Product classification

HS code for Vacuum conveyor: 8428.20

Elevators and conveyors, pneumatic.

Classification of vacuum conveyor under HS 8428.20

Vacuum conveyors are classified under HS code 842820, which pertains to pneumatic elevators and conveyors. This classification is based on the mechanical principle of operation: using air pressure differentials (suction) to transport bulk materials, powders, or small components through a sealed system. Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System covers machinery and mechanical appliances, and heading 8428 specifically addresses lifting, handling, loading, or unloading machinery. Because vacuum conveyors move goods continuously via a pneumatic stream, they fall squarely into the 842820 subheading. This classification applies regardless of whether the system is used in the food, pharmaceutical, or chemical industries, as the HS system prioritizes the machine's function over its specific industrial application.

Covers
  • Pneumatic vacuum transfer systems for powders and granules
  • Vacuum-based capsule and tablet conveyors for pharma
  • Suction-type grain elevators and loaders
  • Central vacuum systems for industrial material handling
  • Pneumatic tube systems for document or sample transport
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. A frequent mistake is classifying these systems under HS code 841410, which covers vacuum pumps. While a vacuum pump is a critical component of the conveyor, the entire assembly functions as a material handling system, making 842820 more appropriate. Another error involves HS code 842839, which is for other continuous-action conveyors. However, 842839 is intended for mechanical conveyors like belts or rollers; since vacuum systems are pneumatic, 842820 takes precedence due to its higher specificity.

8414.10Pumps; vacuum8428.39Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20, 8428.31, 8428.32 or 8428.33

Top exporters and importers of HS 842820 (the code used for vacuum conveyor), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842820 (the code used for vacuum 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 vacuum conveyor.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $304M
  2. 2 Italy $225M
  3. 3 Germany $225M

World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $209M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$192M
  3. 3 Indonesia $73M

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 vacuum 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 vacuum conveyor

What is the HS code for Vacuum conveyor?

The HS code for Vacuum conveyor is 842820 (Elevators and conveyors; pneumatic). The correct HS code for a vacuum conveyor system is 842820, categorized under pneumatic elevators and conveyors.

How do I classify Vacuum conveyor for customs?

Vacuum conveyor is classified under HS code 842820 — Elevators and conveyors; pneumatic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are the pipes and hoses classified under the same code?

Generally, if the pipes and hoses are shipped as part of a complete system, they are classified under 842820. If shipped separately as replacements, they may be classified under their constituent material codes, such as 3917 for plastic tubes or 7307 for steel fittings.

Which countries are the top exporters of vacuum conveyor (HS 842820)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842820 (the code used for vacuum 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 vacuum conveyor (HS 842820)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 842820 (the code used for vacuum 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 Vacuum conveyor the same in all countries?

The base HS code 842820 for Vacuum 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 vacuum conveyor in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 842820 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vacuum 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).