HS Code 84.26 – Derricks, cranes, including cable cranes, mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane

HS code 8426 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Derricks, cranes, including cable cranes, mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane. Heading 8426 encompasses a wide range of heavy-duty lifting and handling machinery, specifically covering derricks, cranes (including cable cranes), mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers, and works trucks fitted with a crane. This classification is vital for industries requiring substantial lifting capabilities, such as construction, port operations, logistics, and heavy manufacturing. The scope includes static and mobile cranes, from towering construction cranes (tower cranes, crawler cranes) to specialized port equipment (gantry cranes, ship-to-shore cranes) and versatile mobile units (truck-mounted cranes, all-terrain cranes). Straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with cranes represent hybrid machinery, combining transport with significant lifting capacity. This heading distinguishes itself from simpler lifting devices (8425) and general works trucks without integrated crane functions (8427 or 8709). Accurate classification under 8426 is critical for determining appropriate import duties, ensuring compliance with construction and safety regulations, and navigating project-specific trade requirements. These machines, integral to large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects, represent significant capital investments. Their classification within Chapter 84 highlights their role as specialized mechanical appliances, crucial for the movement and placement of exceptionally heavy or bulky materials in various industrial and commercial environments.

Tower cranes, mobile cranes, gantry cranes, overhead travelling cranes, jib cranes, port container cranes, straddle carriers, cable cranes, truck-mounted cranes, works trucks with integrated cranes, crawler cranes, rough terrain cranes, all-terrain cranes, bridge cranes, semi-gantry cranes, wharf cranes, ship-to-shore cranes, stacker cranes, telescopic cranes, portal cranes, railway cranes, floating cranes, carry deck cranes, knuckle boom cranes, monorail cranes.

A common misclassification involves confusing works trucks fitted with a crane (8426) with general fork-lift trucks (8427) or other works trucks (8709) that lack an integrated crane mechanism. The presence of a crane is the distinguishing factor for 8426. Another error is classifying large components or sub-assemblies of cranes as complete machines under 8426, rather than as parts under 8431. Furthermore, there can be confusion with 8428 for specialized lifting equipment that might resemble a crane but performs a different primary function, such as an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that uses a lifting mechanism but is not a traditional crane.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8426 in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.1B, 38% of world exports), Germany ($2.0B) and Italy ($1.4B). World exports came to about $18.6B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8426 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 10% of world imports), India ($1.2B) and Saudi Arabia ($923M). World imports came to about $18.5B, 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.

HS code 8426 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (26) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.