An electric hoist is a lifting device powered by an electric motor, usually operating through chain, wire rope, pulley, hook, brake, control unit and sometimes an electric trolley. It should not be treated as a generic mechanical item because incorrect HS classification, missing rated load information or missing technical documents may trigger customs queries, quality inspection issues and occupational safety compliance risks. For the product covered in this article, the importer should confirm the model, intended use, construction or composition, new/used condition, and technical documents before concluding the HS code, tax treatment, or specialist policy. The following sections organize the main controls from document receipt, catalogue and label review through dossier preparation, declaration, and coordination at the port of entry.

This guide provides an E2E (End-to-End) map for importing electric hoists: scope, technical identification, HS code, duties, VAT, C/O, specialized management policy, customs documents, pre-ETA risk checklist and clearance decision points.

Main HS8425.11.00

Reference duties MFN 0%; ordinary duty reference 5%

Key policy Group 2 goods under Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH; QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH

QUICK FACT TABLE

Item	What to review	Operational note
Product	Electric hoist for lifting/lowering loads by electric motor, chain or wire rope.	Applies only to electric hoists, not automatically to cranes, overhead cranes, winches, lift tables or manual hoists.
Reference HS	8425.11.00 – pulley tackle and hoists, powered by electric motor.	If the goods are electric winches, parts or crane assemblies, separate HS review is required.
MFN duty	0%	Check tariff at customs declaration date.
Ordinary duty	Reference 5% for 8425.11.00, subject to Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg and the tariff in force.	Do not apply a mechanical formula if the ordinary tariff provides a specific rate.
VAT	Base rate usually 10%; during 01/07/2025–31/12/2026, review 8% if not excluded from VAT reduction.	Check exclusion appendices and declaration date.
C/O	Many FTAs may provide 0% preferential duty if C/O is valid.	C/O is still useful for origin compliance even when MFN is already 0%.
Specialized policy	Group 2 goods; quality inspection/conformity according to QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH if applicable.	Review with the competent labor authority or designated conformity/inspection body.
Used goods	If used/refurbished, review Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg because the item is under Chapter 84.	Do not ship used equipment without production year and inspection certificate.

Legal note: Do not conclude that no license or no specialized inspection is required before reviewing catalogue, datasheet, rated load, lifting mechanism, condition and actual import purpose.

Illustration for Import Procedure Guide for Electric Hoists — Illustration of the product group and document review before customs clearance.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Covered

Electric chain hoists, electric wire-rope hoists, fixed electric hoists.
Electric hoists with trolley for workshop, warehouse or project use.
New goods imported for trading, installation, maintenance or replacement.

Not automatically covered

Cranes, overhead cranes and gantry cranes.
Independent electric winches, lift tables and lifting platforms.
Manual hoists, jacks, elevators and personnel lifting equipment.
Separate parts such as motor, hook, brake, chain or control pendant.

Review must be based on catalogue, datasheet, model and actual import purpose. Samples, warranty goods, project cargo, used goods or hoists imported with cranes may trigger different policies.

CLASSIFICATION & TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

Electric hoists must be identified by lifting/lowering function, electric drive, chain/wire-rope structure, rated load, lifting height, lifting speed, duty class, motor protection, brake system and mounting/trolley method.

Criterion	Documents to check	Risk if misdescribed	Suggested declaration wording
Type of equipment	Catalogue, datasheet, photos, user manual.	Confusion with winches or crane assemblies.	“Electric chain/wire-rope hoist, model…, rated load…, lifting height…, for lifting goods”.
Power source	Motor specification, voltage, power, nameplate.	Wrong classification between electric and non-electric types.	State “electric motor driven”.
Rated load	Rated capacity, test certificate, nameplate.	Missing safety inspection basis.	State 0.5 ton, 1 ton, 2 tons, 5 tons…
Lifting mechanism	Drawings, chain/wire rope, hook, brake, limit switch.	Insufficient basis for HS and QCVN review.	State chain hoist or wire-rope hoist.
Trolley	Catalogue, packing list, BOM.	Possible confusion with crane systems.	State “with electric trolley” if applicable.
Condition	Invoice, contract, photos, inspection certificate if used.	Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg risk.	State “brand new 100%” or prepare used-equipment dossier.

HS CODE – DUTIES – C/O

HS classification should be based on lifting function, pulley/hoist mechanism, electric drive and whether the imported item is a complete machine or parts. The first HS to review for a complete electric hoist is 8425.11.00.

