Product classification

HS code for Wheel loader: 8429.51

Front-end shovel loaders.

Classification of wheel loader under HS 8429.51

The classification of wheel loaders under HS code 8429.51 is determined by their design as self-propelled, front-end shovel loaders. Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Within this chapter, heading 8429 is dedicated to heavy earth-moving machinery such as bulldozers, graders, and excavators. The sub-heading 8429.51 specifically identifies loaders that operate with a shovel or bucket at the front. These machines are characterized by their integrated powertrain, rubber-tired chassis, and hydraulic lifting arms. The classification is based on the machine's ability to perform work, such as digging, loading, and carrying, through its own power source and mechanical systems. This distinguishes it from towed implements or stationary machinery. The articulated steering system and the specific configuration of the loader arms are key technical features that confirm its status as a front-end shovel loader under the international harmonized standards.

Covers
  • Articulated wheel loaders
  • Compact utility loaders
  • High-capacity mining wheel loaders
  • Multi-terrain loaders with bucket attachments
  • Skid-steer loaders equipped with front shovels
Also under 8429.51
  • Caterpillar 950 GC
  • John Deere 624L
  • Komatsu WA380-8
  • Volvo L120H
  • Case 721G

Codes often confused with 8429.51

Common mistake. Wheel loaders are often confused with HS code 8427.20, which covers fork-lift trucks and other work trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. The distinction lies in the primary application; 8427 is for material handling (usually on pallets), while 8429 is for earth-moving and excavation. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8704 for off-road dump trucks, but if the vehicle is primarily designed for loading rather than transport over long distances, 8429.51 is the correct designation. Using 8429.59 is also a common error, but that code is reserved for other types of shovel loaders that are not front-end specific.

8427.20Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor84.27Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment84.29Bulldozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, angledozers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and road rollers, self-propelled87.04Vehicles; for the transport of goods8429.59Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders; n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50

Top exporters and importers of HS 842951 (the code used for wheel loader), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842951 (the code used for wheel loader) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 842951, not only wheel loader.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $3.9B
  2. 2 Japan $2.6B
  3. 3 United States $1.8B

World total: $15.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $2.5B
  2. 2 Canada $1.5B
  3. 3 Germany $881M

World total: $15.6B 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 wheel loader

Brazil splits HS 8429.51 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8429.51.11Underground mining loader-transporters
  • 8429.51.19Other front-end loader-transporters
  • 8429.51.21Front-end loader power units, 609 HP or more
  • 8429.51.29Front-end loader power units under 609 HP
  • 8429.51.91Front-end shovel loaders, 399 HP or more
  • 8429.51.92Front-end shovel loaders, 59 HP or less
  • 8429.51.99Front-end loaders over 59 HP and under 399 HP

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about wheel loader

What is the HS code for Wheel loader?

The HS code for Wheel loader is 842951 (Front-end shovel loaders). The standard HS code for a self-propelled front-end wheel loader is 8429.51.00.

How do I classify Wheel loader for customs?

Wheel loader is classified under HS code 842951 — Front-end shovel loaders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a backhoe loader classified under this same code?

No, backhoe loaders are typically classified under HS code 8429.59 because they feature both a front loader and a rear-mounted backhoe, which changes their classification within the sub-headings of 8429.

Which countries are the top exporters of wheel loader (HS 842951)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842951 (the code used for wheel loader) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.9B, 25% of world exports), Japan ($2.6B) and the United States ($1.8B). World exports came to about $15.3B, 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 wheel loader (HS 842951)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 842951 (the code used for wheel loader) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.5B, 16% of world imports), Canada ($1.5B) and Germany ($881M). World imports came to about $15.6B, 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.

Is the HS code for Wheel loader the same in all countries?

The base HS code 842951 for Wheel loader 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 wheel loader in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 842951 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for wheel loader depends on the product's details: 8429.51.11 (Underground mining loader-transporters), 8429.51.19 (Other front-end loader-transporters), 8429.51.21 (Front-end loader power units, 609 HP or more), 8429.51.29 (Front-end loader power units under 609 HP), 8429.51.91 (Front-end shovel loaders, 399 HP or more), 8429.51.92 (Front-end shovel loaders, 59 HP or less), and more.