Product classification
HS code for Public works equipment: 8479.10
Machinery and mechanical appliances, for public works, building or the like.
Classification of public works equipment under HS 8479.10
Public works equipment is classified under HS code 8479.10. This classification is part of Chapter 84, which deals with nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 84.79 is a "residual" heading for machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in Chapter 84. Subheading 8479.10 specifically targets machinery for public works, building, or the like. This includes a variety of specialized mechanical devices used in infrastructure projects that do not fit into more specific categories like earth-moving (84.29) or lifting (84.25). The classification is based on the machine's primary function being related to construction or maintenance of public infrastructure, such as roads or bridges, provided the machine does not have a more specific heading elsewhere in the nomenclature. This code is essential for identifying specialized civil engineering tools that are neither simple hand tools nor heavy earth-moving vehicles.
- Covers
- Concrete vibrators and spreaders
- Asphalt and bitumen distributors
- Road sweepers (mechanical)
- Gravel spreaders and mortar sprayers
- Small road rollers (non-self-propelled)
- Also under 8479.10
- Wirtgen Asphalt Pavers
- Bomag Road Rollers
- Putzmeister Concrete Pumps
- Caterpillar (specific non-8429 items)
- Liebherr (specific non-8429 items)
Codes often confused with 8479.10
Common mistake. Public works equipment is often misclassified under 8429.51 (front-end shovel loaders) or 8430.50 (other self-propelled earth-moving machinery). The distinction lies in whether the machine is primarily for moving earth or for specific building/public works tasks like spreading material or finishing surfaces. Additionally, simple hand tools are classified in Chapter 82, not 8479.
Top exporters and importers of HS 847910 (the code used for public works equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 847910 (the code used for public works equipment) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 847910, not only public works equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.6B 44% of world exports
- 2 China $589M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $297M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $529M 15% of world imports
- 2 France $247M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 Italy $161M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $3.5B 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 public works equipment
Brazil splits HS 8479.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8479.10.10Self-propelled bituminous paving machines
- 8479.10.90Other public works and construction machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about public works equipment
What is the HS code for Public works equipment?
The HS code for Public works equipment is 847910 (Machinery and mechanical appliances; for public works, building or the like). The HS code for machinery for public works, building, or the like is 8479.10.
How do I classify Public works equipment for customs?
Public works equipment is classified under HS code 847910 — Machinery and mechanical appliances; for public works, building or the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include excavators?
No, excavators are specifically classified under heading 84.29 as self-propelled earth-moving machinery.
Which countries are the top exporters of public works equipment (HS 847910)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 847910 (the code used for public works equipment) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.6B, 44% of world exports), China ($589M) and the United States ($297M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 public works equipment (HS 847910)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 847910 (the code used for public works equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($529M, 15% of world imports), France ($247M) and Italy ($161M). World imports came to about $3.5B, 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 Public works equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 847910 for Public works equipment 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 public works equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 847910 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for public works equipment depends on the product's details: 8479.10.10 (Self-propelled bituminous paving machines), 8479.10.90 (Other public works and construction machinery).