HS 870911 Vehicles
Quick Answer: Electric vehicles for works transport imported under HS 870911 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at rates up to 4.00% ad valorem, and the US at rates up to 35% ad valorem. This classification specifically covers self-propelled electric vehicles, not designed for passenger transport, commonly used in factories, warehouses, or construction sites. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on specific vehicle types and origin countries. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of precise classification for accurate duty assessment across different jurisdictions.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8709110000 | — | — | — |
| 8709111000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8709119000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8709110000 | — | — | — |
| 8709111000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8709119000 | 4.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87091100 | Free | — | — |
| 8709110060 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8709110030 | — | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 870911 cover?
This subheading covers electric trucks and works trucks, fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these vehicles are typically designed for internal transport within industrial or commercial premises and are distinguished by their specialized lifting or handling attachments, such as forks or platforms. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) further clarifies that this category includes electric forklift trucks and similar industrial vehicles.
What falls outside HS 870911?
The following products are excluded from HS 870911: vehicles designed for road use, such as standard trucks or vans, even if they have some lifting capabilities; manually operated pallet trucks; and vehicles that are primarily designed for construction or agricultural purposes, like excavators or tractors. For instance, a standard pickup truck used for deliveries, or a manually pushed hand pallet truck, would be classified under different headings within Chapter 87 or other relevant chapters, not under this specific subheading for industrial electric trucks.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 870911?
A common error is misclassifying vehicles that are not exclusively designed for industrial, warehouse, or dock use, or those that are not electrically powered. For example, internal combustion engine powered works trucks, even if they have lifting equipment, would fall under HS 870919. Additionally, confusion arises with vehicles that have lifting mechanisms but are primarily intended for other functions, such as construction equipment, which are classified elsewhere according to General Rule of Interpretation 1 (GRI 1) of the Harmonized System.
How should importers classify products under HS 870911?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 870911 involves a thorough examination of the vehicle's design, power source, and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the vehicle is electrically powered and specifically designed for factory, warehouse, dock, or airport use with integrated lifting or handling equipment. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes is crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 870911?
A Linde E16 electric forklift truck, weighing 3,000 kg and declared at a customs value of $25,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $1,250.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 870911. The calculation is: 5.0% × $25,000 USD = $1,250.00. This rate applies to goods imported from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 870911?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 870911, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying vehicles originating from Canada or Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates, potentially Free, for eligible goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a CPTPP Certificate of Origin is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What is the import duty for HS code 8709.11 in the United States?
For HS code 8709.11 (Electric platform trucks, etc., for use in factories, warehouses, ports or airports, for the transport of goods on rails; tractors of the type used on railway station platforms; parts thereof: Electric trucks), the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 0.00%. This information is sourced from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule. Importers should always verify the current tariff rates as they can be subject to change.
How is the duty calculated for HS 8709.11 if a duty were applicable?
While HS 8709.11 currently has a 0.00% MFN duty rate in the US, if a duty were applicable (e.g., a specific trade scenario or a different country's tariff), it would typically be calculated as either an ad valorem rate (a percentage of the declared value of the goods) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit). For example, if the MFN duty were 2.00% ad valorem and an electric truck was valued at $20,000, the duty would be $20,000 * 0.02 = $400. If there were a specific duty of $50 per unit, the duty would be $50 per truck. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the correct calculation method and rate.
Are there preferential duty rates for HS 8709.11 under trade agreements affecting the US?
As of current U.S. tariff schedules, HS 8709.11 has a 0.00% MFN duty rate. This means that even under most preferential trade agreements the U.S. is party to, the duty rate would likely remain 0.00%. However, it is crucial for importers to consult the specific terms of any applicable Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or preferential trade program, such as the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) if applicable to the exporting country, and ensure compliance with rules of origin to confirm eligibility for preferential treatment.
What documentation is typically required for importing vehicles under HS 8709.11?
When importing vehicles classified under HS 8709.11, standard import documentation is required. This typically includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill, and a customs entry form. Depending on the importing country and the specific vehicle, additional documents may be necessary, such as a certificate of origin, import permits, or declarations related to safety and emissions standards. It is advisable to consult with a customs broker or the importing country's customs authority for a comprehensive list of required documentation.
What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS 8709.11?
HS code 8709.11 covers electric trucks designed for use in factories, warehouses, ports, or airports for the transport of goods on rails. Key classification criteria include: 1. Power Source: The vehicle must be electric. 2. Function: It must be designed for transporting goods. 3. Environment: Intended for use in specific industrial or logistical settings (factories, warehouses, etc.). 4. Mode of Transport: Specifically for transport on rails within these environments. Vehicles not meeting these criteria, such as those for road use or powered by other means, would be classified elsewhere. Referencing the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provides detailed guidance on classification.