Product classification
HS code for Electric winch: 8425.31
Winches, capstans, powered by an electric motor.
Classification of electric winch under HS 8425.31
Electric winches are classified under HS code 8425.31, a designation within Chapter 84 which deals with mechanical appliances and machinery. Heading 8425 specifically includes pulley tackle and hoists other than skip hoists, winches, and capstans. The classification process follows General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, identifying the product as a winch—a device consisting of a horizontal cylinder or drum around which a rope or cable is wound for pulling or hoisting. Subheading 8425.31 is specifically for those powered by an electric motor. This distinguishes them from winches powered by internal combustion engines, hydraulic systems, or manual labor, which are classified under 8425.39. The distinction between a winch and a hoist is also vital; while both are in heading 8425, hoists (8425.11 for electric) are primarily designed for vertical lifting and often utilize a hook and chain system, whereas winches are generally used for horizontal pulling. The technical specifications, such as the motor's wattage and the drum's load capacity, do not change the heading but are important for secondary trade data. Proper classification requires verifying that the device is a self-contained unit with an integrated or dedicated electric motor that provides the primary motive force for the winding drum.
- Covers
- Electric boat trailer winches
- Industrial electric pulling winches
- Vehicle recovery winches (electric) for off-road use
- Electric capstans for marine mooring
- Electric theater winches for moving scenery
- Also under 8425.31
- Warn Zeon
- Maxwell RC Series
- Lofrans X Series
- Superwinch Talon
- ComeUp Seal Gen2
Codes often confused with 8425.31
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 8425.11, which is reserved for electric hoists. While both lift or pull, hoists are designed for vertical movement and winches for horizontal pulling. Another error is using 8425.39, which is for winches not powered by an electric motor, such as hydraulic or manual versions. Additionally, winches that are part of a larger machine, like a crane, may be classified under 8426 as part of that specific machinery.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842531 (the code used for electric winch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842531 (the code used for electric winch) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 842531, not only electric winch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $622M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $133M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 United States $105M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $199M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $113M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $63M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 winch
Brazil splits HS 8425.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8425.31.10Electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less
- 8425.31.90Electric winches and capstans, over 100 t
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric winch
What is the HS code for Electric winch?
The HS code for Electric winch is 842531 (Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor). The HS code for an electric winch is 8425.31.
How do I classify Electric winch for customs?
Electric winch is classified under HS code 842531 — Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a winch be classified as a hoist?
Technically no; winches are for pulling and fall under 8425.31, while hoists are for lifting and fall under 8425.11, though they share the same primary heading.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric winch (HS 842531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842531 (the code used for electric winch) in UN Comtrade data were China ($622M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($133M) and the United States ($105M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 winch (HS 842531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842531 (the code used for electric winch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($199M, 14% of world imports), China ($113M) and Türkiye ($63M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 winch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842531 for Electric winch 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 winch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842531 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for electric winch depends on the product's details: 8425.31.10 (Electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less), 8425.31.90 (Electric winches and capstans, over 100 t).