Product classification
HS code for Digger: 8429.52
Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders, with a 360 degree revolving super structure.
Classification of digger under HS 8429.52
The classification of a digger under HS code 8429.52 is based on its mechanical design and functional capabilities. Heading 8429 covers self-propelled earth-moving machinery. Subheading 8429.52 specifically identifies mechanical shovels, excavators, and shovel loaders that feature a 360-degree revolving superstructure. This means the upper frame, which houses the engine, cab, and digging attachment, can rotate fully and independently of the undercarriage (whether tracks or wheels). This distinction is critical because it separates these highly versatile machines from fixed-direction loaders or limited-swing backhoes. The classification follows the Harmonized System's preference for specific functional descriptions. To qualify for 8429.52, the machine must be self-propelled; stationary digging units or those mounted on a truck chassis (which might fall under 8705) are classified differently. The 360-degree rotation is the defining technical characteristic for this specific code.
- Covers
- Crawler excavators with full rotation
- Wheeled excavators with 360-degree swing
- Hydraulic diggers with revolving cabs
- Mini-excavators with full-circle slewing
- Tracked shovel loaders with revolving superstructures
- Also under 8429.52
- Caterpillar 320
- Komatsu PC210LC-11
- Hitachi ZX200-5G
- Volvo EC220E
- John Deere 210G LC
Codes often confused with 8429.52
Common mistake. Diggers are often confused with HS code 8429.51, which is for front-end shovel loaders that do not have a revolving superstructure. Another common mistake is using 8429.59, a residual category for other excavators like backhoe loaders where the digging arm is mounted on the rear of a tractor-style frame and cannot rotate 360 degrees. Additionally, if a digging attachment is imported separately without the self-propelled base, it must be classified under 8431.43 or 8431.49 as a part.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842952 (the code used for digger), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842952 (the code used for digger) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 842952, not only digger.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $10.8B 33% of world exports
- 2 Japan $7.7B 23% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $2.3B 7.1% of world exports
World total: $33.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.3B 14% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $1.5B 4.7% of world imports
- 3 Canada $1.3B 4.0% of world imports
World total: $31.4B 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 digger
Brazil splits HS 8429.52 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8429.52.11Revolving excavators, 650 HP or more
- 8429.52.12Revolving excavators, 54 HP or less
- 8429.52.19Revolving excavators over 54 HP and under 650 HP
- 8429.52.20Revolving power units for drilling or earth rigs
- 8429.52.90Other 360-degree revolving shovels and loaders
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about digger
What is the HS code for Digger?
The HS code for Digger is 842952 (Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders; with a 360 degree revolving super structure). The HS code for a self-propelled digger with a 360-degree revolving superstructure is 8429.52.
How do I classify Digger for customs?
Digger is classified under HS code 842952 — Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders; with a 360 degree revolving super structure. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a backhoe loader classified under 8429.52?
Generally, no. Most backhoe loaders do not have a 360-degree revolving superstructure and are instead classified under HS code 8429.59.
Which countries are the top exporters of digger (HS 842952)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842952 (the code used for digger) in UN Comtrade data were China ($10.8B, 33% of world exports), Japan ($7.7B) and South Korea ($2.3B). World exports came to about $33.0B, 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 digger (HS 842952)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842952 (the code used for digger) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.3B, 14% of world imports), Indonesia ($1.5B) and Canada ($1.3B). World imports came to about $31.4B, 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 Digger the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842952 for Digger 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 digger in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842952 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for digger depends on the product's details: 8429.52.11 (Revolving excavators, 650 HP or more), 8429.52.12 (Revolving excavators, 54 HP or less), 8429.52.19 (Revolving excavators over 54 HP and under 650 HP), 8429.52.20 (Revolving power units for drilling or earth rigs), 8429.52.90 (Other 360-degree revolving shovels and loaders).