Product classification
HS code for Power winch: 8425.31
Winches, capstans, powered by an electric motor.
Classification of power winch under HS 8425.31
Power winches are classified under HS code 8425.31, which covers winches and capstans powered by an electric motor. Heading 8425 includes pulley tackle and hoists (other than skip hoists), winches, and capstans. A winch is defined as a device consisting of a horizontal or vertical drum around which a rope, cable, or chain is wound to pull or lift a load. The classification under 8425.31 is specific to units driven by an internal or external electric motor. This distinguishes them from manual winches or those powered by internal combustion engines or hydraulic systems, which fall under 8425.39. The primary function of the device—hauling or tensioning a line—is the defining characteristic. While winches can be used for lifting, they are distinguished from hoists (8425.11) by their design; winches typically use a drum to pull a load horizontally or along an incline, whereas hoists are primarily designed for vertical lifting using a pulley block. The electric motor in an 8425.31 winch is usually a high-torque DC or AC motor geared to provide significant pulling force. These devices are common in marine environments for mooring, in industrial settings for moving heavy machinery, and on off-road vehicles for recovery operations. The classification remains consistent regardless of the mounting surface, provided the device itself meets the definition of an electrically powered winch. The presence of a remote control or automatic braking system does not change the classification from 8425.31.
- Covers
- Electric boat winches
- Industrial electric winches for material handling
- Electric capstans for ship mooring
- Vehicle-mounted electric recovery winches
- Electric theater winches for scenery movement
- 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. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8425.11, which is for electric hoists. The distinction is that hoists are for vertical lifting, while winches are for pulling. Another common error is using 8425.39, which is for winches powered by other means, such as hydraulic motors or manual cranks. Additionally, winches that are part of a larger crane assembly may be classified under 8426.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842531 (the code used for power winch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842531 (the code used for power 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 power 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 power 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 power winch
What is the HS code for Power winch?
The HS code for Power winch is 842531 (Winches; capstans; powered by an electric motor). The HS code for a winch or capstan powered by an electric motor is 8425.31.
How do I classify Power winch for customs?
Power 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 difference between a winch and a hoist in HS codes?
In the HS system, hoists (8425.11) are primarily for vertical lifting, while winches (8425.31) are primarily for horizontal or inclined pulling using a drum.
Which countries are the top exporters of power winch (HS 842531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842531 (the code used for power 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 power winch (HS 842531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842531 (the code used for power 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 Power winch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842531 for Power 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 power winch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 842531 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for power 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).