Product classification
HS code for Water filter: 8421.21
Machinery, for filtering or purifying water.
Classification of water filter under HS 8421.21
Water filters are classified under HS code 8421.21, which resides within Chapter 84 for nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8421 specifically covers centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers, and filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids or gases. Subheading 8421.21 is specifically carved out for machinery and apparatus for filtering or purifying water. This classification applies regardless of whether the filter is intended for industrial, commercial, or domestic use. The primary function of the device—removing impurities from water through physical, chemical, or biological processes—is the defining characteristic for this code. This includes everything from large-scale municipal water treatment systems to small under-sink reverse osmosis units. The classification follows GIR 1 and GIR 6, ensuring that the specific sub-category for water takes precedence over the general category for other liquids (8421.29).
- Covers
- Reverse osmosis water purification systems
- Activated carbon water filters
- Domestic carafe-style water filters
- Industrial water filtration machinery
- Ultraviolet (UV) water purifiers
- Ion-exchange water softeners
- Also under 8421.21
- Culligan water softeners
- Brita water filters
- GE Water & Process Technologies RO systems
- Siemens Water Technologies
- Pentair water filtration systems
Codes often confused with 8421.21
Common mistake. Water filters are often confused with 8421.29, which is the code for filtering or purifying machinery for liquids other than water (such as oil or beverages). Another common error is using 8421.39, which is reserved for filtering or purifying machinery for gases. Furthermore, replacement filter cartridges are sometimes misclassified under the material they are made of (e.g., plastic 3926 or ceramic 6909), but they should generally be classified as parts of filtering machinery under 8421.99.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842121 (the code used for water filter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842121 (the code used for water filter) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 842121, not only water filter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 17% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.6B 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.3B 11% of world exports
World total: $12.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.9B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $652M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Canada $448M 3.8% of world imports
World total: $11.9B 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 water filter
Brazil classifies water filter under NCM 8421.21.00: HS 8421.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about water filter
What is the HS code for Water filter?
The HS code for Water filter is 842121 (Machinery; for filtering or purifying water). The standard HS code for water filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus is 8421.21.
How do I classify Water filter for customs?
Water filter is classified under HS code 842121 — Machinery; for filtering or purifying water. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include portable water filter bottles?
Yes, portable bottles with integrated filtration systems are typically classified under 8421.21 because the essential character of the item is the water purification function.
Which countries are the top exporters of water filter (HS 842121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842121 (the code used for water filter) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 17% of world exports), Germany ($1.6B) and the United States ($1.3B). World exports came to about $12.3B, 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 water filter (HS 842121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842121 (the code used for water filter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($652M) and Canada ($448M). World imports came to about $11.9B, 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 Water filter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842121 for Water 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 water filter in Brazil?
In Brazil, water filter (HS 842121) is classified under NCM 8421.21.00.