Product classification
HS code for Tunnel boring machine: 8430.31
Coal or rock cutters and tunnelling machinery, self-propelled.
Classification of tunnel boring machine under HS 8430.31
Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are classified under HS code 8430.31. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8430 covers other moving, grading, leveling, scraping, excavating, tamping, compacting, extracting, or boring machinery for earth, minerals, or ores. Specifically, subheading 8430.31 is designated for coal or rock cutters and tunneling machinery that are self-propelled. The "self-propelled" distinction is critical; it refers to machines equipped with their own propulsion mechanism, allowing them to move forward as they excavate. TBMs are massive, complex machines used to excavate tunnels with a circular cross-section through a variety of soil and rock strata. Because they are integrated units designed for the specific task of boring and are capable of advancing themselves through the earth using hydraulic jacks or similar mechanisms, they meet the criteria for this specific subheading. The classification remains consistent whether the machine is a Shield TBM, an Open Beam TBM, or a Slurry Shield TBM, as long as the primary function is rock cutting or tunneling and the unit is self-propelled.
- Covers
- Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines
- Slurry Shield tunnel boring machines
- Hard rock TBMs
- Micro-tunneling boring machines (MTBM)
- Self-propelled roadheaders used in tunneling
- Also under 8430.31
- Herrenknecht TBMs
- Sandvik MT720
- Epiroc Boltec S
- Joy Global 12CM30
- Robbins Main Beam TBM
Codes often confused with 8430.31
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8430.39, which covers coal or rock cutters and tunneling machinery that are NOT self-propelled. Importers must verify the propulsion method to avoid this error. Additionally, TBMs are sometimes confused with HS code 8429.52, which covers mechanical shovels, excavators, and shovel loaders with a 360-degree revolving superstructure. While both types of equipment move earth, a TBM is a specialized boring tool rather than a general-purpose excavator. Parts for these machines should also be carefully classified under 8431.49 rather than the machine code itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 843031 (the code used for tunnel boring machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 843031 (the code used for tunnel boring machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 843031, not only tunnel boring machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $793M 45% of world exports
- 2 Finland $352M 20% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $151M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $1.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $152M 11% of world imports
- 2 Canada $131M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 India $103M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 tunnel boring machine
Brazil splits HS 8430.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8430.31.10Self-propelled coal or rock cutters
- 8430.31.90Self-propelled tunnelling machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tunnel boring machine
What is the HS code for Tunnel boring machine?
The HS code for Tunnel boring machine is 843031 (Coal or rock cutters and tunnelling machinery; self-propelled). The HS code for a self-propelled tunnel boring machine is 8430.31.
How do I classify Tunnel boring machine for customs?
Tunnel boring machine is classified under HS code 843031 — Coal or rock cutters and tunnelling machinery; self-propelled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the cutters on a TBM classified under the same code?
No, the interchangeable cutting tools (disc cutters) are typically classified under heading 8207 as interchangeable tools for machine tools, while the machine itself is 8430.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of tunnel boring machine (HS 843031)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 843031 (the code used for tunnel boring machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($793M, 45% of world exports), Finland ($352M) and Sweden ($151M). World exports came to about $1.8B, 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 tunnel boring machine (HS 843031)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 843031 (the code used for tunnel boring machine) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($152M, 11% of world imports), Canada ($131M) and India ($103M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Tunnel boring machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 843031 for Tunnel boring machine 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 tunnel boring machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 843031 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tunnel boring machine depends on the product's details: 8430.31.10 (Self-propelled coal or rock cutters), 8430.31.90 (Self-propelled tunnelling machinery).