Chapter 84 is one of the broadest chapters in the HS classification, covering various machines, mechanical appliances, power equipment, and their parts. From steam boilers and internal combustion engines to agricultural machinery, machine tools, office equipment, and automatic data processing equipment, all are classified under this chapter. Its core characteristic is that these goods all have mechanical movement or energy conversion functions and are usually used for industrial or commercial purposes. The chapter notes explicitly exclude certain specific items (such as electric shavers, toys, etc.) and set out the principles for classifying parts. Heading 8474 specifically covers machinery for working earth, stone, ores, or other solid minerals (including powders or pastes), such as equipment for crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, molding, etc. Machinery under this heading is mainly used in the building materials, mining, chemical, and metallurgical industries to physically or mechanically process raw materials. Note that it does not include: underground mining machinery (classified under 8430), mineral fuel processing equipment (classified under 8419, etc.), or cement kilns (classified under 8417). The first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts). The 3rd-4th digits 74 form heading 8474, indicating machinery for working earth, stone, ores, or other solid minerals. The 5th-6th digits 80 form a subheading specifically referring to 'mineral processing machines,' i.e., machines used for crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, etc., of ores or minerals. This subheading further covers various specific machine types, such as jaw crushers, ball mills, vibrating screens, flotation machines, magnetic separators, mixing tanks, etc. Note that subheading 8474.80 is parallel to 8474.10 (screening, sieving, separating machines), 8474.20 (crushing, grinding machines), etc. This subheading is a residual classification and applies to other mineral processing machines not otherwise named. The goods are classified under 8474.80 rather than 8474.10 or 8474.20 because their function is not among the specifically named functions of screening, sieving, separating, crushing, or grinding. For example, mineral mixers, stirrers, and molding machines, although used for mineral processing, are not explicitly listed in 8474.10 or 8474.20, so they are classified under 8474.80. At the same time, if the machine is mainly used in other industries (such as food processing), it may be classified under 8438 or 8437, etc., but if it is specially used for mineral processing, it is preferentially classified under 8474.
Chapter
Chapter 84 is one of the broadest chapters in the HS classification, covering various machines, mechanical appliances, power equipment, and their parts. From steam boilers and internal combustion engines to agricultural machinery, machine tools, office equipment, and automatic data processing equipment, all are classified under this chapter. Its core characteristic is that these goods all have mechanical movement or energy conversion functions and are usually used for industrial or commercial purposes. The chapter notes explicitly exclude certain specific items (such as electric shavers, toys, etc.) and set out the principles for classifying parts.
Heading
Heading 8474 specifically covers machinery for working earth, stone, ores, or other solid minerals (including powders or pastes), such as equipment for crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, molding, etc. Machinery under this heading is mainly used in the building materials, mining, chemical, and metallurgical industries to physically or mechanically process raw materials. Note that it does not include: underground mining machinery (classified under 8430), mineral fuel processing equipment (classified under 8419, etc.), or cement kilns (classified under 8417).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 84 represent Chapter 84 (nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts). The 3rd-4th digits 74 form heading 8474, indicating machinery for working earth, stone, ores, or other solid minerals. The 5th-6th digits 80 form a subheading specifically referring to 'mineral processing machines,' i.e., machines used for crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, etc., of ores or minerals. This subheading further covers various specific machine types, such as jaw crushers, ball mills, vibrating screens, flotation machines, magnetic separators, mixing tanks, etc. Note that subheading 8474.80 is parallel to 8474.10 (screening, sieving, separating machines), 8474.20 (crushing, grinding machines), etc. This subheading is a residual classification and applies to other mineral processing machines not otherwise named.
Classification Basis
The goods are classified under 8474.80 rather than 8474.10 or 8474.20 because their function is not among the specifically named functions of screening, sieving, separating, crushing, or grinding. For example, mineral mixers, stirrers, and molding machines, although used for mineral processing, are not explicitly listed in 8474.10 or 8474.20, so they are classified under 8474.80. At the same time, if the machine is mainly used in other industries (such as food processing), it may be classified under 8438 or 8437, etc., but if it is specially used for mineral processing, it is preferentially classified under 8474.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the machine's function and working principle. Use: Explain what mineral the machine is used to process, such as 'used for crushing and screening iron ore.' Working Principle: Briefly describe how the machine operates, such as 'mixes minerals with reagents by rotating a stirring shaft.' Brand: Fill in the machine's brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, write 'None.' Model: Fill in the specific model of the machine, which should be consistent with the product manual. Power: Fill in the machine's rated power (such as kilowatts) to determine whether it is large-scale equipment. Specifications and Dimensions: Fill in the machine's external dimensions or processing capacity (such as tons/hour) to facilitate customs assessment. Numerically Controlled or Not: State whether the machine is controlled by a numerical control device, which affects subheading classification. Product Name: Mineral Mixer; Use: Used for mixing and stirring copper ore with flotation reagents; Working Principle: The motor drives the impeller to rotate, fully mixing the slurry with reagents; Brand: XX; Model: XX-1000; Power: 15 kW; Specifications and Dimensions: 2000×1500×1800mm, processing capacity 10 tons/hour; Numerically Controlled or Not: No. Failure to specify the mineral type, leading to misclassification under other processing machines. Misreporting a general-purpose mixer (used in chemicals) as a mineral processing machine, causing classification disputes. Ignoring the 'numerically controlled or not' element, which may affect subheading subdivision.
