HS Code: 842952
Mechanical shovels, excavators, and shovel loaders with superstructures rotatable through 360 degrees.
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 84 covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts thereof, and is one of the chapters with the broadest commodity scope and highest technical density in the HS classification. This chapter includes power machinery, agricultural machinery, metalworking machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, lifting and handling machinery, etc. When classifying, note that machines in this chapter must have an independent function and are not classified under Chapter 85 electrical equipment or other chapters. 8429 is the core heading in this chapter for construction machinery.
Heading
Heading 8429 covers self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and road rollers. This heading focuses on self-propelled heavy machinery for earthmoving, mining, road construction and similar scenarios. The key distinguishing points are structural features such as "self-propelled" and "upper structure capable of rotating 360 degrees," as well as whether it has specific functions such as excavating, shovel loading, or bulldozing.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 84 = Chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances); digits 3-4 29 = heading 8429 (self-propelled bulldozers, excavators, loaders, etc.); digits 5-6 52 = subheading 842952, specifically machinery with an upper structure capable of rotating 360 degrees, namely mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders. Digit-by-digit logic: Chapter 84 defines the broad machinery category; 8429 locks in construction machinery; 842952 further limits it to excavating machinery with an "upper structure capable of 360-degree rotation," distinguishing it from non-slewing loaders or backhoe loaders.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 842952 rather than 842951 (front-end shovel loaders) or 842959 (other excavating machinery), because its upper structure can rotate 360 degrees and it has excavating or shovel-loading functions. 842951 refers only to front-end shovel loaders, which have no slewing function; 842959 covers excavators, mechanical shovels, etc. that cannot rotate 360 degrees. 842952 explicitly uses "360-degree rotation" as the distinguishing marker and is the typical classification for excavators and similar equipment.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should be consistent with the actual goods, such as "crawler excavator" or "wheeled excavator."
⚠️ Writing only "excavator" without indicating the traveling mode or structural features.
Brand type
Fill in foreign brand, domestic brand, or no brand, which affects customs statistics and intellectual property verification.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand and causing rejection.
Model
Specific specification and model, such as "SY215C" or "PC200-8", used to distinguish different configurations of the same brand.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with accompanying documents.
Whether the upper structure can rotate 360 degrees
Must clearly state "yes" or "no"; this is the key determining factor for classification under 842952.
⚠️ Incorrectly filling in "can rotate" when the actual rotation angle is less than 360 degrees.
Engine power
Fill in the rated engine power (kW), which affects subheading determination and environmental regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Incorrectly using horsepower as the unit or omitting power.
Machine weight
Fill in the operating weight of the complete machine (kg), used to verify the reasonableness of the declared product name and specifications.
⚠️ Weight inconsistent with the model or not declared in kilograms.
Traveling mode
Indicate crawler, wheeled, or walking type; different traveling modes correspond to different regulatory requirements.
⚠️ Omitting the traveling mode and causing classification disputes.
Customs regulatory conditions
Fill in according to the actual regulatory documents, such as "A" or "O", etc.; the latest Customs Regulatory Conditions Code Table must be consulted.
⚠️ Filling in expired regulatory codes based on experience.
Example:
Product name: crawler hydraulic excavator; Brand type: foreign brand (Japan); Model: PC200-8; Whether the upper structure can rotate 360 degrees: yes; Engine power: 110kW; Machine weight: 19900kg; Traveling mode: crawler; Customs regulatory conditions: A (Inbound Goods Clearance Form). Remarks: This equipment is used, has been in use for 3 years, and is accompanied by a pre-shipment inspection certificate.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 84 and the subheading provisions of the Import and Export Tariff. The key determining factors for 842952 are: 1) self-propelled; 2) capable of excavating and shovel loading; 3) upper structure capable of rotating 360 degrees. If the upper structure cannot rotate 360 degrees, classify under 842959; if it is a front-end shovel loader, classify under 842951. In addition, it is necessary to confirm whether it is equipped with tires or crawlers and other self-propelled devices; non-self-propelled excavators should be classified under headings other than 8429.
Confused Codes:
842951 - Front-end shovel loaders
The main function of front-end shovel loaders is shovel loading, and the upper structure cannot rotate 360 degrees, whereas excavators under 842952 are mainly for excavating and can rotate 360 degrees.
842959 - Other mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders
842959 covers excavators, mechanical shovels, etc. that cannot rotate 360 degrees, while 842952 specifically refers to models that can rotate 360 degrees.
842911 - Crawler bulldozers
Bulldozers are mainly used for bulldozing and leveling, do not have excavating or 360-degree rotation functions, and are classified under 842911.
842920 - Graders
Graders are used for scraping and shaping, have no excavating function, and their upper structure does not rotate, so they are classified under 842920.
842940 - Tamping machines and road rollers
Road rollers are used for compacting soil, and their function is completely different from excavators, so they are classified under 842940.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How can I check the latest tax rate for goods under 842952?
A: You can check through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or the Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China. Enter HS code 842952, and the system will display the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax. Note that tax rates may change due to trade agreements and annual adjustments; it is recommended to use the latest version at the time of declaration.
Q: What additional documents are required for used excavators classified under 842952?
A: Used excavators are used mechanical and electrical products, and require a pre-shipment inspection certificate, a declaration for imported used mechanical and electrical products, and an equipment condition statement. Some countries also require a certificate of origin and fumigation certificate. When declaring, note "used mechanical and electrical product" in the remarks column and ensure compliance with national environmental and safety standards.
Q: How can 842952 and 842959 be quickly distinguished at declaration?
A: The key is whether the upper structure can rotate 360 degrees. If the equipment can achieve full 360-degree slewing, classify under 842952; if it can only partially rotate or cannot rotate, classify under 842959. When declaring, clearly fill in "yes" or "no" in the "Whether the upper structure can rotate 360 degrees" column and attach product manuals or photos as supporting evidence.
Q: Does a change in function after excavator modification affect the HS code?
A: If after modification the main function is still excavating and the upper structure can rotate 360 degrees, it is usually still classified under 842952. However, if it is modified into specialized equipment such as a material handler or breaker, it may be classified under other headings (such as 8479 or 8430). It is recommended to retain before-and-after modification comparison materials and, if necessary, apply to customs for advance classification.
Q: How should small excavators sold via cross-border e-commerce be declared?
A: For cross-border e-commerce retail export or import of small excavators, classification should be based on actual function. If it meets the description of 842952, that code should be used for declaration. Note the difference between personal items and goods declaration; quantities exceeding reasonable self-use limits must be declared as goods. Also pay attention to export tax rebate and import tariff policies to ensure compliance.
Q: Are goods under 842952 subject to export controls?
A: Some high-performance excavators may involve dual-use item export controls, and the Catalogue of Dual-Use Items and Technologies Subject to Import and Export License Administration must be consulted. If the equipment has high precision, high power, or special uses, an export license may be required. It is recommended to consult the commerce department or a professional customs broker before export.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrectly filling in "upper structure can rotate 360 degrees" at declaration?
A: Incorrect filling may lead to classification errors, thereby affecting the applicable tax rate and regulatory conditions. If customs determines that the declaration is untrue, it may result in supplementary tax payment, fines, or even administrative penalties. It is recommended to fill in truthfully, retain product technical parameters as proof, and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: How can I determine whether an excavator is "self-propelled"?
A: Self-propelled means the equipment has its own power device (such as a diesel engine) and traveling mechanism (crawlers or tires) and can move by itself. If it requires external towing or is fixed on a base, it is not self-propelled and should be classified under other headings (such as machinery other than 8429). When declaring, the traveling mode must be indicated.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.