Product classification
HS code for Heavy duty scale: 8423.89
Weighing machines, other than personal, conveyor or constant weight scales, having a maximum weighing capacity exceeding 5000kg.
Classification of heavy duty scale under HS 8423.89
The classification of heavy-duty scales under HS code 8423.89 is determined by the specific technical parameters of the weighing machinery. Heading 8423 encompasses all weighing machinery, excluding analytical balances of a sensitivity of 5 cg or better. Within this heading, subheadings are organized based on the functional application and the maximum weighing capacity. HS code 8423.89 is a residual category for weighing machinery that does not fall under personal scales, scales for continuous weighing on conveyors, or constant weight scales. The primary defining characteristic for this specific code is the maximum weighing capacity, which must exceed 5,000 kg. This classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6, as the product is specifically described by the terms of the heading and subheadings. These scales are typically used in industrial environments, such as logistics hubs, mining operations, or heavy manufacturing, where the measurement of massive loads is required for inventory or safety purposes.
- Covers
- Industrial weighbridges for trucks and heavy vehicles
- Heavy-duty platform scales with capacity over 5,000 kg
- Hopper scales for bulk material measurement exceeding 5,000 kg
- Crane scales designed for heavy industrial lifting
- Silo weighing systems for large-scale storage
- Also under 8423.89
- Mettler Toledo VTS231 Truck Scales
- Rice Lake SURVIVOR OTR Truck Scales
- Avery Weigh-Tronix Weighbridges
- Fairbanks Scales Heavy Capacity Scales
- Intercomp LS-WIM Weigh-in-Motion Scales (static component)
Codes often confused with 8423.89
Common mistake. Heavy-duty scales are frequently misclassified under HS code 8423.82, which covers weighing machinery with a capacity exceeding 30 kg but not exceeding 5,000 kg. The distinction is strictly based on the maximum rated capacity; if a scale is rated for exactly 5,000 kg, it remains in 8423.82, whereas 8423.89 is reserved for those exceeding that limit. Additionally, scales integrated into conveyor systems may be incorrectly placed here instead of HS code 8423.20, which specifically covers scales for continuous weighing of goods on conveyors, regardless of their total capacity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842389 (the code used for heavy duty scale), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842389 (the code used for heavy duty scale) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 6.0% 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 842389, not only heavy duty scale.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $84M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $32M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $16M 5.8% of world exports
World total: $271M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 6.0% of world imports
- 2 Canada $16M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $12M 4.2% of world imports
World total: $286M 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 code for heavy duty scale
Brazil classifies heavy duty scale under NCM 8423.89.00: HS 8423.89 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy duty scale
What is the HS code for Heavy duty scale?
The HS code for Heavy duty scale is 842389 (Weighing machines; other than personal, conveyor or constant weight scales, having a maximum weighing capacity exceeding 5000kg). The HS code for a heavy-duty scale with a maximum weighing capacity exceeding 5,000 kg is 8423.89.
How do I classify Heavy duty scale for customs?
Heavy duty scale is classified under HS code 842389 — Weighing machines; other than personal, conveyor or constant weight scales, having a maximum weighing capacity exceeding 5000kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include scales used for weighing people?
No, personal weighing machines, including baby scales and household scales, are classified under HS code 8423.10, regardless of their weight capacity.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy duty scale (HS 842389)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842389 (the code used for heavy duty scale) in UN Comtrade data were China ($84M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($32M) and Germany ($16M). World exports came to about $271M, 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 heavy duty scale (HS 842389)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842389 (the code used for heavy duty scale) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 6.0% of world imports), Canada ($16M) and the United Kingdom ($12M). World imports came to about $286M, 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 Heavy duty scale the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842389 for Heavy duty scale 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 heavy duty scale in Brazil?
In Brazil, heavy duty scale (HS 842389) is classified under NCM 8423.89.00.