Product Name
The Chinese and English names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the machine's function and working principle.
⚠️ Writing only 'machine' or 'equipment' without specifying the specific use and type.
Use
Explain what mineral the machine is used to process, such as 'used for crushing and screening iron ore.'
⚠️ Writing overly general terms such as 'industrial use' without mentioning the mineral type.
Working Principle
Briefly describe how the machine operates, such as 'mixes minerals with reagents by rotating a stirring shaft.'
⚠️ Failure to describe the principle, or including details irrelevant to classification.
Brand
Fill in the machine's brand or manufacturer name; if there is no brand, write 'None.'
⚠️ Mistaking a trader's brand for the manufacturer's brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model of the machine, which should be consistent with the product manual.
⚠️ Incomplete model entry or inconsistency with the actual item.
Power
Fill in the machine's rated power (such as kilowatts) to determine whether it is large-scale equipment.
⚠️ Incorrect unit or failure to fill it in.
Specifications and Dimensions
Fill in the machine's external dimensions or processing capacity (such as tons/hour) to facilitate customs assessment.
⚠️ Filling in only weight without dimensions or processing capacity.
Numerically Controlled or Not
State whether the machine is controlled by a numerical control device, which affects subheading classification.
⚠️ Mistaking ordinary electrical control for numerical control.
Example: Product Name: Mineral Mixer; Use: Used for mixing and stirring copper ore with flotation reagents; Working Principle: The motor drives the impeller to rotate, fully mixing the slurry with reagents; Brand: XX; Model: XX-1000; Power: 15 kW; Specifications and Dimensions: 2000×1500×1800mm, processing capacity 10 tons/hour; Numerically Controlled or Not: No.
Common Mistakes:
Failure to specify the mineral type, leading to misclassification under other processing machines.
Misreporting a general-purpose mixer (used in chemicals) as a mineral processing machine, causing classification disputes.
Ignoring the 'numerically controlled or not' element, which may affect subheading subdivision.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the machine's function, use, and working principle. According to HS notes, 8474 covers machinery for working earth, stone, ores, and other solid minerals, including crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, molding, etc. If a machine is specially used for mineral processing and is not specifically named under other headings, it is classified under 8474. If a machine has multiple functions, it should be classified according to its principal function. At the same time, consideration should be given to whether it is goods excluded by the chapter notes to Chapter 84 (such as machinery for agriculture classified under 8432, etc.). 847410 Screening, sieving, separating machines: This code specifically refers to machines used for mineral screening, sieving, or separation, such as vibrating screens and classifiers. If a machine has both screening and crushing functions, it must be judged according to its principal function. 847420 Crushing, grinding machines: This code specifically refers to mineral crushing or grinding machines, such as jaw crushers and ball mills. If the machine is used only for crushing, it is classified under this code, not 847480. 847431 Concrete or mortar mixing machines: This code is a subheading under 8474 and specifically refers to mixing machines for concrete or mortar. If the mixer is used for minerals (such as mixing flotation reagents), it is classified under 847480; if used for concrete, it is classified under 847431. 843031 Self-propelled coal cutters or rock drills: This code belongs to 8430 and is used for mining or rock drilling, while 847480 is used for mineral processing (such as post-crushing treatment). If the machine is used for extraction rather than processing, it is classified under 8430. 847982 Mixing, stirring machines: This code belongs to 8479 and is used for other mixing or stirring machines not otherwise named. If the machine is specially used for mineral processing, it is preferentially classified under 847480; if it is general-purpose, it may be classified under 847982. Is it specially used for earth, stone, ores, or other solid minerals? Does the machine's function fall under crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, or molding? Has it already been classified under other subheadings of 8474 (such as 847410, 847420)? Is it goods excluded by the chapter notes to Chapter 84 (such as agricultural machinery)? Does it have characteristics specifically named under other headings?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the machine's function, use, and working principle. According to HS notes, 8474 covers machinery for working earth, stone, ores, and other solid minerals, including crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, molding, etc. If a machine is specially used for mineral processing and is not specifically named under other headings, it is classified under 8474. If a machine has multiple functions, it should be classified according to its principal function. At the same time, consideration should be given to whether it is goods excluded by the chapter notes to Chapter 84 (such as machinery for agriculture classified under 8432, etc.).
Confused Codes:
847410 - Screening, sieving, separating machines
This code specifically refers to machines used for mineral screening, sieving, or separation, such as vibrating screens and classifiers. If a machine has both screening and crushing functions, it must be judged according to its principal function.
847420 - Crushing, grinding machines
This code specifically refers to mineral crushing or grinding machines, such as jaw crushers and ball mills. If the machine is used only for crushing, it is classified under this code, not 847480.
847431 - Concrete or mortar mixing machines
This code is a subheading under 8474 and specifically refers to mixing machines for concrete or mortar. If the mixer is used for minerals (such as mixing flotation reagents), it is classified under 847480; if used for concrete, it is classified under 847431.
