Chapter 84 covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts thereof, and is the most important machinery chapter in the HS, including power machinery, agricultural machinery, processing machinery, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, etc. Goods in this chapter generally have power drive, moving parts and specific functions, but exclude electric tools (Chapter 85), vehicles (Chapter 87) and optical instruments (Chapter 90). Heading 8474 covers machines for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, grinding, mixing or kneading earth, stone, ores or other solid (including powdered or paste) materials; and machines for forming artificial abrasive or ceramic products. It mainly includes crushers, grinding mills, screening machines, mixers, forming machines, etc., but excludes glass-working machines (8475) and foundry sand mold making machines (8474.80). The first 2 digits 84 indicate Chapter 84 machinery; digits 3-4, 74, indicate heading 8474, i.e., machines for treating earth, stone and other solid materials; digits 5-6, 31, indicate subheading 8474.31, specifically concrete mixers. This subheading is further divided into: 8474.31.10 (concrete mixers, capacity ≥20 cubic meters) and 8474.31.90 (other concrete mixers). Note: the subheading levels are distinguished based on mixing capacity and whether self-propelled. Concrete mixers are used to mix cement, sand, gravel, water and other materials into concrete, belonging to solid material mixing machinery, and conform to the description of heading 8474. They are not classified under 8479 (other machinery not elsewhere specified) because 8474 specifically lists them; nor under 8705 (special purpose vehicles) unless they are self-propelled and their main function is mixing, but they are usually classified as machinery.

Product name: Declared commodity name, should indicate the specific type, such as "concrete mixer" or "forced-action concrete mixer". Use: Explain the main use of the machine, such as "used for mixing concrete at construction sites". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer's brand or trademark; if no brand, fill in "no brand". Model: Fill in the machine model, such as "JS500", "JZC350", etc. Mixing capacity: Indicate the discharge capacity or feed capacity, in cubic meters, used to distinguish 8474.31.10 from 8474.31.90. Whether self-propelled: State whether the machine is mounted on a wheeled or crawler chassis and can move by itself. Power: Main motor power, in kilowatts, to assist in judging the machine specifications. Product name: concrete mixer; Use: mixing concrete at construction sites; Brand: Sany Heavy Industry; Model: JS500; Mixing capacity: 0.5 cubic meters; Whether self-propelled: No; Power: 18.5 kilowatts; Origin: China. Failure to provide mixing capacity, making it impossible to distinguish 8474.31.10 from 8474.31.90. Mistakenly classifying self-propelled mixer trucks under 8474.31, when they should actually be classified under 8705.40. Confusing concrete mixers with mortar mixers, the latter may be classified under 8474.39. Omitting brand and model, causing delays in customs valuation.

The core basis for classification is the machine's function, working principle and structure. 8474.31 specifically refers to concrete mixers and must meet: 1) used for mixing concrete; 2) not self-propelled, or if self-propelled, its main function is mixing; 3) not belonging to 8479 other machinery not elsewhere specified. If a machine has both mixing and pumping functions, it should be classified according to its main function. 8474.39 Other mixers: Used for mixing mortar, plaster and other non-concrete materials, or concrete mixers but with capacity less than 20 cubic meters and not self-propelled, still classified under 8474.31, while 8474.39 covers other mineral mixing. 8705.40 Concrete mixer trucks: Self-propelled concrete mixer trucks, with vehicle chassis and cab, mainly used for transport and mixing, classified under the vehicles chapter. 8479.10 Asphalt mixers: Used for mixing asphalt mixtures, usually classified under 8479.10, but if they can also mix concrete, classification should be based on the main use. 8474.80 Forming machines: Used for forming concrete into blocks, pipes, etc., rather than simply mixing. 8501.31 Electric motors: If the electric motor of a mixer is declared separately, it should be classified under 8501, not 8474. Is it used for mixing concrete? Is it self-propelled? Is the mixing capacity clear? Does it have other main functions? Is it confused with 8479.10?

What is the difference in HS codes between concrete mixers and concrete mixer trucks? Concrete mixers are usually classified under 8474.31, belonging to stationary or mobile machinery; while concrete mixer trucks are self-propelled vehicles with a cab and chassis, classified under 8705.40. The key difference is whether they have their own driving function. How can I check the specific tariff rate under 8474.31? The tariff rate must be determined according to the importing country and trade agreements. You can check the importing country's customs official website or use an HS code database, such as the General Administration of Customs of China's "Internet + Customs" platform, and enter 8474.31 to obtain the MFN rate, agreement rate, etc. When declaring a concrete mixer, is it mandatory to provide the mixing capacity? Yes, mixing capacity is the key parameter for distinguishing 8474.31.10 (capacity ≥20 cubic meters) and 8474.31.90 (other). If not provided, customs may be unable to determine the subheading, causing clearance delays. Which code should a small concrete mixer (such as JZC350) be classified under? JZC350 is usually mobile, with a capacity of about 0.35 cubic meters, and belongs to 8474.31.90. If the capacity exceeds 20 cubic meters, it is classified under 8474.31.10. How should a concrete mixer with pumping function be classified? If the main function is mixing, it is still classified under 8474.31; if the main function is pumping, it is classified under 8413.70 (concrete pumps). The main function must be judged based on the machine design and working principle. What certifications are required to export concrete mixers from China to the United States? They must comply with U.S. UL certification, EPA emission standards (if equipped with an engine), etc. For details, consult a professional customs broker or certification body. Does 8474.31 include complete equipment for concrete mixing plants? If a concrete mixing plant consists of multiple machines, it is usually classified as a complete set of equipment, still under 8474.31, but detailed configuration and function descriptions must be provided. If the concrete mixer is second-hand, will the HS code change? The HS code does not change, but second-hand equipment may involve import restrictions, inspection and quarantine, and special tariff rates, so the importing country's policies should be understood in advance.