HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8428.40 – Escalators and moving walkways
HS code 8428.40 is the 6-digit subheading for escalators and moving walkways. It is used for escalators, moving walkways, travelators, inclined moving walks and horizontal moving walks.
What HS 8428.40 covers
This category specifically covers escalators and moving walkways, which are indispensable components of modern urban infrastructure, commercial complexes, and transportation hubs globally. International trade in these people-moving systems is dominated by a few major global manufacturers, with significant demand originating from rapidly urbanizing economies and countries investing heavily in public infrastructure and commercial real estate development. Importers are typically large construction companies, real estate developers, and public transport authorities. Exporters are specialized engineering and manufacturing firms known for their advanced technology and safety standards. Key trade considerations include stringent safety certifications, energy efficiency, aesthetic design integration, durability for high-traffic environments, and comprehensive long-term maintenance contracts, which are often integral to the initial sale. The market is highly competitive, emphasizing innovation in design and operational reliability.
- Covers
- Escalators
- Moving walkways
- Travelators
- Inclined moving walks
- Horizontal moving walks
- Spiral escalators
- Outdoor escalators
- Commercial escalators
- Examples
- KONE escalators
- Otis escalators
- Schindler escalators
- ThyssenKrupp moving walks
Codes often confused with 8428.40
Common mistake. Rarely confused with other codes due to their distinct function, but components might be misclassified under general parts for machinery (8431) if not clearly identified as for escalators/moving walkways.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 842840, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842840 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 78% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 6.8% 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 $431M 78% of world exports
- 2 Spain $24M 4.4% of world exports
- 3 Austria $22M 4.0% of world exports
World total: $550M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $47M 6.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $44M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $41M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $687M 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 code for 8428.40
Brazil does not split HS 8428.40: its NCM code is 8428.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.28 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8428.40
What is HS code 842840?
HS code 842840 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Escalators and moving walkways. This category specifically covers escalators and moving walkways, which are indispensable components of modern urban infrastructure, commercial complexes, and transportation hubs globally. International trade in these people-moving systems is dominated by a few major global manufacturers, with significant demand originating from rapidly urbanizing economies and countries investing heavily in public infrastructure and commercial real estate development. Importers are typically large construction companies, real estate developers, and public transport authorities. Exporters are specialized engineering and manufacturing firms known for their advanced technology and safety standards. Key trade considerations include stringent safety certifications, energy efficiency, aesthetic design integration, durability for high-traffic environments, and comprehensive long-term maintenance contracts, which are often integral to the initial sale. The market is highly competitive, emphasizing innovation in design and operational reliability.
What products fall under HS code 842840?
Escalators, moving walkways, travelators, inclined moving walks, horizontal moving walks, spiral escalators, outdoor escalators, commercial escalators
What are common misclassifications for HS code 842840?
Rarely confused with other codes due to their distinct function, but components might be misclassified under general parts for machinery (8431) if not clearly identified as for escalators/moving walkways.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842840?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842840 in UN Comtrade data were China ($431M, 78% of world exports), Spain ($24M) and Austria ($22M). World exports came to about $550M, 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 842840?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842840 in UN Comtrade data were France ($47M, 6.8% of world imports), the United States ($44M) and Saudi Arabia ($41M). World imports came to about $687M, 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 842840 structured?
HS code 842840 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (28) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842840?
In Brazil, HS code 842840 is NCM 8428.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.