HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8428.70 – Industrial robots
HS code 8428.70 is the 6-digit subheading for industrial robots. It is used for articulated robots, SCARA robots, delta robots, collaborative robots (cobots) and cartesian robots.
What HS 8428.70 covers
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.
- Covers
- Articulated robots
- SCARA robots
- Delta robots
- Collaborative robots (cobots)
- Cartesian robots
- Gantry robots
- Welding robots
- Painting robots
- Palletizing robots
- Examples
- KUKA KR AGILUS
- FANUC M-20iA
- ABB YuMi
- Universal Robots UR10e
- Yaskawa Motoman GP8
Codes often confused with 8428.70
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 842870, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842870 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Luxembourg, with 27% 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 $547M 28% of world exports
- 2 Luxembourg $264M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $240M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Luxembourg $844M 27% of world imports
- 2 United States $810M 26% of world imports
- 3 Canada $142M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $3.2B 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 8428.70
Brazil does not split HS 8428.70: its NCM code is 8428.70.00.
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 8428.70
What is HS code 842870?
HS code 842870 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842870?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842870 in UN Comtrade data were China ($547M, 28% of world exports), Luxembourg ($264M) and the United States ($240M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 842870?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842870 in UN Comtrade data were Luxembourg ($844M, 27% of world imports), the United States ($810M) and Canada ($142M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842870?
In Brazil, HS code 842870 is NCM 8428.70.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.