Product classification
HS code for Gas forklift: 8427.20
Fork-lift and other works trucks, fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor.
Classification of gas forklift under HS 8427.20
Gas-powered forklifts are classified under HS code 8427.20. This heading covers fork-lift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. The subheading 8427.20 specifically identifies self-propelled trucks that are powered by an internal combustion engine (such as those using LPG, CNG, or gasoline) rather than an electric motor. This classification is governed by Chapter 84, which includes nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. The distinction between 8427.10 (electric) and 8427.20 (other) is critical. The internal combustion engine provides the motive power for both the movement of the vehicle and the operation of the hydraulic lifting mechanism. Because these are specialized industrial vehicles designed for material handling rather than the transport of goods over public roads, they are excluded from Chapter 87 (Vehicles) and placed in Chapter 84.
- Covers
- LPG (Liquid Propane Gas) powered forklifts
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powered lift trucks
- Gasoline-engine industrial forklifts
- Rough terrain forklifts with internal combustion engines
- Side-loading gas-powered works trucks
- Also under 8427.20
- Caterpillar DP70N
- Komatsu FD30-17
- Yale GP050MX
- Manitou MT 1840
Codes often confused with 8427.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8427.10, which is reserved for electric-motor-powered forklifts. Importers must verify the power source to ensure the correct duty rates are applied. Another common error is attempting to classify these under 8704 (Motor vehicles for the transport of goods). However, Note 2 to Chapter 87 and the Explanatory Notes to heading 8427 clarify that trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment are classified in 8427, even if they resemble transport vehicles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842720 (the code used for gas forklift), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842720 (the code used for gas 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 gas 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 gas 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 gas forklift
What is the HS code for Gas forklift?
The HS code for Gas 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 gas-powered forklift is 8427.20, covering self-propelled works trucks with internal combustion engines.
How do I classify Gas forklift for customs?
Gas 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 change if the forklift uses diesel?
No, diesel-powered forklifts also fall under 8427.20 because they are self-propelled by an internal combustion engine other than an electric motor.
Which countries are the top exporters of gas forklift (HS 842720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842720 (the code used for gas 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 gas forklift (HS 842720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842720 (the code used for gas 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 Gas forklift the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842720 for Gas 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 gas forklift in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gas 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).