HS Code: 847910
Public construction machinery
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 84 is one of the largest chapters in the HS classification, covering nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts. This chapter includes power machinery, agricultural machinery, metalworking machine tools, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, lifting and handling machinery, public works machinery, etc. Its core characteristic is that these goods all have mechanical movement or energy conversion functions, and are usually not driven by electricity (electrical machinery is classified in Chapter 85). The chapter notes strictly define the scope, for example, excluding certain electrical equipment, optical instruments, etc.
Heading
Heading 8479 covers machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter. This is a 'residual' heading, used to accommodate mechanical equipment that cannot be classified under more specific headings due to special functions or complex structures. Its scope includes public works machinery, asphalt mixing equipment, street sweepers, snowplows, etc. However, it must meet the following: 1) have an individual function; 2) not be more specifically named in other headings; 3) not be electrical equipment of Chapter 85.
Digit Breakdown
Code 847910 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '84' represent Chapter 84 (machinery, mechanical appliances). The 3rd-4th digits '79' represent heading 8479 (machines not specified or included elsewhere). The 5th-6th digits '10' represent subheading 847910 (public works machinery). This subheading is further subdivided into: 84791010 (asphalt concrete pavers), 84791020 (stabilized soil pavers), 84791090 (other public works machinery). Therefore, the complete code requires selecting the 7th-8th digits based on the specific type of machinery.
Classification Basis
Public works machinery such as pavers, stabilized soil mixers, etc., although used in engineering, are not specifically named in 8401-8478. For example, 8474 involves mineral processing machinery, but pavers are road construction equipment and do not belong to mineral processing. 8479, as a residual heading, precisely accommodates such machinery with individual functions. In addition, if the machinery is electric, it may be classified under Chapter 85, but public works machinery is usually driven by internal combustion engines, so it is classified under Chapter 84.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'asphalt concrete paver', 'stabilized soil mixer', etc., must be consistent with the actual product.
⚠️ Only writing 'engineering machinery' or 'machine', which is too general and leads to classification disputes.
Use
Explain the main use of the machinery, such as 'for highway asphalt paving', 'for soil stabilization', etc., must be specific.
⚠️ Writing 'for construction' is too broad and cannot distinguish specific subheadings.
Working Principle
Briefly describe the working method of the machinery, such as 'driven by internal combustion engine, for paving and compaction', etc.
⚠️ Not specifying the power source, which may lead to misclassification as electrical machinery.
Brand
Fill in the brand name, such as 'Sany', 'XCMG', etc., if no brand, fill in 'none'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or filling in the wrong brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as 'LTU90', 'RP453L', etc., must be consistent with the actual nameplate.
⚠️ Model filled in incompletely or incorrectly.
Power Source
Indicate whether it is an internal combustion engine, electric motor, or other, such as 'diesel engine'.
⚠️ Not indicating, which may lead to classification under Chapter 85.
Specifications and Dimensions
Such as paving width, overall weight, etc., used to assist judgment.
⚠️ Ignoring this element, but some subheadings need to be distinguished based on specifications.
Example:
Product Name: Asphalt concrete paver; Use: For highway asphalt concrete paving; Working Principle: Driven by diesel engine, paving through screed; Brand: Sany; Model: LTU90; Power Source: Diesel; Specifications and Dimensions: Paving width 9 meters.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and HS notes. First determine whether it belongs to Chapter 84, then check if there is a more specific heading. 8479 is a residual heading, applicable only when not named in other headings. Public works machinery must meet: 1) have an individual function; 2) not be electric (electric goes to Chapter 85); 3) not be specifically named in 8474 (mineral processing), 8429 (excavating, compacting machinery), etc. For example, road rollers are classified under 8429, pavers under 8479.
Confused Codes:
8429 - Excavators, road rollers, etc.
8429 covers self-propelled excavating, compacting, pile-driving machinery, etc., while public works machinery of 8479 is usually non-self-propelled or has special functions, such as pavers.
8474 - Mineral processing machinery
8474 is used for screening, mixing, etc., of ores and soil, while public works machinery of 8479 is used for road construction, such as paving.
8501 - Electric motors and generators
If public works machinery is electrically driven, it may be classified under 8501, but the complete machine is usually classified under other headings of Chapter 85.
8479 - Other machinery
8479 is a residual heading, but it must be ensured that it is not named in other headings. If public works machinery meets the conditions, it is classified under 847910.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Is the HS code for public works machinery always 847910?
A: Not necessarily. 847910 is the 6-digit subheading for public works machinery, but the specific 8-10 digits need to be determined based on the type of machinery. For example, asphalt pavers are 84791010, stabilized soil pavers are 84791020, and others are 84791090. Therefore, the specific product name must be determined first.
Q: Which code should electric public works machinery be classified under?
A: If the machinery is electrically driven, it is usually classified under Chapter 85, such as 8501 or 8504, etc. But if it is driven by an internal combustion engine, it is classified under Chapter 84, 8479. It needs to be judged based on the power source.
Q: Are road rollers classified under 8479 or 8429?
A: Road rollers are usually classified under 8429, because 8429 specifically names compacting machinery. 8479 is a residual heading, applicable only when not named in other headings.
Q: How to distinguish between pavers and stabilized soil mixers?
A: Pavers are used for paving asphalt or concrete, while stabilized soil mixers are used for mixing soil with stabilizers. The former is classified under 84791010, the latter under 84791020. They need to be distinguished based on use and working principle.
Q: Is it necessary to provide the working principle when declaring?
A: Yes. The working principle is an important declaration element that helps customs determine classification. Especially for the residual heading 8479, it is necessary to prove that it is not named in other headings.
Q: How to query the tax rate for public works machinery?
A: The tax rate needs to be queried in the 'Import and Export Tariff' based on the specific 8-10 digit code. It can be queried through the General Administration of Customs website or professional databases, and note that tax rates may change.
Q: If a machine has multiple functions, how should it be classified?
A: Classify according to the main function. If it cannot be determined, refer to General Interpretative Rule 3 (b) of the HS for classification by essential character. If necessary, apply for pre-classification.
Q: What is the difference between 8479 and 8478?
A: 8478 covers tobacco processing machinery, while 8479 is for other machinery not named. Public works machinery is not tobacco processing, so it is classified under 8479.
⚠️ 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.