Product classification
HS code for Diesel forklift: 8427.20
Fork-lift and other works trucks, fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor.
Classification of diesel forklift under HS 8427.20
Diesel forklifts are classified under HS code 8427.20, which encompasses self-propelled works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment that are powered by means other than an electric motor. Heading 8427 is dedicated to fork-lift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. The primary distinction within this heading is the power source and the method of propulsion. Subheading 8427.10 covers electric-powered trucks, while 8427.20 covers all other self-propelled trucks, including those powered by diesel, gasoline, or propane engines. This classification is based on the functional nature of the machine as a lifting and handling tool rather than a transport vehicle. Even though it has an engine and wheels, its primary purpose is material handling within a confined area like a warehouse, port, or factory, which keeps it within Chapter 84 rather than Chapter 87. The classification 8427.20 specifically identifies the diesel engine as the non-electric power source driving the hydraulic lifting systems and the drive wheels.
- Covers
- Diesel-powered counterbalance forklifts
- Rough terrain diesel forklifts
- Side-loading diesel forklifts
- Diesel-powered reach trucks
- Heavy-duty diesel container handlers
- Also under 8427.20
- Caterpillar DP70N
- Komatsu FD30-17
- Yale GP050MX
- Manitou MT 1840
Codes often confused with 8427.20
Common mistake. Diesel forklifts are often misclassified under 8427.10, which is reserved for electric-powered models. They are also sometimes confused with 8704 (motor vehicles for the transport of goods). However, forklifts are designed for lifting and short-distance handling, not for the transport of goods over public roads, which distinguishes them from the vehicles in Chapter 87. Additionally, non-self-propelled lifting trucks fall under 8427.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842720 (the code used for diesel forklift), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842720 (the code used for diesel forklift) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 842720, not only diesel forklift.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.7B 27% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $1.5B 11% of world exports
- 3 France $1.4B 10% of world exports
World total: $13.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.3B 28% of world imports
- 2 Canada $831M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $675M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $15.1B 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 diesel forklift
Brazil splits HS 8427.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8427.20.10Non-electric fork-lift trucks over 6.5 t
- 8427.20.90Other non-electric self-propelled works trucks
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel forklift
What is the HS code for Diesel forklift?
The HS code for Diesel forklift is 842720 (Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor). The HS code for a self-propelled diesel-powered forklift is 8427.20.
How do I classify Diesel forklift for customs?
Diesel forklift is classified under HS code 842720 — Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include electric forklifts?
No, electric forklifts are classified under HS code 8427.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel forklift (HS 842720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842720 (the code used for diesel forklift) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7B, 27% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($1.5B) and France ($1.4B). World exports came to about $13.7B, 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 diesel forklift (HS 842720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842720 (the code used for diesel forklift) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.3B, 28% of world imports), Canada ($831M) and the Netherlands ($675M). World imports came to about $15.1B, 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 Diesel forklift the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842720 for Diesel forklift 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 diesel forklift in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for diesel forklift depends on the product's details: 8427.20.10 (Non-electric fork-lift trucks over 6.5 t), 8427.20.90 (Other non-electric self-propelled works trucks).