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HSChapter 84
U.S. imports of industrial robots for lifting, handling, loading & unloading (HS 842870) totaled $61.6M in July 2026, traded with 38 countries.
Importers of Industrial Robots for Lifting, Handling, Loading & Unloading paid $8.9M in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 15% on $58.4M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: July 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.
676 shipments/mo
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.
Subheading 3 of 10 in heading 8428
Subheading 842870 · $61.6M of $645.9M
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ImportsExports
Imports
$61.6MYoY · Pro
Exports
$12.9MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8428700000 | Industrial Robot,Lifting,Handlg,Load/Unload,NESOI | $61.6M | 14.42% | 94.85% | $8.9M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 8428700000 | Industrial Robot,Lifting,Handlg,Load/Unload,NESOI | $12.9M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Japan and Taiwan together supply 70% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
5.7% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 14.42%.