Product classification
HS code for Industrial electric vehicle: 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 industrial electric vehicle under HS 8709.11
Industrial electric vehicles used for the short-distance transport of goods are classified under HS code 8709.11. This heading is reserved for self-propelled work trucks of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas, or airports. A defining characteristic for classification under 8709 is that the vehicle must not be fitted with lifting or handling equipment. If a vehicle has a mast or fork for lifting, it moves to heading 8427. Subheading 8709.11 specifically identifies those powered by an electric motor. These vehicles are generally characterized by a low top speed, a small turning radius, and a design that is not intended for use on public highways. They are often used for pulling small trailers or carrying heavy loads across a factory floor. The classification is based on the vehicle's physical characteristics and its specialized use in industrial logistics rather than general passenger or freight transport.
- Covers
- Electric platform trucks
- Electric industrial tractors
- Electric baggage carts for airports
- Electric warehouse transporters
- Electric burden carriers
- Self-propelled electric pallet movers (without lifting)
- 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 is 8427.10, which covers electric fork-lift trucks and other work trucks fitted with lifting equipment. Even a small lifting mechanism can change the classification from 8709 to 8427. Another error is 8703.80, which is for electric motor vehicles designed for the transport of persons (like cars). Industrial vehicles are distinguished by their lack of passenger amenities and their specialized industrial chassis. Finally, 8701.91 for tractors is sometimes used, but 8709 is more specific for factory-type tractors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870911 (the code used for industrial electric vehicle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870911 (the code used for industrial electric vehicle) 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 industrial electric vehicle.
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 industrial electric vehicle
Brazil classifies industrial electric vehicle 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 industrial electric vehicle
What is the HS code for Industrial electric vehicle?
The HS code for Industrial electric vehicle 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 electric industrial work trucks without lifting equipment is 8709.11.
How do I classify Industrial electric vehicle for customs?
Industrial electric vehicle 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.
Does this include electric forklifts?
No, electric forklifts are classified under HS code 8427.10 because they are equipped with lifting and handling machinery.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial electric vehicle (HS 870911)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870911 (the code used for industrial electric vehicle) 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 industrial electric vehicle (HS 870911)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870911 (the code used for industrial electric vehicle) 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 Industrial electric vehicle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870911 for Industrial electric vehicle 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 industrial electric vehicle in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial electric vehicle (HS 870911) is classified under NCM 8709.11.00.