Product classification
HS code for Hand winch: 8425.39
Winches, capstans, not powered by an electric motor.
Classification of hand winch under HS 8425.39
Hand winches are classified under HS code 8425.39. This heading covers winches and capstans that are not powered by an electric motor. The classification is based on the mechanical function of the device, which is to pull or lift a load by winding a rope, cable, or chain around a drum or cylinder. Because these specific winches are operated manually—usually via a hand crank or lever—they are excluded from the subheadings for electric winches. Chapter 84 covers machinery and mechanical appliances, and heading 8425 is dedicated specifically to pulley tackles, hoists, winches, and capstans. The 'not powered by an electric motor' distinction in 8425.39 includes those powered by internal combustion engines, hydraulic systems, or, most commonly for this code, manual human power. The presence of a ratchet or braking mechanism is a standard feature for these mechanical devices and does not change their classification.
- Covers
- Manual boat trailer winches
- Hand-operated wall winches
- Brake hand winches for lifting
- Manual worm gear winches
- Portable hand-cranked winches
- Also under 8425.39
- Thern Commander Series
- Ramsey Winch (hydraulic models)
- Maasdam Pow'R-Pull
- Dutton-Lainson hand winches
- Ingersoll Rand Air Winches
Codes often confused with 8425.39
Common mistake. Hand winches are often confused with electric winches, which fall under HS code 8425.31. They are also sometimes misclassified under 8425.19, which is for pulley tackles and hoists other than skip hoists. The difference is that a winch (8425.39) uses a drum to wind the cable, whereas a hoist (8425.19) typically uses a chain or wire rope without a drum storage system.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842539 (the code used for hand winch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842539 (the code used for hand winch) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 842539, not only hand winch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $174M 14% of world exports
- 2 Italy $149M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $145M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $190M 16% of world imports
- 2 China $66M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $60M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 codes for hand winch
Brazil splits HS 8425.39 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8425.39.10Non-electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less
- 8425.39.90Non-electric 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 hand winch
What is the HS code for Hand winch?
The HS code for Hand winch is 842539 (Winches; capstans; not powered by an electric motor). The HS code for a hand winch not powered by an electric motor is 8425.39.
How do I classify Hand winch for customs?
Hand winch is classified under HS code 842539 — Winches; capstans; not powered by an electric motor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a hand winch be classified as a hand tool in Chapter 82?
No, because it is a complex mechanical lifting appliance, it is specifically excluded from Chapter 82 and must be classified in Chapter 84.
Which countries are the top exporters of hand winch (HS 842539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842539 (the code used for hand winch) in UN Comtrade data were China ($174M, 14% of world exports), Italy ($149M) and Germany ($145M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 winch (HS 842539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842539 (the code used for hand winch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($190M, 16% of world imports), China ($66M) and Germany ($60M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 winch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842539 for Hand 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 hand winch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842539 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hand winch depends on the product's details: 8425.39.10 (Non-electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less), 8425.39.90 (Non-electric winches and capstans, over 100 t).