Product classification
HS code for Manual winch: 8425.39
Winches, capstans, not powered by an electric motor.
Classification of manual winch under HS 8425.39
The manual winch is classified under HS code 8425.39. This code falls within Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances. Heading 8425 is dedicated to pulley tackle and hoists other than skip hoists, winches, and capstans. The classification process involves distinguishing the power source and the specific function of the device. Subheading 8425.31 covers winches powered by electric motors, while 8425.39 is the residual category for "other" winches, which includes those operated by hand or other non-electric means. Manual winches are mechanical devices used to pull in or let out a rope or cable, typically featuring a horizontal drum and a hand crank. They are distinct from hoists, which are primarily designed for vertical lifting. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), the specific description of the manual operation and the mechanical nature of the winch directs it to this specific subheading. These devices are commonly used in marine environments for boat trailers, in workshops for moving heavy loads across a floor, or in off-road recovery. The manual nature implies that the mechanical advantage is gained through gearing operated by human force. It is important to note that if the winch were part of a larger machine, such as a crane or a specialized vehicle, the classification might change to the heading for that specific machine. However, as a standalone mechanical unit, 8425.39 is the most appropriate code. The absence of an internal combustion engine or an electric motor is the defining characteristic that separates this code from 8425.31 or other powered lifting equipment. The Explanatory Notes for heading 8425 specify that winches consist of a horizontal-axis drum around which the cable is wound, and the manual version must be hand-cranked or lever-operated.
- Covers
- Hand-cranked boat trailer winches
- Manual wall-mounted winches
- Hand-operated capstans
- Manual worm gear winches
- Portable hand winches for off-road recovery
- 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. Manual winches are often misclassified under 8425.31, which is specifically for winches powered by electric motors. They may also be confused with 8425.19, which covers manual pulley tackle and hoists; the distinction lies in the winch's use of a drum for pulling rather than a pulley system for lifting. Additionally, manual jacks are classified under 8425.42 and should not be confused with winches.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842539 (the code used for manual winch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842539 (the code used for manual 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 manual 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 manual 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 manual winch
What is the HS code for Manual winch?
The HS code for Manual winch is 842539 (Winches; capstans; not powered by an electric motor). The HS code for a manual winch (not powered by an electric motor) is 8425.39.
How do I classify Manual winch for customs?
Manual winch is classified under HS code 842539 — Winches; capstans; not powered by an electric motor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a winch and a hoist in HS classification?
In HS classification, a winch (8425.3x) typically features a drum and is used for horizontal pulling or hauling, whereas a hoist (8425.1x) is designed for vertical lifting using a pulley system.
Which countries are the top exporters of manual winch (HS 842539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842539 (the code used for manual 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 manual winch (HS 842539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842539 (the code used for manual 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 Manual winch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842539 for Manual 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 manual winch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842539 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for manual 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).