Product classification
HS code for Material handling equipment: 8428.90
Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery, n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426, 8427 or 8428.
Classification of material handling equipment under HS 8428.90
Material handling equipment of this specific type is classified under HS code 8428.90. Chapter 84 covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8428 is dedicated to "other lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery," specifically those not covered by headings 8425 (hoists), 8426 (cranes), or 8427 (fork-lift trucks). Subheading 8428.90 is the "other" category for complex or specialized machinery used for moving materials. This often includes automated systems, industrial robots designed for lifting and placing, and specialized loaders used in mining or agriculture that do not fit the definitions of the preceding headings. The classification is determined by the mechanical function of the machine and its exclusion from more specific headings. Under GRI 3(a), the most specific description is preferred, but when a machine performs functions covered by multiple subheadings or is not specifically named, 8428.90 serves as the catch-all for advanced handling technology. This code is essential for modern logistics equipment that utilizes automation and robotics to move goods within a warehouse or production facility without the use of traditional forklifts or overhead cranes.
- Covers
- Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
- Industrial robots for palletizing and depalletizing
- Mechanical loaders for bulk materials
- Specialized airport baggage handling systems
- Telehandlers (if not meeting the definition of 8427)
- Hydraulic or pneumatic lifting platforms
- Also under 8428.90
- Dematic AS/RS
- JLG scissor lifts (non-self-propelled versions)
- Schmalz vacuum lifting devices
- KUKA palletizing systems (excluding the robot itself)
Codes often confused with 8428.90
Common mistake. Material handling equipment is frequently misclassified under 8427.10 or 8427.20, which are reserved for fork-lift trucks and other work trucks fitted with lifting equipment. It is also often confused with 8426.11, which covers overhead travelling cranes. If the equipment does not have the specific characteristics of a truck or a crane, it must be moved to 8428. Furthermore, simple conveyors are classified under 8428.20 or 8428.33, so 8428.90 should only be used for equipment that does not fit those specific conveyor subheadings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842890 (the code used for material handling equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842890 (the code used for material handling equipment) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 842890, not only material handling equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.9B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $2.8B 18% of world exports
- 3 Italy $905M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $14.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.0B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $976M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 China $683M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $16.0B 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 material handling equipment
Brazil splits HS 8428.90 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8428.90.10Lifeboat launching appliances
- 8428.90.20Automatic guided stacker cranes
- 8428.90.30Newspaper stackers, 80,000 copies an hour or more
- 8428.90.90Other lifting, handling or loading machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about material handling equipment
What is the HS code for Material handling equipment?
The HS code for Material handling equipment is 842890 (Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery; n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426, 8427 or 8428). The HS code for specialized material handling equipment not covered elsewhere is 8428.90.
How do I classify Material handling equipment for customs?
Material handling equipment is classified under HS code 842890 — Lifting, handling, loading or unloading machinery; n.e.c. in heading no. 8425, 8426, 8427 or 8428. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include forklifts?
No, forklifts are specifically classified under heading 8427, depending on their power source and lifting mechanism.
Which countries are the top exporters of material handling equipment (HS 842890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842890 (the code used for material handling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.9B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($2.8B) and Italy ($905M). World exports came to about $14.9B, 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 material handling equipment (HS 842890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842890 (the code used for material handling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.0B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($976M) and China ($683M). World imports came to about $16.0B, 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 Material handling equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842890 for Material handling equipment 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 material handling equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842890 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for material handling equipment depends on the product's details: 8428.90.10 (Lifeboat launching appliances), 8428.90.20 (Automatic guided stacker cranes), 8428.90.30 (Newspaper stackers, 80,000 copies an hour or more), 8428.90.90 (Other lifting, handling or loading machinery).