Product classification
HS code for Hydraulic excavator: 8429.52
Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders, with a 360 degree revolving super structure.
Classification of hydraulic excavator under HS 8429.52
Hydraulic excavators are classified under HS code 8429.52. This classification is determined by the machine's self-propelled nature and its specific mechanical function. Heading 8429 covers self-propelled earth-moving machinery such as bulldozers, graders, and mechanical shovels. Subheading 8429.52 is specifically reserved for mechanical shovels, excavators, and shovel loaders that feature a 360-degree revolving superstructure. This means the upper part of the machine, including the cab and the boom, can rotate fully independently of the undercarriage (tracks or wheels). This rotation is the defining technical characteristic for this code. If the machine lacks this full rotation capability, it must be classified elsewhere within the 8429 subheadings. The hydraulic system itself, while essential for the machine's operation, is a component of the overall mechanical shovel described in this heading.
- Covers
- Crawler-mounted hydraulic excavators
- Wheeled hydraulic excavators with 360-degree rotation
- Mini-excavators with full revolving superstructures
- Tracked mechanical shovels
- 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. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8429.51, which is for front-end shovel loaders. While both are earth-moving machines, loaders do not typically have a 360-degree revolving superstructure. Another error is using HS code 8429.59, which is a residual category for other excavators, such as backhoes that are mounted on tractor frames and do not rotate 360 degrees. Additionally, if the excavator is not self-propelled, it would fall under heading 8430 instead of 8429.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842952 (the code used for hydraulic excavator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842952 (the code used for hydraulic excavator) 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 hydraulic excavator.
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 hydraulic excavator
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 hydraulic excavator
What is the HS code for Hydraulic excavator?
The HS code for Hydraulic excavator is 842952 (Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders; with a 360 degree revolving super structure). The HS code for a self-propelled hydraulic excavator with a 360-degree revolving superstructure is 8429.52.
How do I classify Hydraulic excavator for customs?
Hydraulic excavator 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.
Does this code include mini-excavators?
Yes, as long as the mini-excavator is self-propelled and has a superstructure capable of rotating 360 degrees, it is classified under 8429.52.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydraulic excavator (HS 842952)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842952 (the code used for hydraulic excavator) 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 hydraulic excavator (HS 842952)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842952 (the code used for hydraulic excavator) 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 Hydraulic excavator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842952 for Hydraulic excavator 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 hydraulic excavator in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842952 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for hydraulic excavator 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).