HS Code: 842620
Tower crane
Languages: 中文 English Español 日本語 한국어 Tiếng Việt ไทย Русский

📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 84 is the core chapter of machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof in the HS classification system, covering an extremely wide scope, including power machinery, agricultural machinery, metalworking machine tools, construction machinery, office equipment, automatic data processing equipment and parts thereof, etc. Goods of this chapter generally have the characteristics of power drive, mechanical movement or energy conversion, but attention must be paid to excluding certain goods specifically classified under other chapters (such as electric tools under 8508). Chapter 84 is one of the chapters with the highest technical content and the most complex variety of goods in international trade, and classification must be strictly based on heading texts and notes.
Heading
Heading 8426 covers: various lifting or handling machinery, such as overhead travelling cranes, gantry cranes, tower cranes, portal cranes, crawler cranes, truck cranes, etc.; as well as works trucks fitted with a crane, mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers, etc. However, note that this heading does not include: fixed lifting platforms (classified under 8428), lifts (classified under 8428), conveyors (classified under 8428), excavators (classified under 8429), and lifting devices mounted on tractors (classified under 8701 or 8705).
Digit Breakdown
Code 842620 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "84" represent Chapter 84, namely nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts thereof, indicating that the goods belong to the machinery category. Digits 3-4 "26" represent heading 8426, namely ships' derricks; cranes, including cable cranes; mobile lifting frames, straddle carriers and works trucks fitted with a crane. Digits 5-6 "20" represent subheading 842620, specifically referring to tower cranes, namely cranes with a vertical mast and a horizontal jib that realize material lifting and handling through a slewing mechanism. This subheading further distinguishes tower cranes from other cranes (such as fixed cranes under 842611, mobile cranes under 842612, etc.).
Classification Basis
Tower cranes have a unique structure with a vertical mast and a horizontal jib, and realize spatial handling of materials through hoisting, slewing and luffing mechanisms, belonging to the typical category of cranes. They are different from fixed cranes (such as fixed dock cranes), different from mobile cranes (such as truck cranes and crawler cranes), and even more different from lifting platforms or conveyors. Therefore, according to their structural characteristics and functional use, classification under 842620 is the most accurate.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the attributes of the goods, such as "Tower Crane" or "Tower Crane".
⚠️ Misreported as "crane" or "hoist", without specifying the "tower" feature.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as "Zoomlion", "XCMG", etc.; if there is no brand, fill in "No Brand".
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the trader's name as the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model, such as "QTZ80", "TC6013", etc., which should be consistent with the physical nameplate.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Maximum Lifting Capacity
Fill in the rated maximum lifting capacity of the tower crane, in kilograms or tons, such as "8000kg".
⚠️ Confusing maximum lifting capacity with maximum radius lifting capacity.
Maximum Lifting Moment
Fill in the rated lifting moment, in ton-meters or kilonewton-meters, such as "800t·m".
⚠️ Not filled in or incorrect unit.
Self-propelled or Not
Tower cranes are generally non-self-propelled and should be declared as "non-self-propelled".
⚠️ Misreported as self-propelled.
Brand Type
Fill in the brand type according to customs regulations, such as "foreign brand (OEM production)", "domestic independent brand", etc.
⚠️ Incorrect selection of brand type.
Export Preference Status
If an export preferential trade agreement is involved, the corresponding preference status must be filled in, such as "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country".
⚠️ Ignoring preference declaration resulting in inability to enjoy tariff preferences.
Example:
Product Name: Tower Crane; Brand: Zoomlion; Model: QTZ80; Maximum Lifting Capacity: 8000kg; Maximum Lifting Moment: 800t·m; Self-propelled or Not: Non-self-propelled; Brand Type: Domestic independent brand; Export Preference Status: Export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 84 of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System and the text of heading 8426. Tower cranes belong to the category of cranes, and their structural characteristics are a vertical mast, a horizontal jib and a slewing mechanism, which conform to the description of "cranes" in heading 8426. At the same time, according to the subheading structure, 842620 specifically refers to tower cranes. When classifying, it is necessary to focus on reviewing the structure, function and use of the goods to confirm that they are not fixed cranes, mobile cranes or other handling machinery. In addition, attention must be paid to the classification of parts: if parts of tower cranes are declared separately, they should be classified under heading 8431.
