84212100
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Centrifuges, including centrifugal dryers; filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus, for liquids or gases
Filtering or purifying machinery and apparatus for liquids - For filtering or purifying water
Definition and scope of CN subheading 842121
CN subheading 842121 covers machinery for filtering or purifying water. This subheading includes industrial water treatment filters, reverse osmosis systems, sand filters, activated carbon filters, ultrafilters, microfilters and equipment for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. Classification follows the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI), particularly rules 1 and 6. Subheading 842121 falls under heading 8421, covering centrifuges and filtering or purifying machinery for liquids and gases. The key criterion is the intended use for filtering or purifying water, distinguishing it from beverage filtering equipment (842122) and oil filters for engines (842123). Domestic drinking water filters may also be classified under this subheading. For borderline cases Binding Tariff Information (BTI) ruling is recommended.
Import requirements and regulations for water filters (842121)
Importing water filtering equipment under subheading 842121 into the EU requires compliance with the Union Customs Code and regulations on water quality and product safety. Equipment intended for drinking water treatment must comply with the Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184/EU). Materials in contact with drinking water must be approved for this purpose and must not release harmful substances. The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 may apply to complete automated filtration installations. Pressure equipment must comply with the PED (2014/68/EU). The importer must hold an EORI number and file a customs declaration. Documentation includes commercial invoice, technical specifications, drinking water contact certificates and CE certificates. MFN and preferential rates should be verified in TARIC.
Applications and market for water filtering equipment (842121)
Water filtering equipment classified under subheading 842121 is used across many sectors. Municipal water treatment plants use sand filters, carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems to produce drinking water. Industry uses filters for process water, cooling water and boiler feed water preparation. The food sector requires high-purity water for production processes. Wastewater treatment plants use filtration equipment for final effluent polishing. The domestic drinking water filter segment represents a growing import market. When importing complete filtration installations as kits for assembly, GRI rule 2a applies. Spare parts for filtering equipment are classified under subheading 842199. Importers should check preferential rates under EU FTA agreements to reduce import costs for water treatment equipment.
Water filters - Drinking Water Directive and safety
CN code 8421 21 covers water filtering apparatus. Import of drinking water filters requires compliance with the EU Drinking Water Directive (DWD 2020/2184) and EN standards for materials in contact with drinking water. Filter media must have hygiene attestations. Customs clearance requires CE certificate and material compliance declarations.
Frequently asked questions
What certificates are required for drinking water filters under subheading 842121?
Drinking water filters must comply with the Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184/EU). Contact materials must be approved for drinking water contact. Certificates confirming material safety and filtration effectiveness may be required. Complete automated installations may need CE marking under the Machinery Regulation. Pressure equipment is subject to the PED.
How to distinguish water filters (842121) from beverage filters (842122)?
Subheading 842121 covers equipment for filtering or purifying water, while subheading 842122 covers equipment for filtering beverages other than water. The key factor is the intended use of the equipment. Filters for drinking water, process water and wastewater fall under 842121. Filters for juices, beer, wine and other beverages are classified under 842122. For borderline cases a BTI is recommended.
Are domestic water filters classified under subheading 842121?
Yes, domestic drinking water filters including jug filters, under-sink filters and home reverse osmosis systems may be classified under subheading 842121 as water filtering apparatus. The key criterion is that the primary function of the device is filtering or purifying water. Materials must comply with drinking water contact requirements.
What are the import requirements for water filtering apparatus CN 8421 21?
Importing water filtering apparatus CN 8421 21 requires Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC compliance, CE marking and declaration of conformity. TARIC sets the duty rates. Additional sector-specific requirements may apply.
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