Product classification

HS code for Chain conveyor: 8428.39

Elevators and conveyors, continuous-action, for goods or materials, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20, 8428.31, 8428.32 or 8428.33.

Classification of chain conveyor under HS 8428.39

Chain conveyors are classified under HS code 842839, which serves as the category for "other" continuous-action elevators and conveyors for goods or materials. The classification is determined by the mechanical operation of the machine and its intended use in material handling. Heading 8428 encompasses a wide range of lifting, handling, loading, or unloading machinery. Within this heading, sub-headings are organized by the specific mechanism used to move goods. Since chain conveyors utilize a continuous chain loop to transport items but do not fit the specific descriptions of pneumatic (842820), bucket-type (842832), or belt-type (842833) conveyors, they are placed in the residual sub-heading 842839. These machines are characterized by their ability to provide a constant flow of materials, often using slats, flights, or attachments connected to the chain. The classification remains consistent whether the conveyor is used for heavy industrial pallets, automotive assembly lines, or bulk material transport, provided it is a continuous-action system. The technical documentation must clearly state the drive mechanism to ensure correct categorization under this specific code.

Covers
  • Drag chain conveyors for bulk material handling
  • Slat conveyors for assembly and production lines
  • Apron conveyors for high-temperature or abrasive materials
  • Scraper conveyors for industrial waste and minerals
  • Overhead trolley chain conveyors for paint lines
Also under 8428.39
  • FlexLink pallet conveyors
  • Dorner Manufacturing precision conveyors
  • SSI Schaefer chain conveyors
  • Hapman screw conveyors

Codes often confused with 8428.39

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 842833, which is specifically for belt conveyors. While both are continuous-action, the transport medium (chain vs. belt) is the primary differentiator. Another common error is using HS code 843139, which is for parts of conveyors rather than the complete machine. If the conveyor is designed specifically for underground use in mines, it might be confused with 842831, which is reserved for that specific environment.

8428.33Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, belt type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.318431.39Machinery; parts of the machinery of heading no. 8428, (other than lifts, skip hoists or escalators)8428.31Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods and materials, specially designed for underground use, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20

Top exporters and importers of HS 842839 (the code used for chain conveyor), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842839 (the code used for chain conveyor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world imports. Mexico reports $217M of its heading 8428 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 842839, not only chain conveyor.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.1B
  2. 2 Germany $1.1B
  3. 3 Italy $661M

World total: $8.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.6B
  2. 2 Germany $507M
  3. 3 Canada $301M

Mexico reports $217M of its heading 8428 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $8.0B 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 codes for chain conveyor

Brazil splits HS 8428.39 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about chain conveyor

What is the HS code for Chain conveyor?

The HS code for Chain conveyor is 842839 (Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20, 8428.31, 8428.32 or 8428.33). The HS code for a continuous-action chain conveyor used for goods or materials is 842839.

How do I classify Chain conveyor for customs?

Chain conveyor is classified under HS code 842839 — Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20, 8428.31, 8428.32 or 8428.33. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a bucket elevator classified under 842839?

No, bucket elevators are specifically classified under HS code 842832. Only conveyors that do not fit the bucket, belt, or pneumatic descriptions fall under 842839.

Which countries are the top exporters of chain conveyor (HS 842839)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842839 (the code used for chain conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1B, 25% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and Italy ($661M). World exports came to about $8.2B, 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 chain conveyor (HS 842839)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 842839 (the code used for chain conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($507M) and Canada ($301M). World imports came to about $8.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $217M of its heading 8428 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Is the HS code for Chain conveyor the same in all countries?

The base HS code 842839 for Chain 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 chain conveyor in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 842839 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for chain conveyor depends on the product's details: 8428.39.10 (Chain conveyors), 8428.39.20 (Powered roller conveyors), 8428.39.30 (Side-gripper newspaper conveyors), 8428.39.90 (Other continuous-action conveyors).