HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8425.31 – Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor
HS code 8425.31 is the 6-digit subheading for winches, capstans, powered by an electric motor. It is used for electric boat winches, industrial electric capstans, ATV electric winches, electric vehicle recovery winches and electric anchor winches.
What HS 8425.31 covers
This HS code encompasses winches and capstans that are powered by an electric motor, playing a crucial role in various industries requiring controlled pulling or hoisting. These devices are widely used in marine applications for anchoring and mooring, in off-road vehicles for recovery, and across industrial sectors for material handling and positioning. Key importers include marine equipment suppliers, automotive aftermarket retailers, and manufacturing facilities, while exporters are typically specialized machinery manufacturers. When trading these goods, factors like load capacity, motor power, voltage requirements, and safety features are paramount. The global market sees significant movement of these electrically driven systems due to their efficiency and ease of operation in diverse environments.
- Covers
- Electric boat winches
- Industrial electric capstans
- ATV electric winches
- Electric vehicle recovery winches
- Electric anchor winches
- Electric davit winches
- Electric trailer winches
- Examples
- Warn Zeon
- Maxwell RC Series
- Lofrans X Series
- Superwinch Talon
- ComeUp Seal Gen2
Codes often confused with 8425.31
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 842539 (winches/capstans not powered by an electric motor) due to similar function but different power source, or 842890 (other lifting machinery) if not clearly a winch or capstan.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 842531, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842531 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $622M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $133M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 United States $105M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $199M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $113M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $63M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 8425.31 2
Brazil splits HS 8425.31 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8425.31.10 Electric winches and capstans, 100 t or lessCom capacidade inferior ou igual a 100 t
- 8425.31.90 Electric winches and capstans, over 100 tOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.25 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8425.31
What is HS code 842531?
HS code 842531 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor. This HS code encompasses winches and capstans that are powered by an electric motor, playing a crucial role in various industries requiring controlled pulling or hoisting. These devices are widely used in marine applications for anchoring and mooring, in off-road vehicles for recovery, and across industrial sectors for material handling and positioning. Key importers include marine equipment suppliers, automotive aftermarket retailers, and manufacturing facilities, while exporters are typically specialized machinery manufacturers. When trading these goods, factors like load capacity, motor power, voltage requirements, and safety features are paramount. The global market sees significant movement of these electrically driven systems due to their efficiency and ease of operation in diverse environments.
What products fall under HS code 842531?
Electric boat winches, industrial electric capstans, ATV electric winches, electric vehicle recovery winches, electric anchor winches, electric davit winches, electric trailer winches
What are common misclassifications for HS code 842531?
This code is often confused with 842539 (winches/capstans not powered by an electric motor) due to similar function but different power source, or 842890 (other lifting machinery) if not clearly a winch or capstan.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842531?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842531 in UN Comtrade data were China ($622M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($133M) and the United States ($105M). World exports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 842531?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842531 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($199M, 14% of world imports), China ($113M) and Türkiye ($63M). World imports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 842531 structured?
HS code 842531 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (25) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842531?
Brazil splits HS code 842531 into 2 NCM codes: 8425.31.10 (Electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less), 8425.31.90 (Electric winches and capstans, over 100 t). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.