Product classification
HS code for Electric platform truck: 8709.11
Vehicles, 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 airports.
Classification of electric platform truck under HS 8709.11
Electric platform trucks are classified under HS code 8709.11. This heading covers self-propelled works trucks of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas, or airports for the short-distance transport of goods. To fall under 8709.11, the vehicle must be electrical and, crucially, must not be fitted with lifting or handling equipment. These vehicles typically feature a flat platform for carrying heavy loads or are designed as tractors for pulling small trailers (tuggers). The classification is based on the vehicle's design for internal transport rather than for use on public highways. Unlike passenger vehicles or heavy freight trucks, these are characterized by a tight turning radius, lower top speeds, and a lack of standard road-safety features like advanced lighting or suspension systems. The "electrical" designation in 8709.11 refers to the propulsion motor being powered by an onboard battery.
- Covers
- Electric burden carriers
- Electric warehouse tuggers (without lifting)
- Electric factory platform haulers
- Electric baggage carts (airport type)
- Electric horizontal transporters
- Also under 8709.11
- Toyota Material Handling electric tow tractors
- Crown Equipment electric burden carriers
- Hyster-Yale electric platform trucks
- TLD electric baggage tractors
- Still electric industrial trucks
Codes often confused with 8709.11
Common mistake. Electric platform trucks are often misclassified under 8427.10 if they are mistaken for pallet trucks. However, 8427 is strictly for vehicles with lifting gear. If the platform cannot be raised or lowered to handle the load, it must stay in 8709. Another common error is classification under 8703 (passenger vehicles) or 8704 (goods vehicles for road use). Heading 8709 is specifically for "works trucks" not intended for public roads.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870911 (the code used for electric platform truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870911 (the code used for electric platform truck) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 870911, not only electric platform truck.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $222M 33% of world exports
- 2 France $82M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $81M 12% of world exports
World total: $666M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $107M 19% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $34M 6.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $34M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $572M 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 electric platform truck
Brazil classifies electric platform truck under NCM 8709.11.00: HS 8709.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric platform truck
What is the HS code for Electric platform truck?
The HS code for Electric platform truck is 870911 (Vehicles; 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 airports). The HS code for an electric, self-propelled works truck without lifting equipment is 8709.11.
How do I classify Electric platform truck for customs?
Electric platform truck is classified under HS code 870911 — Vehicles; 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 airports. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can these trucks be classified under 8704?
Generally no; 8704 is for vehicles designed for the transport of goods on public roads. 8709.11 is reserved for industrial "works trucks" used in confined areas like warehouses.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric platform truck (HS 870911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870911 (the code used for electric platform truck) in UN Comtrade data were China ($222M, 33% of world exports), France ($82M) and Germany ($81M). World exports came to about $666M, 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 platform truck (HS 870911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870911 (the code used for electric platform truck) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($107M, 19% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($34M) and Germany ($34M). World imports came to about $572M, 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 platform truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870911 for Electric platform truck 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 platform truck in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric platform truck (HS 870911) is classified under NCM 8709.11.00.