Product classification
HS code for Electric warehouse 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 warehouse truck under HS 8709.11
The classification for electric warehouse trucks falls under HS code 8709.11. This code is part of Heading 8709, which describes "Works trucks, self-propelled, not fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods." The distinction here is critical: the vehicle must be self-propelled and intended for industrial environments rather than public roads. Subheading 8709.11 is specific to those powered by an electric motor. These vehicles are often referred to as platform trucks or burden carriers. Unlike forklifts or reach trucks, these vehicles do not possess mechanisms to lift a load to a significant height or stack goods; their primary function is horizontal transport. The classification is based on the absence of lifting gear and the specific industrial application of the vehicle. They are generally characterized by low speed, a small turning radius, and a design optimized for navigating tight aisles in a warehouse or factory floor.
- Covers
- Electric platform trucks
- Electric baggage tugs for airports
- Electric factory transporters
- Electric burden carriers
- Self-propelled electric industrial tractors
- 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. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8427.10, which covers electric trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment (like forklifts). If the truck has any mechanism to lift a pallet or container, it must be moved to Chapter 84. Another error is using 8704.60, which is for electric trucks designed for transport on public roads. Warehouse trucks under 8709.11 are generally not road-legal and lack the safety features required for highway use. Finally, non-self-propelled carts are classified under 8716.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870911 (the code used for electric warehouse truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870911 (the code used for electric warehouse 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 warehouse 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 warehouse truck
Brazil classifies electric warehouse 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 warehouse truck
What is the HS code for Electric warehouse truck?
The HS code for Electric warehouse 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 warehouse truck without lifting equipment is 8709.11.
How do I classify Electric warehouse truck for customs?
Electric warehouse 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.
How do I distinguish between 8709.11 and 8427.10?
The distinction is the presence of lifting or handling gear. If the vehicle can lift a load (like a forklift), use 8427.10. If it only carries a load horizontally on a platform, use 8709.11.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric warehouse truck (HS 870911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870911 (the code used for electric warehouse 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 warehouse truck (HS 870911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870911 (the code used for electric warehouse 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 warehouse truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870911 for Electric warehouse 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 warehouse truck in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric warehouse truck (HS 870911) is classified under NCM 8709.11.00.