Product classification
HS code for Boat winch: 8425.39
Winches, capstans, not powered by an electric motor.
Classification of boat winch under HS 8425.39
Boat winches are classified under HS code 8425.39, a category that encompasses winches and capstans that are not powered by an electric motor. This classification is part of Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8425 specifically deals with pulley tackle and hoists, winches, and capstans. The subheading 8425.39 is a residual category for winches that do not utilize electric power, meaning it includes those powered by hydraulic systems, pneumatic pressure, or manual labor. In the maritime industry, these devices are essential for handling heavy loads such as anchors, mooring lines, and fishing nets. A winch typically consists of a horizontal or vertical drum around which a cable or rope is wound, driven by a crank or a non-electric motor. The classification logic follows the principle that the motive power is the primary differentiator at the subheading level. When classifying these items, it is important to verify the absence of an integrated electric motor. If a winch is driven by a hydraulic pump that is itself powered by an electric motor, the winch unit itself is still considered hydraulic and classified under 8425.39, provided the motor is not an integral part of the winch assembly. This code is essential for identifying mechanical deck equipment on vessels.
- Covers
- Manual anchor windlasses
- Hydraulic deck winches for fishing vessels
- Pneumatic capstans for mooring
- Hand-operated trailer winches for boats
- Hydraulic towing winches
- Also under 8425.39
- Thern Commander Series
- Ramsey Winch (hydraulic models)
- Maasdam Pow'R-Pull
- Dutton-Lainson hand winches
- Ingersoll Rand Air Winches
Codes often confused with 8425.39
Common mistake. The primary misclassification is with electric winches, which are classified under 8425.31. Another common error is using 8425.19 or 8425.11, which are for pulley tackles and hoists rather than winches. Winches are distinguished by their drum-based winding mechanism, whereas hoists often use chains or different lifting mechanics.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842539 (the code used for boat winch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842539 (the code used for boat winch) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 842539, not only boat winch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $174M 14% of world exports
- 2 Italy $149M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $145M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $190M 16% of world imports
- 2 China $66M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $60M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 codes for boat winch
Brazil splits HS 8425.39 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8425.39.10Non-electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less
- 8425.39.90Non-electric winches and capstans, over 100 t
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about boat winch
What is the HS code for Boat winch?
The HS code for Boat winch is 842539 (Winches; capstans; not powered by an electric motor). The HS code for a boat winch not powered by an electric motor is 8425.39.
How do I classify Boat winch for customs?
Boat winch is classified under HS code 842539 — Winches; capstans; not powered by an electric motor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the boat winch is manually operated?
Manually operated winches are still classified under 8425.39 as they are non-electric mechanical devices.
Which countries are the top exporters of boat winch (HS 842539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842539 (the code used for boat winch) in UN Comtrade data were China ($174M, 14% of world exports), Italy ($149M) and Germany ($145M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 boat winch (HS 842539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842539 (the code used for boat winch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($190M, 16% of world imports), China ($66M) and Germany ($60M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Boat winch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842539 for Boat winch is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for boat winch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842539 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for boat winch depends on the product's details: 8425.39.10 (Non-electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less), 8425.39.90 (Non-electric winches and capstans, over 100 t).