Product classification
HS code for Bucket elevator: 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 elevator under HS 8428.32
The Harmonized System (HS) code 842832 classifies "Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31." This classification is highly specific, identifying machinery designed for the continuous vertical or inclined transport of bulk materials or discrete goods using buckets. The "continuous-action" aspect is crucial, distinguishing it from intermittent lifting devices. The "bucket type" mechanism is the primary identifier, differentiating it from belt, roller, or other conveyor types. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) clause ensures that this code captures general-purpose bucket elevators that are not specifically designed for underground use (8428.20) or other specialized applications covered by 8428.31.
- Covers
- Grain bucket elevators
- Industrial bucket elevators for bulk materials (e.g., cement, coal, sand, aggregates)
- Vertical bucket conveyors for powders or granules
- Z-type bucket conveyors for material handling
- 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. Misclassification often occurs with other types of continuous-action conveyors or specialized elevators. HS code 842831 specifically covers "Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, underground." The distinction is the intended operational environment; 842832 is for general surface or above-ground applications. HS code 842833 classifies "Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, belt type," which differs fundamentally in its conveying mechanism. Furthermore, general lifting or handling equipment not operating continuously or not using buckets might fall under other codes within Chapter 84, such as 842890 for other lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery. The key for 842832 is the continuous action and bucket mechanism for non-underground use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket elevator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket elevator) 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 elevator.
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 elevator
Brazil classifies bucket elevator 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 elevator
What is the HS code for Bucket elevator?
The HS code for Bucket elevator 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 HS code for a general-purpose bucket elevator, which is a continuous-action conveyor for goods or materials using buckets and not specifically for underground use, is 842832.
How do I classify Bucket elevator for customs?
Bucket elevator 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.
What distinguishes a bucket elevator from other continuous-action conveyors?
A bucket elevator is distinguished by its use of a series of buckets attached to a rotating chain or belt, designed to scoop up and vertically or steeply incline transport bulk materials. Other continuous-action conveyors, such as belt conveyors (842833), use a continuous belt, while roller conveyors use rollers, each suited for different material types and transport angles.
Which countries are the top exporters of bucket elevator (HS 842832)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket elevator) 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 elevator (HS 842832)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842832 (the code used for bucket elevator) 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 elevator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842832 for Bucket elevator 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 elevator in Brazil?
In Brazil, bucket elevator (HS 842832) is classified under NCM 8428.32.00.