Chapter 84 is one of the broadest chapters in the HS classification, covering various machines, mechanical appliances, power equipment, and their parts. It includes steam boilers, internal combustion engines, textile machinery, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment, etc. Its core characteristic is that goods must have a mechanical function or be power-driven, and are typically used in industrial production, transportation, construction, and other fields. This chapter also covers machinery and non-electrical equipment not elsewhere specified, but excludes electrical equipment (Chapter 85) and vehicles (Chapter 87). Heading 8426 specifically covers various lifting and handling machinery, including overhead cranes, gantry cranes, tower cranes, mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers, forklifts, etc. The core of this heading is machinery with lifting, handling, and loading/unloading functions, typically used in ports, warehouses, factories, construction sites, and similar scenarios. Its scope includes fixed and mobile equipment, but excludes machinery for mining or underground operations (heading 8428) and certain special-purpose vehicles (Chapter 87). First 2 digits 84: represents Chapter 84, i.e., nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, mechanical appliances, and their parts. Digits 3-4 26: represents heading 8426, i.e., ships' derricks; cranes, including cable cranes; mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane. Digits 5-6 12: represents subheading 8426.12, specifically mobile lifting frames and straddle carriers, i.e., equipment that is self-propelled, mobile, used for lifting and handling containers or large cargo, distinguished from other fixed or rail-mounted cranes. This product is classified under 8426.12 because its core function is lifting and handling, and it is mobile (self-propelled or movable), meeting the subheading description. It differs from 8426.11 (fixed cranes) and 8426.19 (other mobile cranes), as well as from 8428 (mining machinery) or 8705 (special-purpose vehicles). 8426.12 specifically targets straddle carriers and mobile lifting frames, which are typically used in port container yards and combine lifting and horizontal transport functions.

Product Name: The standard name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the equipment type, such as 'mobile lifting frame' or 'straddle carrier'. Brand: Fill in the brand name of the equipment manufacturer; if no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the specific model of the equipment to distinguish different specifications and functions. Maximum Lifting Capacity: Declare the maximum weight the equipment can lift, usually in tons. Power Type: Indicate the power source of the equipment, such as diesel engine, electric, or hybrid. Mobility Type: Describe the mobility of the equipment, such as wheeled, crawler, or rail-mounted. Use: Explain the main application scenarios of the equipment, such as port container handling, warehouse cargo loading/unloading, etc. Specifications and Dimensions: Provide the external dimensions (length, width, height) and self-weight of the equipment to assist classification. Product Name: Straddle Carrier; Brand: Kalmar; Model: DRG450; Maximum Lifting Capacity: 45 tons; Power Type: Diesel Engine; Mobility Type: Wheeled; Use: Port container yard handling; Specifications and Dimensions: Length 15m × Width 5m × Height 4m, self-weight 60 tons. Mistakenly classifying straddle carriers under 8705 (special-purpose vehicles), ignoring their lifting function. Failure to declare power type, making it impossible to distinguish self-propelled from towed equipment. Confusing mobile lifting frames with fixed cranes, incorrectly classifying under 8426.11.

The core criterion for classification is whether the equipment has a lifting function and is mobile. Subheading 8426.12 explicitly covers mobile lifting frames and straddle carriers, which are typically self-propelled and used for lifting and horizontal transport of goods in ports, warehouses, etc. When classifying, focus on: 1) whether the equipment has a lifting mechanism; 2) whether it is self-propelled or mobile; 3) whether it is specifically used for handling containers or large cargo. If the equipment can only transport horizontally without lifting function, it should be classified under 8428 or Chapter 87. 8426.11 Fixed Cranes: Fixed cranes are installed on a fixed foundation and cannot be moved; whereas 8426.12 equipment is mobile, self-propelled, or towable. 8426.19 Other Mobile Cranes: 8426.19 covers other mobile cranes, such as truck cranes and crawler cranes; 8426.12 specifically refers to straddle carriers and mobile lifting frames, which are more specialized in structure. 8428.90 Other Lifting and Handling Machinery: 8428.90 includes lifts, conveyors, etc., which typically do not have lifting or mobility functions; 8426.12 equipment combines lifting and mobility functions. 8705.90 Other Special-Purpose Vehicles: 8705.90 covers vehicles fitted with a crane, but primarily designed for transport; 8426.12 equipment has lifting as the primary function, with vehicle attributes secondary. 8427.10 Forklifts: Forklifts handle palletized goods via forks, with limited lifting height; straddle carriers and lifting frames are used for containers or large cargo, with greater lifting height and span. Does the equipment have a lifting function? Is the equipment mobile or self-propelled? Is it specifically used for handling containers or large cargo? Is it confused with fixed cranes or forklifts? Have vehicles of Chapter 87 and machinery of 8428 been excluded?

What is the difference between a mobile lifting frame and a straddle carrier? A mobile lifting frame typically refers to a gantry or semi-gantry structure that can move and lift cargo; a straddle carrier is a wheeled device specifically used for container handling, which can straddle the container on both sides for transport. Both are classified under 8426.12, but straddle carriers are more focused on container yard operations, while lifting frames have broader applications. How to inquire about the import tariff rate for 842612? The tariff rate depends on the country of origin and trade agreements. The latest rates can be queried through the General Administration of Customs of China website or the International Trade Single Window. Note that rates may adjust with policy changes; it is recommended to rely on customs system data at the time of declaration. How to fill in the maximum lifting capacity during declaration? Maximum lifting capacity refers to the maximum weight the equipment can lift under design allowances, usually in tons. Fill in the rated value on the equipment nameplate or technical parameter table, avoiding the average weight in actual use. Are straddle carriers and forklifts classified under the same code? No. Forklifts are classified under 8427.10, while straddle carriers are classified under 8426.12. The main difference is that forklifts handle palletized goods via forks with lower lifting height; straddle carriers are used for container handling with greater lifting height and span, and different structure. If equipment can both lift and transport, how to classify? Based on the primary function. If the primary function is lifting, even if it has transport capability, it is still classified under 8426; if the primary function is transport, with lifting only auxiliary, it may be classified under Chapter 87. Judgment should be based on equipment design, use, and industry practice. What regulatory documents are required for equipment under 842612? Typically, import licenses, pre-shipment inspection certificates (if applicable), certificates of origin, etc. are required. Specifics depend on whether the equipment is new or used, country of origin, and trade mode. It is recommended to consult a customs broker or customs for the latest requirements. Can used straddle carriers be imported? Yes, but they must comply with China's import regulations for used mechanical and electrical products, and may require pre-shipment inspection certificates, import licenses, etc. Some used equipment has age restrictions; it is advisable to consult customs or professional agencies in advance. How to distinguish between 842612 and 870590 during classification? 842612 equipment has lifting as the primary function, with vehicle attributes secondary; 870590 vehicles have transport as the primary function, with lifting devices only auxiliary. For example, a straddle carrier, although mobile, is primarily for lifting containers, so it is classified under 8426; while a truck fitted with a crane is mainly for transport, classified under 8705.