Product classification
HS code for Water purifier: 8421.21
Machinery, for filtering or purifying water.
Classification of water purifier under HS 8421.21
Water purifiers are classified under HS code 842121, which specifically covers machinery and apparatus for filtering or purifying water. This classification is based on the mechanical or physical process the device uses to remove impurities from water. Heading 8421 is a broad category for centrifuges and filtering/purifying machinery for liquids or gases, and the six-digit subheading 842121 is the specific provision for water-related applications. This includes a wide range of technologies, from simple carbon block filters to complex multi-stage reverse osmosis (RO) systems. The classification logic is driven by the primary function of the device: the separation of solid, semi-solid, or dissolved particles from a liquid medium. Whether the device is intended for domestic use under a kitchen sink or for industrial use in a factory, the HS code remains 842121. It is important to note that the device must be a complete apparatus; individual replacement filter cartridges are often classified separately under 842199 as parts, depending on their construction and the specific customs jurisdiction's rules.
- Covers
- Reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems
- Countertop activated carbon water filters
- Ultraviolet (UV) water sterilizers
- Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane systems
- Gravity-fed ceramic water purifiers
- Ion-exchange water purification units
- 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 purifiers are sometimes confused with HS code 8516, which covers electric water heaters and electro-thermic domestic appliances. This happens when a purifier also has a heating or cooling function. However, per GRI 3(b), the essential character of the machine is water purification, so 842121 is preferred. Another common error is using 382499 for chemical water treatment products; 842121 is strictly for the mechanical or electrical machinery, not the chemical agents themselves.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842121 (the code used for water purifier), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842121 (the code used for water purifier) 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 purifier.
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 purifier
Brazil classifies water purifier 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 purifier
What is the HS code for Water purifier?
The HS code for Water purifier is 842121 (Machinery; for filtering or purifying water). The standard HS code for water purifiers is 842121, which covers all machinery and apparatus designed for filtering or purifying water.
How do I classify Water purifier for customs?
Water purifier is classified under HS code 842121 — Machinery; for filtering or purifying water. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include replacement filter cartridges?
Generally, no. Complete purification units are 842121, while replacement cartridges or individual filtering elements are typically classified as parts under HS code 842199.
Which countries are the top exporters of water purifier (HS 842121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842121 (the code used for water purifier) 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 purifier (HS 842121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842121 (the code used for water purifier) 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 purifier the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842121 for Water purifier 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 purifier in Brazil?
In Brazil, water purifier (HS 842121) is classified under NCM 8421.21.00.