What does the BEC End-Use Explorer show?

The BEC End-Use Explorer shows how HS codes map to BEC categories such as capital goods, intermediate goods and consumption goods. It uses an HS-SITC-BEC correlation table to provide likely end-use information for each HS6 code and lets you browse HS codes within a specific BEC category.

How can importers and exporters use this tool?

Importers and exporters can use the BEC End-Use Explorer to segment trade flows into consumption, intermediate and capital goods, support market analysis, and build HS target lists by end-use. It is especially useful when you want to distinguish between final consumer products and investment goods such as machinery and equipment.

Is the BEC classification legally binding for customs?

No. The BEC classification is designed for economic analysis, not for customs declarations. Your customs obligations are based on HS classification, valuation, origin and local regulations. Always follow official customs guidance for your final HS code choice.

Explore HS Codes by BEC End-Use Category

This tool uses an HS–SITC–BEC correlation table to show likely end-use for each HS6 code and to list HS codes within a BEC category. It is designed for analytical use – for example, splitting your trade flows into consumption, intermediate and capital goods.

BEC (Broad Economic Categories) is a UN classification that groups traded goods into capital goods, intermediate goods and consumption goods. It is often used in macro trade analysis and input–output studies.

Lookup BEC End-Use for an HS Code

HS code (6 digits) or description keyword

Start typing a 6-digit HS code or keyword. The tool will show HS6 lines from the HS–SITC–BEC table with their BEC code and a simple end-use label.

Results

Result set is based on HS6 codes and BEC correlations. It is for analysis only and does not change your customs obligations.

End-use segmentation

What the BEC end-use labels mean

At a high level, BEC groups traded goods into three broad end-use buckets:

Capital goods: goods used to produce other goods and services – e.g. machinery, industrial equipment, trucks.
Intermediate goods: inputs used up in production – e.g. chemicals, components, fuels, packaging materials.
Consumption goods: final goods bought by households – e.g. food, clothing, electronics, furniture.

This tool uses the HS–SITC–BEC table to assign a likely BEC category to each HS6 code and gives you a plain-language explanation of the category.

Use-cases for analysts & planners

Typical ways trade professionals use BEC mappings:

Split import/export flows into consumption vs investment goods.
Quantify how much of your trade basket is capital equipment vs intermediate inputs.
Build HS code lists for macroeconomic models or input–output analysis.
Compare markets: which destinations import more capital goods from you?

The output here is a starting point – you can refine it based on your own HS coverage and product mix.

Turn BEC Segments into Trade Opportunities

With Bill of Lading Data, you can go beyond end-use labels and see real shipments for the HS codes in each BEC category.

Identify buyers of capital goods (machinery, equipment) in your target markets.
Measure demand for intermediate inputs by HS code and destination.
Track consumer goods flows by port, carrier and trade lane.

Request HS & BEC Trade Data Demo

BEC (End-Use) Explorer: HS → BEC → Use-Case

Explore HS Codes by BEC End-Use Category

Lookup BEC End-Use for an HS Code

Browse HS Codes by BEC Category

Results