HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8428.90 – Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery; n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426, 8427 or 8428
HS code 8428.90 is the 6-digit subheading for lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery, n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426, 8427 or 8428. It is used for palletizers, depalletizers, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and vacuum lifters.
What HS 8428.90 covers
This broad 'not elsewhere specified' HS code captures a wide array of specialized machinery for lifting, handling, loading, and unloading goods that do not fit into more specific classifications within headings 8425 (hoists, winches), 8426 (cranes), 8427 (fork-lift trucks), or other parts of 8428 (elevators, conveyors, escalators, robots). It encompasses bespoke solutions for diverse industries, from manufacturing and logistics to agriculture and construction, addressing unique material flow challenges. Importers are diverse, ranging from small businesses needing specific handling aids to large corporations requiring custom material flow solutions. Exporters are often specialized engineering firms and machinery manufacturers capable of producing tailored equipment. Key trade considerations involve the machinery's specific application, capacity, safety features, and its seamless integration into existing operational workflows and facility layouts.
- Covers
- Palletizers
- Depalletizers
- Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs)
- Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
- Vacuum lifters
- Manipulators
- Drum handlers
- Coil handlers
- Scissor lifts (non-self-propelled)
- Examples
- Dematic AS/RS
- JLG scissor lifts (non-self-propelled versions)
- Schmalz vacuum lifting devices
- KUKA palletizing systems (excluding the robot itself)
Codes often confused with 8428.90
Common mistake. This is a common residual code, frequently confused with more specific lifting machinery like cranes (8426), fork-lift trucks (8427), or even parts of machinery (8431) if the item is not a complete, functional machine.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 842890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 842890 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 $2.9B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $2.8B 18% of world exports
- 3 Italy $905M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $14.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.0B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $976M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 China $683M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $16.0B 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 8428.90 4
Brazil splits HS 8428.90 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8428.90.10 Lifeboat launching appliancesDo tipo utilizado para desembarque de botes salva-vidas, motorizados ou providos de dispositivo de compensação de inclinação
- 8428.90.20 Automatic guided stacker cranesTransportadores-elevadores (transelevadores) automáticos, de deslocamento horizontal sobre guias
- 8428.90.30 Newspaper stackers, 80,000 copies an hour or moreMáquina para formação de pilhas de jornais, dispostos em sentido alternado, de capacidade igual ou superior a 80.000 exemplares/h
- 8428.90.90 Other lifting, handling or loading machineryOutros
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 8428.90
What is HS code 842890?
HS code 842890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery; n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426, 8427 or 8428. This broad 'not elsewhere specified' HS code captures a wide array of specialized machinery for lifting, handling, loading, and unloading goods that do not fit into more specific classifications within headings 8425 (hoists, winches), 8426 (cranes), 8427 (fork-lift trucks), or other parts of 8428 (elevators, conveyors, escalators, robots). It encompasses bespoke solutions for diverse industries, from manufacturing and logistics to agriculture and construction, addressing unique material flow challenges. Importers are diverse, ranging from small businesses needing specific handling aids to large corporations requiring custom material flow solutions. Exporters are often specialized engineering firms and machinery manufacturers capable of producing tailored equipment. Key trade considerations involve the machinery's specific application, capacity, safety features, and its seamless integration into existing operational workflows and facility layouts.
What products fall under HS code 842890?
Palletizers, depalletizers, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), vacuum lifters, manipulators, drum handlers, coil handlers, scissor lifts (non-self-propelled)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 842890?
This is a common residual code, frequently confused with more specific lifting machinery like cranes (8426), fork-lift trucks (8427), or even parts of machinery (8431) if the item is not a complete, functional machine.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 842890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 842890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($2.8B) and Italy ($905M). World exports came to about $14.9B, 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 842890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 842890 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.0B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($976M) and China ($683M). World imports came to about $16.0B, 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 842890 structured?
HS code 842890 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 842890?
Brazil splits HS code 842890 into 4 NCM codes: 8428.90.10 (Lifeboat launching appliances), 8428.90.20 (Automatic guided stacker cranes), 8428.90.30 (Newspaper stackers, 80,000 copies an hour or more), 8428.90.90 (Other lifting, handling or loading machinery). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.