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HSChapter 84
U.S. imports of industrial robots for lifting, handling, loading & unloading (HS 842870) totaled $49.9M in April 2026, traded with 31 countries.
Importers of Industrial Robots for Lifting, Handling, Loading & Unloading paid $6.7M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $46.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Industrial Robots for Lifting, Handling, Loading & Unloading imports of $49.9M in April 2026 ran 11% below the year-to-date monthly average of $56.3M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataJapan dominates US imports of industrial robots under this heading, a reflection of the country's decades-long leadership in articulated-arm and SCARA robot manufacturing for automotive, electronics, and general factory automation. Germany is the second major source, supplying precision robotic systems widely used in advanced manufacturing. All lifting, handling, loading, and unloading robots not elsewhere specified enter under 8428700000. Robots imported from China may be subject to Section 301 tariffs, a consideration that has accelerated interest in Japanese and European sourcing for US manufacturers.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Collaborative robots designed primarily for lifting, handling, loading, or unloading tasks generally classify under 842870 (8428700000). However, cobots configured primarily for assembly, welding, or other manufacturing operations may fall under heading 8479 (machines for particular industries) or 8515 (welding machines). The principal function of the robot as configured and sold governs the classification, and importers should obtain a functional description from the manufacturer to support their entry.
Most standard industrial robots for lifting and handling do not require import licenses in the US. However, robots incorporating advanced sensors, AI-driven control systems, or dual-use technologies may be subject to Export Administration Regulations (EAR) controls in the country of export, which can affect documentation requirements. Importers should review the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) of the equipment with their supplier and consult a trade compliance specialist for high-technology robotic systems.
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Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8428700000 | INDUSTRIAL ROBOT,LIFTING,HANDLG,LOAD/UNLOAD,NESOI | $49.9M | 14.46% | $6.7M |
INDUSTRIAL ROBOT,LIFTING,HANDLG,LOAD/UNLOAD,NESOI
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8428700000 | INDUSTRIAL ROBOT,LIFTING,HANDLG,LOAD/UNLOAD,NESOI | $9.2M |
INDUSTRIAL ROBOT,LIFTING,HANDLG,LOAD/UNLOAD,NESOI
340 no
DIGITAL PROCESSING UNITS, N.E.S.O.I.
HS 847150
PARTS & ACCESSORIES FOR ADP MACHINES & UNITS
HS 847330
PORT DIGTL AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESS MACH NOT > 10 KG
HS 847130
AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING STORAGE UNITS, N.E.S.O.I
HS 847170
AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING UNITS, N.E.S.O.I.
HS 847180
TURBOJET AND TURBOPROLLER PARTS
HS 841191
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $29.9M | $2.5M | -$27.4M |
| California | $6.6M | $827K | -$5.8M |
| Florida | $237K | $3.7M | +$3.5M |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $20.1M | $3.8M | -$16.3M |
| TACOMA, WA | $10.0M | -- | -$10.0M |
| YSLETA, TX | $5.5M | $274K | -$5.3M |