, whereas 8414 is for the air-moving component itself. If the conveyor is part of a specific industrial furnace or oven, it might be classified in Chapter 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842820 (the code used for pneumatic conveyor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842820 (the code used for pneumatic conveyor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 842820, not only pneumatic conveyor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $304M 20% of world exports
- 2 Italy $225M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $225M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $209M 14% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$192M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $73M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 pneumatic conveyor
Brazil splits HS 8428.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8428.20.10Mobile pneumatic tube conveyors over 90 kW
- 8428.20.90Other pneumatic elevators and conveyors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pneumatic conveyor
What is the HS code for Pneumatic conveyor?
The HS code for Pneumatic conveyor is 842820 (Elevators and conveyors; pneumatic). The HS code for pneumatic elevators and conveyors is 8428.20.
How do I classify Pneumatic conveyor for customs?
Pneumatic conveyor is classified under HS code 842820 — Elevators and conveyors; pneumatic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this code be used for pneumatic tube systems?
Yes, pneumatic tube systems used for transporting capsules or documents are classified under 8428.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of pneumatic conveyor (HS 842820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842820 (the code used for pneumatic conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($304M, 20% of world exports), Italy ($225M) and Germany ($225M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 pneumatic conveyor (HS 842820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842820 (the code used for pneumatic conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($209M, 14% of world imports), Russia (about $192M) and Indonesia ($73M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Pneumatic conveyor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842820 for Pneumatic conveyor 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 pneumatic conveyor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842820 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for pneumatic conveyor depends on the product's details: 8428.20.10 (Mobile pneumatic tube conveyors over 90 kW), 8428.20.90 (Other pneumatic elevators and conveyors).