Product classification
HS code for Backhoe loader: 8429.59
Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders, n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50.
Classification of backhoe loader under HS 8429.59
A backhoe loader is classified under HS code 8429.59 as a self-propelled mechanical shovel, excavator, or shovel loader. Heading 8429 covers heavy machinery used for earth-moving, grading, leveling, or excavating. Within this heading, the system differentiates between various types of machinery such as bulldozers, graders, and mechanical shovels. Subheading 8429.59 is a residual category for mechanical shovels and excavators that do not fall under the more specific subheadings like 8429.51 (front-end shovel loaders) or 8429.52 (machinery with a 360-degree revolving superstructure). A backhoe loader is a versatile piece of equipment featuring a loader bucket on the front and an excavating arm (backhoe) on the rear. Because it combines these functions and typically does not have a 360-degree revolving superstructure (unlike a standard excavator), it is classified under the "other" category of 8429.59. This classification ensures that multi-functional earth-moving equipment is accurately captured for tariff and statistical purposes, reflecting its role in construction and utility work.
- Covers
- Standard tractor-mounted backhoe loaders
- Center-mount backhoe loaders
- Sideshift backhoe loaders
- Compact backhoe loaders
- Self-propelled backhoes with integrated loader buckets
- Also under 8429.59
- JCB 3CX
- Case 580 Super N
- Bobcat S770 (skid-steer)
- Caterpillar 420F2
- Terex TLB840
Codes often confused with 8429.59
Common mistake. Backhoe loaders are often confused with HS code 8429.51, which is strictly for front-end shovel loaders. While a backhoe loader has a front loader, its rear excavating arm makes it a different machine. Another common error is 8429.52, which is reserved for machines with a 360-degree revolving superstructure, such as track-mounted excavators. Finally, some attempt to classify them as tractors under 8701.90, but because the machine is built as a single unit for earth-moving, Chapter 84 is the correct location.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842959 (the code used for backhoe loader), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842959 (the code used for backhoe loader) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.7% 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 842959, not only backhoe loader.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $915M 23% of world exports
- 2 India $538M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $514M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $345M 6.7% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$270M 5.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Chile $262M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 code for backhoe loader
Brazil classifies backhoe loader under NCM 8429.59.00: HS 8429.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about backhoe loader
What is the HS code for Backhoe loader?
The HS code for Backhoe loader is 842959 (Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders; n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50). The standard HS code for a self-propelled backhoe loader is 8429.59.
How do I classify Backhoe loader for customs?
Backhoe loader is classified under HS code 842959 — Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders; n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a backhoe loader considered a tractor for HS purposes?
No, even though it may look like a tractor, it is classified as earth-moving machinery under 8429 because its primary function is excavation and loading.
Which countries are the top exporters of backhoe loader (HS 842959)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842959 (the code used for backhoe loader) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($915M, 23% of world exports), India ($538M) and China ($514M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of backhoe loader (HS 842959)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842959 (the code used for backhoe loader) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($345M, 6.7% of world imports), Russia (about $270M) and Chile ($262M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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 Backhoe loader the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842959 for Backhoe loader 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 backhoe loader in Brazil?
In Brazil, backhoe loader (HS 842959) is classified under NCM 8429.59.00.