Product classification

HS code for Electric forklift: 8427.10

Fork-lift and other works trucks, fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by electric motor.

Classification of electric forklift under HS 8427.10

Electric forklifts are classified under HS code 8427.10. Heading 8427 includes fork-lift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. The subheading 8427.10 specifically identifies trucks that are self-propelled and powered by an electric motor. This classification is driven by the primary function of the vehicle—lifting and moving pallets or heavy loads—and its propulsion method. Unlike standard road vehicles classified in Chapter 87, these trucks are designed for use in warehouses, factories, or ports for internal logistics. The presence of a mast, forks, or other lifting mechanisms is the defining characteristic that places the item in heading 8427 rather than heading 8709, which covers works trucks not fitted with lifting equipment. The classification remains 8427.10 whether the forklift is a counterbalanced model, a reach truck, or a specialized narrow-aisle vehicle, provided it is electric and self-propelled.

Covers
  • Electric counterbalanced forklifts
  • Electric reach trucks
  • Electric side-loaders
  • Electric pallet stackers (self-propelled)
  • Electric order pickers
Also under 8427.10
  • Toyota Traigo 80
  • Hyster J1.6XNT
  • Crown FC 5200
  • Jungheinrich EFG 216k

Codes often confused with 8427.10

Common mistake. Electric forklifts are often confused with internal combustion engine forklifts, which fall under HS code 8427.20. The distinction is strictly the power source. Another common error is classifying them under 8709.11, which is for electrical works trucks. However, 8709 is only for trucks that do not have lifting or handling gear. If the vehicle has a fork or a lift platform, it must be moved to 8427.

8427.20Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor8709.11Vehicles; electrical, self-propelled, (not fitted with lifting or handling equipment), of the type used for short distance transport of goods in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports87.09Works trucks, self-propelled, (not fitted with lifting or handling equipment), for factories, warehouses etc, for short distance transport of goods, tractors used on railway station platforms; parts thereof84.27Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment

Top exporters and importers of HS 842710 (the code used for electric forklift), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842710 (the code used for electric forklift) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 842710, not only electric forklift.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $4.3B
  2. 2 Germany $3.4B
  3. 3 United States $1.4B

World total: $16.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.7B
  2. 2 United Kingdom $1.0B
  3. 3 Germany $898M

World total: $14.5B 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 electric forklift

Brazil splits HS 8427.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8427.10.11Electric fork-lift trucks over 6.5 t
  • 8427.10.19Electric fork-lift trucks, 6.5 t or less
  • 8427.10.90Other 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 electric forklift

What is the HS code for Electric forklift?

The HS code for Electric forklift is 842710 (Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by electric motor). The HS code for a self-propelled electric forklift is 8427.10.

How do I classify Electric forklift for customs?

Electric forklift is classified under HS code 842710 — Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by electric motor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are electric pallet jacks classified here?

If the pallet jack is self-propelled and has a lifting mechanism, it is classified under 8427.10. Manual pallet jacks are classified under 8427.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of electric forklift (HS 842710)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842710 (the code used for electric forklift) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.3B, 27% of world exports), Germany ($3.4B) and the United States ($1.4B). World exports 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.

Which countries are the top importers of electric forklift (HS 842710)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 842710 (the code used for electric forklift) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 12% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($1.0B) and Germany ($898M). World imports came to about $14.5B, 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.

Is the HS code for Electric forklift the same in all countries?

The base HS code 842710 for Electric 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 electric forklift in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 842710 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for electric forklift depends on the product's details: 8427.10.11 (Electric fork-lift trucks over 6.5 t), 8427.10.19 (Electric fork-lift trucks, 6.5 t or less), 8427.10.90 (Other electric self-propelled works trucks).