843031 - Self-propelled coal cutters or rock drills
This code belongs to 8430 and is used for mining or rock drilling, while 847480 is used for mineral processing (such as post-crushing treatment). If the machine is used for extraction rather than processing, it is classified under 8430.
847982 - Mixing, stirring machines
This code belongs to 8479 and is used for other mixing or stirring machines not otherwise named. If the machine is specially used for mineral processing, it is preferentially classified under 847480; if it is general-purpose, it may be classified under 847982.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it specially used for earth, stone, ores, or other solid minerals?
✓ Does the machine's function fall under crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, or molding?
✓ Has it already been classified under other subheadings of 8474 (such as 847410, 847420)?
✓ Is it goods excluded by the chapter notes to Chapter 84 (such as agricultural machinery)?
✓ Does it have characteristics specifically named under other headings?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 847480? You can check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax rate, and regulatory conditions by entering HS code 847480 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and the latest tariff schedule at the time of declaration should prevail. What is the difference in classification between mineral processing machines and general-purpose mixers? Mineral processing machines are specially used for mineral processing and are classified under 847480; general-purpose mixers, if not specially used for minerals, may be classified under 847982 (other mixing and stirring machines). The key difference lies in whether the use is dedicated and whether it meets the description of heading 8474. If a machine can both crush and screen, which code should it be classified under? According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, it should be classified according to its principal function. If the principal function is crushing, classify under 847420; if the principal function is screening, classify under 847410; if it cannot be distinguished, consider classification under 847480. It is recommended to provide detailed technical information to support classification. What certifications are required to export mineral processing machines to the EU? Exporting to the EU usually requires CE certification, involving the Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, etc. The specifics depend on the machine type and risk level. It is recommended to confirm requirements with the importer in advance and prepare technical documents. When importing machines under 847480, what are the key points of customs inspection? Customs will focus on checking whether the declared elements are consistent with the actual goods, such as use, working principle, brand, and model. They may require manuals, photos, and other materials to confirm correct classification. Under which code should parts of mineral processing machines be classified? According to the chapter notes to Chapter 84, if parts are specially used for 8474 machines, they should be classified under 847490; if they are general-purpose parts, they should be classified according to material (such as iron or steel under 7326). Attention should be paid to the classification difference between parts and complete machines. How can I determine whether a machine is a 'mineral processing machine'? Mainly check whether it is used to process earth, stone, ores, and other solid minerals, and whether its functions are crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, molding, etc. If it is used in other industries (such as food or chemicals), it may be classified under other headings. How can 847480 be distinguished from 847410 and 847420 at declaration? 847410 is for screening, sieving, separating machines; 847420 is for crushing, grinding machines; 847480 is for other mineral processing machines. At declaration, the corresponding subheading should be selected according to the machine's principal function to avoid confusion.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 847480?
A: You can check the most-favored-nation rate, general rate, value-added tax rate, and regulatory conditions by entering HS code 847480 on the General Administration of Customs website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms. Note that tariff rates are adjusted with policy changes, and the latest tariff schedule at the time of declaration should prevail.
Q: What is the difference in classification between mineral processing machines and general-purpose mixers?
A: Mineral processing machines are specially used for mineral processing and are classified under 847480; general-purpose mixers, if not specially used for minerals, may be classified under 847982 (other mixing and stirring machines). The key difference lies in whether the use is dedicated and whether it meets the description of heading 8474.
Q: If a machine can both crush and screen, which code should it be classified under?
A: According to the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System, it should be classified according to its principal function. If the principal function is crushing, classify under 847420; if the principal function is screening, classify under 847410; if it cannot be distinguished, consider classification under 847480. It is recommended to provide detailed technical information to support classification.
Q: What certifications are required to export mineral processing machines to the EU?
A: Exporting to the EU usually requires CE certification, involving the Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, etc. The specifics depend on the machine type and risk level. It is recommended to confirm requirements with the importer in advance and prepare technical documents.
Q: When importing machines under 847480, what are the key points of customs inspection?
A: Customs will focus on checking whether the declared elements are consistent with the actual goods, such as use, working principle, brand, and model. They may require manuals, photos, and other materials to confirm correct classification.
Q: Under which code should parts of mineral processing machines be classified?
A: According to the chapter notes to Chapter 84, if parts are specially used for 8474 machines, they should be classified under 847490; if they are general-purpose parts, they should be classified according to material (such as iron or steel under 7326). Attention should be paid to the classification difference between parts and complete machines.
Q: How can I determine whether a machine is a 'mineral processing machine'?
A: Mainly check whether it is used to process earth, stone, ores, and other solid minerals, and whether its functions are crushing, grinding, screening, sorting, mixing, stirring, molding, etc. If it is used in other industries (such as food or chemicals), it may be classified under other headings.
Q: How can 847480 be distinguished from 847410 and 847420 at declaration?
A: 847410 is for screening, sieving, separating machines; 847420 is for crushing, grinding machines; 847480 is for other mineral processing machines. At declaration, the corresponding subheading should be selected according to the machine's principal function to avoid confusion.
⚠️ 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.