Product classification
HS code for LPG forklift: 8427.20
Fork-lift and other works trucks, fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by other than electric motor.
Classification of LPG forklift under HS 8427.20
An LPG-powered forklift is classified under HS code 8427.20. This code falls within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8427 specifically addresses fork-lift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. The subheading 8427.20 is designated for self-propelled trucks that are powered by an internal combustion engine rather than an electric motor. Since LPG forklifts utilize an internal combustion engine fueled by liquefied petroleum gas, they are excluded from the electric category (8427.10) and placed here. The classification is based on the machine's primary function—lifting and handling—and its propulsion method. This code covers a wide range of load capacities and engine sizes, provided the vehicle is designed for use in factories, warehouses, or similar worksites for the movement of goods. The presence of the LPG fuel system (tank brackets, vaporizers, and mixers) is a key identifying feature for this classification.
- Covers
- LPG-powered fork-lift trucks
- Diesel-powered fork-lift trucks
- Internal combustion engine works trucks
- Self-propelled pallet stackers (non-electric)
- 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 is under 8427.10, which is strictly for electric-powered forklifts. Another error involves HS code 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. However, forklifts are classified in Chapter 84 because their primary purpose is mechanical handling (lifting) rather than the transport of goods over public roads. Additionally, 8427.90 is sometimes used in error for non-self-propelled lifting equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842720 (the code used for LPG forklift), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842720 (the code used for LPG 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 LPG 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 LPG 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 LPG forklift
What is the HS code for LPG forklift?
The HS code for LPG 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 self-propelled LPG-powered forklift is 8427.20.
How do I classify LPG forklift for customs?
LPG 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 the code change if the forklift is used outdoors?
No, the classification is based on the mechanical nature and propulsion of the truck, not its specific environment of use, provided it remains a "works truck" under the definition of heading 8427.
Which countries are the top exporters of LPG forklift (HS 842720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842720 (the code used for LPG 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 LPG forklift (HS 842720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842720 (the code used for LPG 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 LPG forklift the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842720 for LPG 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 LPG forklift in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842720 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for LPG 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).