Tariff rates change frequently with trade policy. The figures in this guide are indicative only and may be out of date by the time you ship. Always confirm the live duty rate with a licensed customs broker for your destination country and shipment date before calculating landed cost.
Forklift import duty depends on three things: the HS code (8427), your country’s tariff schedule, and any trade-policy surcharge. For China-made forklifts entering the United States, several tariff layers stack on top of the base MFN rate — including trade-remedy and temporary trade-policy tariffs — and these have changed repeatedly through 2026 as US trade policy has shifted. The combined effective rate is volatile and can change between order and arrival, so it must be confirmed with your customs broker for your shipment date rather than assumed from any published figure. Base “most-favoured-nation” duty on forklifts is low or zero in many other markets, but local surcharges and import taxes still move the landed cost. This guide explains how forklifts are classified and how to estimate duty, but you must confirm the live rate with your customs broker for your country and shipment date. HONGLI quotes FOB, so you add freight and duty to compare the fully landed cost.
How forklifts are classified (HS code 8427)
Forklifts fall under HS heading 8427. Electric forklifts are usually classified under 8427.10, internal-combustion (diesel / LPG) trucks under 8427.20, and other works trucks under 8427.90. Your duty rate is read against this code in the destination country’s tariff schedule.
Import duty by market (indicative)
| Market | Forklift HS | Indicative import duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 8427.10 / 8427.20 | Base MFN rate plus multiple stacked trade-policy tariffs; combined rate volatile in 2026 — confirm with broker | Rates changed repeatedly in 2026 — confirm the live figure with your broker |
| European Union | 8427 | Low MFN rate in many schedules; confirm the current national rate with your broker | Plus import VAT at the national rate |
| United Kingdom | 8427 | Confirm the current national rate with your broker | Post-Brexit UK Global Tariff |
| Middle East (GCC) | 8427 | Often around 5% in GCC markets; confirm locally | Plus local VAT where it applies |
| Latin America | 8427 | Varies widely by country; confirm locally | Mercosur and national schedules differ |
| Southeast Asia | 8427 | Confirm the current national rate with your broker | Some ASEAN lines are low or zero; confirm the live rule for your destination |
How to estimate your landed duty
To estimate landed duty, take the FOB price on your quotation, add sea freight and insurance to reach the customs value, then apply your destination country’s duty rate for HS 8427 plus any local import tax or VAT. Because rates vary by country and change with policy, treat the result as an estimate and confirm each component with your broker before you commit.
How to lower duty legally
Two routes cut duty without breaking rules. SKD or CKD kits are sometimes classified — and taxed — differently from a fully built truck, and can lower freight as well. Trade agreements (for example within ASEAN, or a national preference scheme) may reduce the rate for qualifying origin. Ask your broker whether either applies before you order.
FAQ
What is the HS code for a forklift?
8427 — electric under 8427.10, diesel / LPG under 8427.20, other works trucks under 8427.90.
What duty does a China-made forklift face in the US?
US tariffs on China-origin forklifts stack several layers on top of the base MFN rate, and the combined rate changed repeatedly through 2026. Because it is volatile, confirm the live rate with your customs broker for your shipment date rather than relying on any single published figure.
Do I pay VAT on top of duty?
In most markets, yes — import VAT is charged on the customs value plus duty. Rates are national.
Can SKD or CKD kits lower my duty?
Sometimes. Knock-down kits can be classified and taxed differently, and cut freight too. Ask your broker for your country.
Where do I get the exact rate for my country?
Your customs broker, against the live tariff schedule for the shipment date. Rates change with policy.
Related: /blog/forklift-prices-china-import-cost/ · /service-support/skd-ckd/ · /blog/export-buyer-checklist/ · /get-a-quote/