Product classification
HS code for Hand carts: 8716.80
Vehicles, n.e.c. in heading no. 8716.
Classification of hand carts under HS 8716.80
The classification of hand carts under HS code 8716.80 is determined by their primary function as non-mechanically propelled vehicles. Chapter 87 of the Harmonized System governs vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and their parts and accessories. Heading 8716 specifically addresses trailers and semi-trailers for all vehicles, as well as other vehicles not mechanically propelled. Since hand carts are designed to be pushed or pulled by human or animal power and do not possess a motor for propulsion, they fall squarely into this category. Subheading 8716.80 serves as the residual classification for \"other vehicles,\" capturing a wide array of manual transport equipment used in industrial, commercial, and domestic settings. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the cart is made of steel, aluminum, or heavy-duty plastics, provided it functions as a vehicle for transporting goods. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, this heading includes a variety of hand-propelled vehicles such as trucks, trolleys, and carts. The essential character of these items is that they are designed to be moved on the ground and are equipped with wheels, but lack any form of self-contained power source. This distinguishes them from motorized industrial trucks or passenger vehicles. Furthermore, the classification under 8716.80 is preferred over general plastic or metal headings because the specific function as a vehicle takes precedence under General Interpretative Rule 3(a), which states that the most specific description shall be preferred over headings providing a more general description.
- Covers
- Wheelbarrows used in construction and gardening
- Manual luggage trolleys found in airports and hotels
- Hand-pushed shopping carts for retail environments
- Sack trucks and heavy-duty hand trucks for warehouse use
- Manual garden carts and flatbed hand wagons
- Also under 8716.80
- Rubbermaid Commercial Products (utility carts)
- Milwaukee Hand Trucks (hand trucks)
- True Temper (wheelbarrows)
- Carts & Parts (shopping carts)
- Vestil Manufacturing (industrial dollies)
Codes often confused with 8716.80
Common mistake. Hand carts are frequently misclassified under HS code 8713, which is reserved for carriages for disabled persons (wheelchairs). While both are non-mechanically propelled, 8713 is specific to the transport of persons, whereas 8716.80 is for goods. Another common error is using HS code 8427, which covers fork-lift trucks and other work trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. If a hand cart has a complex hydraulic lifting mechanism, it might move to 8427, but simple manual carts remain in 8716.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS 871680 (the code used for hand carts), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 871680 (the code used for hand carts) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 871680, not only hand carts.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.2B 47% of world exports
- 2 Germany $375M 8.0% of world exports
- 3 United States $327M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $840M 20% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $329M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $282M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $4.2B 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 hand carts
Brazil classifies hand carts under NCM 8716.80.00: HS 8716.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hand carts
What is the HS code for Hand carts?
The HS code for Hand carts is 871680 (Vehicles; n.e.c. in heading no. 8716). The HS code for hand carts is 8716.80, which covers non-mechanically propelled vehicles not elsewhere specified.
How do I classify Hand carts for customs?
Hand carts is classified under HS code 871680 — Vehicles; n.e.c. in heading no. 8716. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a motorized hand cart classified under 8716.80?
No, if a cart is equipped with a motor for propulsion, it is typically classified under heading 8704 for transport of goods or 8427 if it is an industrial work truck.
Which countries are the top exporters of hand carts (HS 871680)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 871680 (the code used for hand carts) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.2B, 47% of world exports), Germany ($375M) and the United States ($327M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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 hand carts (HS 871680)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 871680 (the code used for hand carts) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($840M, 20% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($329M) and Germany ($282M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 Hand carts the same in all countries?
The base HS code 871680 for Hand carts 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 hand carts in Brazil?
In Brazil, hand carts (HS 871680) is classified under NCM 8716.80.00.