U.S. imports of Industrial Robots for Lifting, Handling, Loading & Unloading (HS 842870) totaled $53.8M in August 2026, imported from 39 countries.
Importers of Industrial Robots for Lifting, Handling, Loading & Unloading paid $8.1M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 15.06% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 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.
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635 import shipments a month
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 4 of 10 in heading 8428
Subheading 842870 · $53.8M of $684.8M
ImportsExports
Imports
$53.8MYoY · free account
Exports
$14.8MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $714.3M of Industrial Robots for Lifting, Handling, Loading & Unloading and exported $166.0M.
Through August 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 | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8428700000 | Industrial Robot, Lifting, Handlg, Load/Unload, NESOI | $53.8M | 15.06% | 94.06% | $8.1M |
Industrial Robot, Lifting, Handlg, Load/Unload, NESOI
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 | $14.8M |
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.
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Japan and Mexico together supply 62% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
6.0% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 15.06% of imports for consumption.