Product classification
HS code for Underground 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 underground conveyor under HS 8428.31
Underground conveyors are classified under HS code 8428.31, a category specifically designated for continuous-action elevators and conveyors designed for subterranean use. This classification is part of the broader heading 8428, which encompasses various lifting, handling, and loading machinery. The 8428.31 subheading is unique because it prioritizes the environment of use over the specific mechanical method (belt, bucket, or screw), provided the action is continuous. To meet this classification, the machinery must possess features specialized for underground environments, such as flame-retardant belts, explosion-proof electrical components, and compact frames suitable for mine shafts or tunnels. These technical requirements are essential for safety in hazardous mining conditions. If a conveyor is used for general industrial purposes above ground, it cannot be classified here, even if the mechanical design is identical.
- Covers
- Armored face conveyors (AFC) for coal mining
- Underground belt conveyors with fire-resistant ratings
- Subterranean chain conveyors for ore transport
- Continuous-action tunnel boring machine (TBM) muck conveyors
- 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. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 8428.33, which covers other belt-type conveyors. While an underground conveyor may use a belt, the 'underground' specification in 8428.31 takes legal precedence. Another common error is 8428.20, which is reserved for pneumatic elevators and conveyors. If the system uses air pressure to move goods, it belongs in 8428.20 regardless of whether it is used underground or on the surface.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842831 (the code used for underground conveyor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842831 (the code used for underground 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 underground 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 underground conveyor
Brazil classifies underground 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 underground conveyor
What is the HS code for Underground conveyor?
The HS code for Underground 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 specific HS code for continuous-action conveyors designed for underground use is 8428.31.
How do I classify Underground conveyor for customs?
Underground 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 parts for conveyors?
No, parts for these machines are generally classified under HS code 8431.39, following the rules for machinery parts in Section XVI.
Which countries are the top exporters of underground conveyor (HS 842831)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842831 (the code used for underground 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 underground conveyor (HS 842831)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842831 (the code used for underground 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 Underground conveyor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842831 for Underground 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 underground conveyor in Brazil?
In Brazil, underground conveyor (HS 842831) is classified under NCM 8428.31.00.