Product classification
HS code for Mining conveyor: 8428.31
Elevators and conveyors, continuous-action, for goods and materials, specially designed for underground use, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20.
Classification of mining conveyor under HS 8428.31
The classification of mining conveyors under HS code 8428.31 is determined by their specific engineering for underground environments. Heading 8428 encompasses a wide range of lifting, handling, loading, or unloading machinery. Within this heading, subheadings are differentiated by the mechanism of action and the intended environment. Code 8428.31 specifically identifies continuous-action elevators and conveyors for goods or materials that are specially designed for underground use. This classification is critical because mining environments require specialized safety features, such as flame-proof motors, explosion-resistant housings, and corrosion-resistant materials, which distinguish these machines from standard industrial conveyors. The continuous-action aspect refers to the uninterrupted flow of materials, typically via belts, chains, or buckets, which is a hallmark of efficient mining operations. To qualify for this code, the machinery must demonstrate design characteristics that make it suitable for the rigors of subterranean work, such as compact frames for low-clearance tunnels and heavy-duty structural reinforcement to handle raw ore and minerals.
- Covers
- Underground belt conveyors
- Chain conveyors for coal mines
- Scraper conveyors for subterranean use
- Articulated underground material haulers
- Continuous-action bucket elevators for mines
- Armored face conveyors (AFC)
- Also under 8428.31
- Joy Global (Komatsu) underground conveyors
- Sandvik underground conveying systems
- ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions mining conveyors
- Metso Outotec underground conveyors
Codes often confused with 8428.31
Common mistake. Mining conveyors are frequently misclassified under HS code 8428.33, which covers other belt-type continuous-action elevators and conveyors. The distinction lies in the requirement of 8428.31 for the equipment to be specially designed for underground use. If a conveyor is intended for surface mining, quarrying, or general industrial use, it belongs in 8428.33 or 8428.39. Additionally, parts for these conveyors are often incorrectly placed in 8428.31 instead of the parts-specific code 8431.39. It is vital to verify the engineering specifications regarding safety certifications to justify the 8428.31 classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842831 (the code used for mining conveyor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842831 (the code used for mining conveyor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 15% 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 842831, not only mining conveyor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $39M 43% of world exports
- 2 Switzerland $22M 24% of world exports
- 3 Poland $6.4M 7.1% of world exports
World total: $90M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $14M 15% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $7.7M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 United States $7.3M 8.0% of world imports
World total: $91M 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 mining conveyor
Brazil classifies mining conveyor under NCM 8428.31.00: HS 8428.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mining conveyor
What is the HS code for Mining conveyor?
The HS code for Mining conveyor is 842831 (Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods and materials, specially designed for underground use, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20). The primary HS code for mining conveyors specially designed for underground use is 8428.31.
How do I classify Mining conveyor for customs?
Mining conveyor is classified under HS code 842831 — Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods and materials, specially designed for underground use, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include surface mining equipment?
No, surface mining conveyors are typically classified under 8428.33 (belt type) or 8428.39 (other types), as they lack the specific design requirements for underground safety and environmental constraints.
Which countries are the top exporters of mining conveyor (HS 842831)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842831 (the code used for mining conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($39M, 43% of world exports), Switzerland ($22M) and Poland ($6.4M). World exports came to about $90M, 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 mining conveyor (HS 842831)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842831 (the code used for mining conveyor) in UN Comtrade data were France ($14M, 15% of world imports), Türkiye ($7.7M) and the United States ($7.3M). World imports came to about $91M, 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 Mining conveyor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842831 for Mining 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 mining conveyor in Brazil?
In Brazil, mining conveyor (HS 842831) is classified under NCM 8428.31.00.