Product classification
HS code for Loader crane: 8426.91
Cranes and derricks, designed for mounting on road vehicles.
Classification of loader crane under HS 8426.91
Loader cranes are classified under HS code 8426.91. This classification is primarily driven by the machine's design for mounting on road vehicles, such as trucks or trailers. According to the Harmonized System's Explanatory Notes, heading 8426 encompasses a variety of lifting and handling machinery. Subheading 8426.91 is specific to those cranes that are not self-propelled in their own right but are instead designed to be an attachment or a permanent fixture on a transport vehicle. These cranes typically feature a hydraulic articulating boom, often referred to as a knuckle boom, which allows for the efficient loading and unloading of the vehicle's cargo bed. The classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. In this case, Section XVI, which covers machinery, and Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances, are the governing sections. The distinction is made between a crane that is an integral part of a vehicle chassis (which might fall under 8705) and a crane that is mounted onto a vehicle that retains its primary function as a transport unit. Loader cranes fall into the latter category because the vehicle's main purpose is still the carriage of goods, and the crane is an auxiliary tool for that purpose.
- Covers
- Hydraulic articulating cranes (knuckle boom cranes)
- Timber loaders designed for truck mounting
- Truck-mounted cranes for construction material delivery
- Foldable loader cranes for commercial vehicles
- Rear-mounted or behind-cab mounted hydraulic lifting arms
- Also under 8426.91
- Palfinger PK 50002 EH
- Fassi F195A.0.23
- Hiab X-Duo 148
- Effer 205
Codes often confused with 8426.91
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 8705.10, which covers "crane lorries." The distinction lies in the integration of the crane with the vehicle. If the vehicle is a special-purpose vehicle where the crane and chassis are designed as a single unit and the vehicle cannot transport goods, it belongs in 8705.10. Conversely, 8426.91 is for cranes mounted on standard transport trucks. Another common error is 8426.11, which is reserved for overhead traveling cranes on fixed supports, which lack the mobility and vehicle-mounting design of a loader crane.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842691 (the code used for loader crane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842691 (the code used for loader crane) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 842691, not only loader crane.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $659M 24% of world exports
- 2 Italy $519M 19% of world exports
- 3 Poland $230M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $247M 10% of world imports
- 2 France $185M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $174M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 loader crane
Brazil classifies loader crane under NCM 8426.91.00: HS 8426.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about loader crane
What is the HS code for Loader crane?
The HS code for Loader crane is 842691 (Cranes and derricks; designed for mounting on road vehicles). The HS code for a loader crane designed for mounting on a road vehicle is 8426.91. This code specifically covers the lifting mechanism itself when it is intended to be installed on a truck or trailer.
How do I classify Loader crane for customs?
Loader crane is classified under HS code 842691 — Cranes and derricks; designed for mounting on road vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 8426.91 and 8705.10?
The distinction is based on the vehicle's primary function. If the vehicle is primarily for transporting goods and has a crane attached, use 8426.91 for the crane. If the vehicle is a dedicated mobile crane with no cargo capacity, the entire unit is classified under 8705.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of loader crane (HS 842691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842691 (the code used for loader crane) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($659M, 24% of world exports), Italy ($519M) and Poland ($230M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 loader crane (HS 842691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842691 (the code used for loader crane) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($247M, 10% of world imports), France ($185M) and the United States ($174M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 Loader crane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842691 for Loader crane 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 loader crane in Brazil?
In Brazil, loader crane (HS 842691) is classified under NCM 8426.91.00.