HS Code Subheading

Industrial robots

8428.70 Subheading
Section XVI — Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles

About HS Code 842870

This category covers industrial robots, which are advanced automated machines designed to perform tasks in industrial settings, fundamentally transforming manufacturing and logistics processes. International trade in industrial robots is a cornerstone of global automation trends, driven by significant demand from automotive, electronics, and general manufacturing sectors aiming to enhance efficiency, precision, and worker safety. Major importers are countries with large manufacturing bases and those actively pursuing industrial modernization and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Exporters are leading technology nations with robust R&D capabilities and specialized robotics manufacturers. Key trade considerations include the robot's type (e.g., articulated, SCARA, delta, collaborative), payload capacity, reach, programming complexity, seamless integration with existing production systems, and sophisticated software capabilities. The market is highly dynamic, propelled by continuous technological advancements and the global push towards smart factories.

Products Under This Code

Articulated robots, SCARA robots, Delta robots, Collaborative robots (cobots), Cartesian robots, Gantry robots, Welding robots, Painting robots, Palletizing robots

Real World Examples

KUKA KR AGILUS, FANUC M-20iA, ABB YuMi, Universal Robots UR10e, Yaskawa Motoman GP8

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with other automated machinery or parts of machinery (8479 or 8431) if not clearly identified as a complete, programmable industrial robot, especially when traded as components or specialized end-effectors.

Related Codes

8428.10 Lifts and skip hoists 8428.20 Elevators and conveyors; pneumatic 8428.31 Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods and materials, specially designed for underground use, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 8428.32 Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, bucket type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31 8428.33 Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, belt type, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20 or 8428.31 8428.39 Elevators and conveyors; continuous-action, for goods or materials, n.e.c. in item no. 8428.20, 8428.31, 8428.32 or 8428.33 8428.40 Escalators and moving walkways 8428.60 Teleferics, chair-lifts, ski-draglines, traction mechanisms for funiculars 8428.90 Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery; n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426, 8427 or 8428

Industry

This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.

Trade Overview

China, the USA, and Germany are top importers due to their vast manufacturing industries, while Japan, Germany, and Sweden are leading exporters of robotic technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 842870?

HS code 842870 covers: Industrial robots. This category covers industrial robots, which are advanced automated machines designed to perform tasks in industrial settings, fundamentally transforming manufacturing and logistics processes. International trade in industrial robots is a cornerstone of global automation trends, driven by significant demand from automotive, electronics, and general manufacturing sectors aiming to enhance efficiency, precision, and worker safety. Major importers are countries with large manufacturing bases and those actively pursuing industrial modernization and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Exporters are leading technology nations with robust R&D capabilities and specialized robotics manufacturers. Key trade considerations include the robot's type (e.g., articulated, SCARA, delta, collaborative), payload capacity, reach, programming complexity, seamless integration with existing production systems, and sophisticated software capabilities. The market is highly dynamic, propelled by continuous technological advancements and the global push towards smart factories.

What products fall under HS code 842870?

Articulated robots, SCARA robots, Delta robots, Collaborative robots (cobots), Cartesian robots, Gantry robots, Welding robots, Painting robots, Palletizing robots

What are common misclassifications for HS code 842870?

Can be confused with other automated machinery or parts of machinery (8479 or 8431) if not clearly identified as a complete, programmable industrial robot, especially when traded as components or specialized end-effectors.

How is HS code 842870 structured?

HS code 842870 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 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.