Product classification
HS code for Marine winch: 8425.31
Winches, capstans, powered by an electric motor.
Classification of marine winch under HS 8425.31
A marine winch powered by an electric motor is classified under HS code 8425.31. Chapter 84 includes various types of lifting and handling equipment. Heading 8425 specifically covers pulley tackle and hoists other than skip hoists, winches, and capstans. The subheading 8425.31 is designated for winches and capstans that are powered by an electric motor. In a maritime context, these devices are essential for anchoring, mooring, and towing operations. The classification depends on the mechanical nature of the device (a winch or capstan) and the power source (electric). These winches typically consist of a drum around which a rope or cable winds, driven by an electric motor through a reduction gear. For marine applications, they are often built with specific materials to resist salt-water corrosion. The classification remains 8425.31 regardless of whether the winch is mounted on the deck of a ship or on a dock, provided it is an electric winch. If the winch is part of a more complex machine like a crane, it might be classified elsewhere, but as a standalone unit, 8425.31 is the correct designation.
- Covers
- Electric anchor windlasses
- Electric mooring winches for ships
- Electric capstans for maritime use
- Electric towing winches
- Also under 8425.31
- Warn Zeon
- Maxwell RC Series
- Lofrans X Series
- Superwinch Talon
- ComeUp Seal Gen2
Codes often confused with 8425.31
Common mistake. Marine winches are often misclassified under 8425.39, which is the code for winches not powered by an electric motor (such as hydraulic or manual winches). Another common error is 8425.11, which is for electric pulley tackle and hoists. While similar, winches and capstans are distinct from hoists in their mechanical design and typical horizontal pulling application.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842531 (the code used for marine winch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842531 (the code used for marine winch) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 842531, not only marine winch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $622M 39% of world exports
- 2 Germany $133M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 United States $105M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $199M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $113M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $63M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 marine winch
Brazil splits HS 8425.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8425.31.10Electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less
- 8425.31.90Electric 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 marine winch
What is the HS code for Marine winch?
The HS code for Marine winch is 842531 (Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor).
How do I classify Marine winch for customs?
Marine winch is classified under HS code 842531 — Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for an electric marine winch?
The HS code for an electric marine winch is 8425.31.
What code is used if the marine winch is hydraulic?
If the marine winch is hydraulic rather than electric, it is classified under HS code 8425.39.
Which countries are the top exporters of marine winch (HS 842531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842531 (the code used for marine winch) in UN Comtrade data were China ($622M, 39% of world exports), Germany ($133M) and the United States ($105M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 marine winch (HS 842531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842531 (the code used for marine winch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($199M, 14% of world imports), China ($113M) and Türkiye ($63M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Marine winch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842531 for Marine 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 marine winch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842531 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for marine winch depends on the product's details: 8425.31.10 (Electric winches and capstans, 100 t or less), 8425.31.90 (Electric winches and capstans, over 100 t).