Product classification
HS code for Bucket conveyor: 8428.32
Elevators and conveyors, continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31.
Classification of bucket conveyor under HS 8428.32
Bucket conveyors are classified under HS code 8428.32. Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System covers machinery and mechanical appliances. Heading 8428 is dedicated to other lifting, handling, loading, or unloading machinery, such as lifts, escalators, and conveyors. Subheading 8428.32 specifically identifies continuous-action elevators and conveyors for goods or materials that are of the bucket type. These machines are characterized by a series of buckets attached to a belt or chain that moves continuously to transport bulk materials, often vertically or at steep inclines. The classification is based on the mechanical function of the machine and the specific method of conveyance (buckets), distinguishing it from other types of continuous-action systems like belt or screw conveyors.
- Covers
- Vertical bucket elevators
- Inclined bucket conveyors
- Centrifugal discharge bucket elevators
- Continuous bucket elevators
- Pivoted bucket carriers
- Also under 8428.32
- Bühler Group bucket elevators
- Cimbria bucket elevators
- FEECO International bucket elevators
- KWS Manufacturing bucket elevators
Codes often confused with 8428.32
Common mistake. Bucket conveyors are frequently confused with other subheadings under 8428. For instance, HS code 8428.33 is used for belt-type conveyors, and 8428.39 is used for other types such as screw, roller, or vibrating conveyors. It is essential to identify the specific mechanism of transport to ensure correct classification. Another common error is classifying the conveyor under 8428.20, which is reserved for pneumatic elevators and conveyors. If the system uses air pressure rather than mechanical buckets, 8428.20 is correct. Furthermore, parts for these conveyors should not be classified in 8428.32 but rather under HS code 8431.39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket conveyor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket conveyor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 6.9% 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 842832, not only bucket conveyor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $178M 49% of world exports
- 2 Germany $25M 6.8% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$24M 6.7% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $363M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $25M 6.9% of world imports
- 2 Japan $24M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $22M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $366M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 bucket conveyor
Brazil classifies bucket conveyor under NCM 8428.32.00: HS 8428.32 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bucket conveyor
What is the HS code for Bucket conveyor?
The HS code for Bucket conveyor is 842832 (Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31). The specific HS code for a continuous-action bucket conveyor or elevator is 8428.32.
How do I classify Bucket conveyor for customs?
Bucket conveyor is classified under HS code 842832 — Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the individual buckets classified under this code?
No, individual buckets and other replacement parts for the conveyor are classified under HS code 8431.39, which covers parts for lifting and handling machinery.
Which countries are the top exporters of bucket conveyor (HS 842832)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($178M, 49% of world exports), Germany ($25M) and Taiwan (about $24M). World exports came to about $363M, 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 bucket conveyor (HS 842832)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 6.9% of world imports), Japan ($24M) and the United States ($22M). World imports came to about $366M, 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 Bucket conveyor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842832 for Bucket 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 bucket conveyor in Brazil?
In Brazil, bucket conveyor (HS 842832) is classified under NCM 8428.32.00.