Product classification
HS code for Chairlift: 8428.60
Teleferics, chair-lifts, ski-draglines, traction mechanisms for funiculars.
Classification of chairlift under HS 8428.60
Chairlifts are classified under HS code 8428.60, which encompasses teleferics, chair-lifts, ski-draglines, and traction mechanisms for funiculars. This classification falls within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8428 is dedicated to other lifting, handling, loading, or unloading machinery. The specific subheading 8428.60 is designed for aerial transport systems where the carrier is suspended from or moved by a cable. The classification is based on the mechanical function of the system as a continuous lifting and transport apparatus for persons, typically used in mountainous regions or recreational facilities. It includes the entire mechanical assembly required for operation, including the traction mechanisms and the chairs themselves when part of the system.
- Covers
- Ski resort chairlifts (fixed-grip and detachable)
- Gondola lifts for passenger transport
- Aerial ropeways for tourism
- Ski-draglines and T-bar lifts
- Platter lifts and button lifts
- Also under 8428.60
- Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group gondolas
- Poma chairlifts
- Leitner Ropeways funiculars
- Bartholet Ropeways aerial trams
Codes often confused with 8428.60
Common mistake. Chairlifts are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8428.10, which is specifically for lifts (elevators) and skip hoists used in buildings. While both move people, 8428.10 refers to vertical transport in shafts, whereas 8428.60 refers to cable-based aerial transport. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 8711, which covers motorcycles and cycles; however, chairlifts are not independent vehicles but part of a fixed mechanical installation. Furthermore, components of chairlifts might be incorrectly filed under 7312.10 (iron or steel wire rope) if they are imported separately rather than as part of a complete system.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842860 (the code used for chairlift), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842860 (the code used for chairlift) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 54% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 12% 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 842860, not only chairlift.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $361M 54% of world exports
- 2 Italy $144M 21% of world exports
- 3 France $72M 11% of world exports
World total: $675M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $51M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $31M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Azerbaijan $30M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $433M 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 chairlift
Brazil classifies chairlift under NCM 8428.60.00: HS 8428.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chairlift
What is the HS code for Chairlift?
The HS code for Chairlift is 842860 (Teleferics, chair-lifts, ski-draglines, traction mechanisms for funiculars). The HS code for a chairlift system is 8428.60.
How do I classify Chairlift for customs?
Chairlift is classified under HS code 842860 — Teleferics, chair-lifts, ski-draglines, traction mechanisms for funiculars. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are gondolas classified under the same code?
Yes, gondolas and other aerial teleferics used for passenger transport are also classified under HS code 8428.60.
Which countries are the top exporters of chairlift (HS 842860)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842860 (the code used for chairlift) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($361M, 54% of world exports), Italy ($144M) and France ($72M). World exports came to about $675M, 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 chairlift (HS 842860)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842860 (the code used for chairlift) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($51M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($31M) and Azerbaijan ($30M). World imports came to about $433M, 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 Chairlift the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842860 for Chairlift 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 chairlift in Brazil?
In Brazil, chairlift (HS 842860) is classified under NCM 8428.60.00.