Product classification
HS code for Platform truck: 8709.19
Vehicles, (not electrical), self-propelled, without handling equipment, used for short distance transport of goods in factories, airports and such, and tractors of the type used on railway station platforms.
Classification of platform truck under HS 8709.19
The classification of platform trucks under HS code 8709.19 depends on their propulsion system and their lack of lifting or handling equipment. Heading 8709 covers self-propelled vehicles used in factories, warehouses, or airports for the short-distance transport of goods. Subheading 8709.19 specifically identifies vehicles that are not powered by electricity (e.g., internal combustion engines). A defining characteristic of these trucks is that they are designed for horizontal transport only; they do not possess masts, forks, or hydraulic lifting mechanisms. If a vehicle has such equipment, it is classified as a work truck under heading 8427. Additionally, these vehicles are distinct from road-going freight vehicles because they are not designed for use on public highways. They typically have a small turning radius and are built for durability in industrial environments. This code also includes tractors of the type used on railway station platforms for pulling small trailers of luggage or freight.
- Covers
- Internal combustion engine platform trucks for factory use
- Diesel-powered baggage carts for airport terminals
- Gasoline-powered industrial haulers without lifting gear
- Non-electric platform tractors for railway stations
- Self-propelled flatbed transporters for internal warehouse use
- Also under 8709.19
- Kalmar terminal tractors
- TLD conventional baggage tractors
- Clark industrial trucks (non-lifting)
- Taylor-Dunn burden carriers
- Linde industrial tractors
Codes often confused with 8709.19
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8709.11, which is specifically for electrical platform trucks. Another common error is classifying these under 8427.20 (forklift trucks), but 8427 requires the presence of lifting or handling equipment. They should also not be confused with 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods on public roads, as platform trucks are restricted to industrial or off-road sites.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870919 (the code used for platform truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870919 (the code used for platform truck) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 870919, not only platform truck.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $241M 27% of world exports
- 2 United States $170M 19% of world exports
- 3 China $117M 13% of world exports
World total: $878M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $228M 26% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $106M 12% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $887M 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 platform truck
Brazil classifies platform truck under NCM 8709.19.00: HS 8709.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about platform truck
What is the HS code for Platform truck?
The HS code for Platform truck is 870919 (Vehicles; (not electrical), self-propelled, without handling equipment, used for short distance transport of goods in factories, airports and such, and tractors of the type used on railway station platforms). The HS code for non-electrical, self-propelled platform trucks used for short-distance transport is 8709.19.
How do I classify Platform truck for customs?
Platform truck is classified under HS code 870919 — Vehicles; (not electrical), self-propelled, without handling equipment, used for short distance transport of goods in factories, airports and such, and tractors of the type used on railway station platforms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a platform truck with a small lift be classified here?
No, if the truck has any lifting or handling equipment, it is generally classified under heading 8427.
Which countries are the top exporters of platform truck (HS 870919)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870919 (the code used for platform truck) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($241M, 27% of world exports), the United States ($170M) and China ($117M). World exports came to about $878M, 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 platform truck (HS 870919)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870919 (the code used for platform truck) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($228M, 26% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($106M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World imports came to about $887M, 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 Platform truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870919 for Platform truck 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 platform truck in Brazil?
In Brazil, platform truck (HS 870919) is classified under NCM 8709.19.00.