Product classification
HS code for Wire rope hoist: 8425.11
Pulley tackle and hoists, powered by an electric motor (excluding skip hoists or hoists of a kind used for raising vehicles).
Classification of wire rope hoist under HS 8425.11
Wire rope hoists are classified under HS code 8425.11 because they are mechanical lifting devices powered by an electric motor. Heading 8425 covers pulley tackle and hoists other than skip hoists, as well as winches and capstans. The subheading 8425.11 is specifically reserved for those hoists that utilize an electric motor as their primary power source. This classification is based on the functional purpose of the machine—lifting loads vertically using a drum or pulley system—and the nature of its drive mechanism. Unlike cranes, which are classified in heading 8426, hoists are generally considered components or simpler lifting units that do not include the extensive supporting structures or mobile chassis found in larger crane systems. The use of wire rope as the lifting medium is a standard feature for these industrial-grade hoists, providing the necessary tensile strength for heavy lifting operations in warehouses, factories, and construction sites. The classification applies to both stationary units and those designed to be mounted on monorails or crane bridges.
- Covers
- Electric wire rope hoists
- Monorail electric hoists
- Stationary electric hoists
- Hoist units for overhead traveling cranes
- Electric wire rope block and tackle
- Also under 8425.11
- Demag DC-Pro
- Kito ER2
- CM Lodestar
- Harrington ER
- Yale YJL
Codes often confused with 8425.11
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 8425.19, which covers hoists not powered by an electric motor (such as manual or pneumatic hoists). It is also frequently confused with 8425.31, which covers electric winches. The primary difference is that a hoist is designed for vertical lifting, whereas a winch is primarily designed for horizontal pulling. Furthermore, complete overhead cranes should be classified under 8426.11 rather than 8425.11.
Top exporters and importers of HS 842511 (the code used for wire rope hoist), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 842511 (the code used for wire rope hoist) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 842511, not only wire rope hoist.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $384M 26% of world exports
- 2 Germany $255M 17% of world exports
- 3 Finland $195M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $150M 11% of world imports
- 2 Canada $120M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $52M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 wire rope hoist
Brazil classifies wire rope hoist under NCM 8425.11.00: HS 8425.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wire rope hoist
What is the HS code for Wire rope hoist?
The HS code for Wire rope hoist is 842511 (Pulley tackle and hoists; powered by an electric motor (excluding skip hoists or hoists of a kind used for raising vehicles)). The HS code for a wire rope hoist powered by an electric motor is 8425.11.
How do I classify Wire rope hoist for customs?
Wire rope hoist is classified under HS code 842511 — Pulley tackle and hoists; powered by an electric motor (excluding skip hoists or hoists of a kind used for raising vehicles). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a hoist and a winch?
A hoist (8425.11) is designed for vertical lifting and usually includes a braking system for safety, while a winch (8425.31) is primarily designed for horizontal pulling.
Which countries are the top exporters of wire rope hoist (HS 842511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 842511 (the code used for wire rope hoist) in UN Comtrade data were China ($384M, 26% of world exports), Germany ($255M) and Finland ($195M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 wire rope hoist (HS 842511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 842511 (the code used for wire rope hoist) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($150M, 11% of world imports), Canada ($120M) and the United Kingdom ($52M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Wire rope hoist the same in all countries?
The base HS code 842511 for Wire rope hoist 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 wire rope hoist in Brazil?
In Brazil, wire rope hoist (HS 842511) is classified under NCM 8425.11.00.