HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8427.20 – Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor
HS code 8427.20 is the 6-digit subheading for fork-lift and other works trucks, fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor. It is used for diesel forklift, LPG forklift, gasoline forklift, rough terrain forklift and container handler.
What HS 8427.20 covers
This category includes self-propelled fork-lift and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment, powered by means other than an electric motor, typically internal combustion engines (diesel, LPG, gasoline). These robust machines are designed for heavy-duty outdoor applications, construction sites, lumber yards, ports, and other environments where power, ruggedness, and extended operating times are critical. International trade sees global material handling equipment manufacturers exporting to construction firms, port operators, heavy industries, and agricultural businesses. Important factors in trade include engine power, lifting capacity, rough-terrain capabilities, fuel efficiency, and compliance with emissions standards. They are vital for moving heavy loads in demanding conditions.
- Covers
- Diesel forklift
- LPG forklift
- Gasoline forklift
- Rough terrain forklift
- Container handler
- Telehandler (forklift type)
- Side loader (IC engine)
- Examples
- Caterpillar DP70N
- Komatsu FD30-17
- Yale GP050MX
- Manitou MT 1840
Codes often confused with 8427.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 842710 (electric self-propelled works trucks) due to similar appearance and function, but the power source (IC engine vs. electric motor) is the defining factor.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 842720, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842720 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 $3.7B 27% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.5B 11% of world exports
- 3 France $1.4B 10% of world exports
World total: $13.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.3B 28% of world imports
- 2 Canada $831M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $675M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $15.1B 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 8427.20 2
Brazil splits HS 8427.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8427.20.10 Non-electric fork-lift trucks over 6.5 tEmpilhadeiras com capacidade de carga superior a 6,5 t
- 8427.20.90 Other non-electric self-propelled works trucksOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.27 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8427.20
What is HS code 842720?
HS code 842720 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor. This category includes self-propelled fork-lift and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment, powered by means other than an electric motor, typically internal combustion engines (diesel, LPG, gasoline). These robust machines are designed for heavy-duty outdoor applications, construction sites, lumber yards, ports, and other environments where power, ruggedness, and extended operating times are critical. International trade sees global material handling equipment manufacturers exporting to construction firms, port operators, heavy industries, and agricultural businesses. Important factors in trade include engine power, lifting capacity, rough-terrain capabilities, fuel efficiency, and compliance with emissions standards. They are vital for moving heavy loads in demanding conditions.
What products fall under HS code 842720?
Diesel forklift, LPG forklift, gasoline forklift, rough terrain forklift, container handler, telehandler (forklift type), side loader (IC engine)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 842720?
Often confused with 842710 (electric self-propelled works trucks) due to similar appearance and function, but the power source (IC engine vs. electric motor) is the defining factor.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842720?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842720 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7B, 27% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.5B) and France ($1.4B). World exports came to about $13.7B, 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 842720?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842720 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.3B, 28% of world imports), Canada ($831M) and the Netherlands ($675M). World imports came to about $15.1B, 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 842720 structured?
HS code 842720 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (27) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842720?
Brazil splits HS code 842720 into 2 NCM codes: 8427.20.10 (Non-electric fork-lift trucks over 6.5 t), 8427.20.90 (Other non-electric self-propelled works trucks). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.