Confused Codes:
842611 - Fixed cranes
Fixed cranes are installed on a fixed foundation and cannot be moved, such as fixed dock cranes; although tower cranes can be fixed, they have a vertical mast and a slewing jib and can generally be dismantled and transferred.
842612 - Mobile cranes
Mobile cranes have their own travelling mechanism, such as truck cranes and crawler cranes; tower cranes need to be dismantled for transport and have no self-propelled function.
842619 - Other cranes
Other cranes include cable cranes, gantry cranes, etc., which differ in structure from tower cranes; tower cranes specifically refer to slewing cranes with a vertical mast and a horizontal jib.
842890 - Other lifting, handling, loading and unloading machinery
This code covers lifting platforms, conveyors, etc.; tower cranes belong to cranes and have hoisting and slewing functions, so they are not classified under 8428.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How are tower cranes and truck cranes distinguished in HS codes?
A: Tower cranes are classified under 842620, and truck cranes under 842612. The core difference is: tower cranes have a vertical mast and a horizontal jib, need to be dismantled for transport, and have no self-propelled function; truck cranes have their own travelling chassis and can move by themselves. When declaring, structural description and travelling method must be provided.
Q: How are parts of tower cranes classified?
A: If parts of tower cranes are declared separately, they should be classified under 8431 (parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of headings 8425 to 8430). However, note that if the parts themselves belong to other headings (such as motors, wire ropes), they should be classified under the corresponding heading. When declaring, the part name, use and applicable main machine model must be indicated.
Q: When declaring tower cranes, which elements are most prone to error?
A: Common errors include: 1. The product name is generally written as "crane" without specifying "tower"; 2. Confusion between maximum lifting capacity and maximum lifting moment; 3. Failure to declare brand type and preference status; 4. Model inconsistent with the actual goods. It is recommended to check item by item against the nameplate and contract.
Q: How can tariff preferences be enjoyed when exporting tower cranes to ASEAN countries?
A: It must comply with the rules of origin of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. When declaring, provide a certificate of origin (Form E) and select "export goods enjoy preferential tariffs in the final destination country" in the "Export Preference Status" column of the customs declaration form. At the same time, ensure that the product meets the origin criteria, such as regional value content reaching 40%, etc.
Q: When importing tower cranes, what are the key points of customs valuation?
A: The key points of customs valuation include: whether the transaction price is true and complete, whether it includes royalties, assistance costs, etc.; whether freight and insurance are included; whether there are special relationships affecting the price. It is recommended to keep complete trade documents, such as contracts, invoices, payment vouchers, etc.
Q: How can the regulatory conditions for tower cranes be queried?
A: The regulatory conditions for HS code 842620 can be queried through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the "Single Window". Usually involving import tariffs, value-added tax, export tax rebates, etc., and some countries may require pre-shipment inspection certificates. The latest customs announcements shall prevail.
Q: When classifying tower cranes, is their lifting capacity considered?
A: HS code 842620 is not subdivided by lifting capacity, so lifting capacity does not affect subheading classification. However, lifting capacity is one of the declaration elements and must be truthfully filled in. If different lifting capacities lead to structural differences (such as fixed type and mobile type), classification may be affected.
Q: If a tower crane is equipped with a manned basket, is it still classified under 842620?
A: It is still classified under 842620. The main function of a tower crane is to lift materials, and an additional manned basket does not change its basic characteristics. However, if it is specially designed for carrying people, it may be classified under 8428 (lifts). Judgment should be based on the main use.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.