Product classification
HS code for Chain hoist: 8425.11
Pulley tackle and hoists, powered by an electric motor (excluding skip hoists or hoists of a kind used for raising vehicles).
Classification of chain hoist under HS 8425.11
Electric chain hoists are classified under HS code 842511. This classification is based on the functional characteristics of the device as a pulley tackle and hoist, combined with its power source. Heading 8425 covers pulley tackle and hoists other than skip hoists, as well as winches, capstans, and jacks. Sub-heading 842511 is specifically designated for those powered by an electric motor. The "chain" aspect refers to the lifting medium, which is a series of interlinked metal loops that pass over a sprocket to lift or lower a load. To be classified here, the hoist must be a complete unit capable of vertical lifting. The classification excludes hoists used for raising vehicles (which fall under 842541 or 842542) and skip hoists (8428). The presence of an integrated electric motor is the defining feature that separates this code from manual or pneumatic versions. These devices are common in workshops, construction sites, and factories for precise vertical movement of heavy loads. The classification applies regardless of the hoist's lifting capacity, provided it meets the criteria of being an electric pulley tackle system.
- Covers
- Electric chain hoists for industrial lifting
- Motorized chain blocks with integrated controls
- Electric overhead hoists using link chains
- Single-phase and three-phase electric chain lifting units
- Electric chain tackles for warehouse use
- Also under 8425.11
- Demag DC-Pro
- Kito ER2
- CM Lodestar
- Harrington ER
- Yale YJL
Codes often confused with 8425.11
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 842519, which is the category for manual chain hoists or those powered by non-electric means, such as compressed air. Another frequent error is HS code 842531, which covers electric winches. The distinction is that a hoist (842511) is designed for vertical lifting via a pulley system, whereas a winch (842531) is primarily designed for horizontal pulling or hauling of loads.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842511 (the code used for chain hoist), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842511 (the code used for chain hoist) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 842511, not only chain hoist.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $384M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $255M 17% of world exports
- 3 Finland $195M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $150M 11% of world imports
- 2 Canada $120M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $52M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 chain hoist
Brazil classifies chain hoist under NCM 8425.11.00: HS 8425.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chain hoist
What is the HS code for Chain hoist?
The HS code for Chain hoist is 842511 (Pulley tackle and hoists; powered by an electric motor (excluding skip hoists or hoists of a kind used for raising vehicles)). The HS code for a chain hoist powered by an electric motor is 842511.
How do I classify Chain hoist for customs?
Chain hoist is classified under HS code 842511 — Pulley tackle and hoists; powered by an electric motor (excluding skip hoists or hoists of a kind used for raising vehicles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the code for a manual chain hoist?
Manual chain hoists, which are operated by hand-chains or levers without an electric motor, are classified under HS code 842519.
Which countries are the top exporters of chain hoist (HS 842511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842511 (the code used for chain hoist) in UN Comtrade data were China ($384M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($255M) and Finland ($195M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 chain hoist (HS 842511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842511 (the code used for chain hoist) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($150M, 11% of world imports), Canada ($120M) and the United Kingdom ($52M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Chain hoist the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842511 for Chain hoist 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 chain hoist in Brazil?
In Brazil, chain hoist (HS 842511) is classified under NCM 8425.11.00.