Reference HS	Condition	MFN	Ordinary duty	VAT	C/O preference	Risk	Documents
8425.11.00	Electric pulley tackle/hoist powered by electric motor.	0%	Reference 5%	8%/10%	May be 0% under valid FTA C/O.	Confusion with winch, crane or parts.	Catalogue, datasheet, nameplate, load rating, photos.
8425.31.00	Electric winch/capstan if the goods are not hoists by structure.	0%	Reference 5%	8%/10%	FTA review required.	Calling a winch “hoist”.	Catalogue and operating principle.
8425.49.10	Other electric lifting equipment under heading 84.25 depending on configuration.	Check tariff	Check tariff	8%/10%	FTA review required.	Insufficient technical description.	Datasheet, operating principle, drawings.
8431.10.13	Parts of goods under 8425.11.00, 8425.31.00 or 8425.49.10.	0%	Check tariff	8%/10%	FTA review required.	Declaring parts as complete machines or vice versa.	BOM, packing list, part description.

SPECIALIZED MANAGEMENT MATRIX

Goods scenario	Possible policy	Documents	Authority/portal	Timing	Risk note
New complete electric hoist	Group 2 quality inspection; QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH; conformity according to the actual dossier review.	Catalogue, test report, certificate, technical file, nameplate.	Labor authority/designated inspection or certification body.	Before ETA or at draft-document stage.	Late preparation may delay clearance or use.
Hoist with trolley	Review if it remains a hoist or becomes a crane assembly.	BOM, installation drawing, packing list.	Customs and specialized body.	Before HS line split.	Incorrect scope may change HS and policy.
Used/refurbished goods	Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg.	Production year, standards, inspection certificate, photos.	Inspection body and customs.	Before contract/shipment.	May be refused if conditions are not met.
Samples/warranty goods	Group 2 policy is not automatically exempted.	Purpose letter, quantity, technical docs.	Customs/specialized authority as applicable.	Before ETA.	Unclear purpose leads to queries.
Goods for EPE/FDI/factory	Correct customs type; safety compliance before operation.	Contract, PO, fixed asset/project dossier.	Customs and safety inspection body.	Before declaration and before operation.	Operating without inspection is risky.
Wireless remote control	Additional radio/ICT policy if RF/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module exists.	Remote datasheet, frequency, output power.	Relevant ICT authority if applicable.	Before shipment.	Do not assume without actual remote specs.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS TO REVIEW

Document group	Document name/number	Issuing authority	Effective/application timing	Role in the procedure	Key article/appendix to review	Review note
Law	Customs Law 54/2014/QH13	National Assembly	Effective from 01/01/2015	General legal basis for customs declaration, inspection and supervision.	Customs dossier and physical inspection of goods.	Review consolidated/current text where necessary.
Customs decrees/circulars	Decree 08/2015/ND-CP; Decree 59/2018/ND-CP; Circular 38/2015/TT-BTC; Circular 39/2018/TT-BTC	Government / Ministry of Finance	Apply according to provisions still in force	Basis for customs dossier, declaration, inspection and clearance.	Customs dossier, customs value and tariff classification.	Check validity at the declaration date.
Group 2 quality management	Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH	MOLISA	Effective from 18/07/2021	Lists Group 2 products under MOLISA, including electric hoists/winches with HS 8425.11.00, 8425.31.00, 8425.49.10.	HS list and state quality inspection measures for imported goods.	Review by actual HS code and goods nature.
Technical regulation	QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH, issued under Circular 05/2012/TT-BLĐTBXH	MOLISA	Circular issued on 30/03/2012; QCVN effective after 06 months from signing	National technical regulation on occupational safety for lifting appliances.	Requirements for import, circulation, installation, use and safety inspection.	Core regulation for electric hoists.
Occupational safety	Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH	MOLISA	Issued on 30/12/2019	List of machinery/equipment subject to strict occupational safety requirements, including electric hoists.	Technical safety inspection before use.	Review before putting the equipment into operation.
Used machinery	Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg	Prime Minister	Effective from 15/06/2019	Conditions for importing used machinery, equipment and technological lines.	Applies to machinery/equipment under Chapters 84/85 when imported for use in production in Viet Nam.	Only applies to used/refurbished goods.
Goods labelling	Decree 43/2017/ND-CP and Decree 111/2021/ND-CP	Government	Decree 111 effective from 15/02/2022	Labelling of imported/circulated goods.	Original label, supplementary Vietnamese label, origin and mandatory specifications.	Check label photos before ETA.
Import tariff	Decree 26/2023/ND-CP; Decree 108/2025/ND-CP; Decision 15/2023/QD-TTg	Government / Prime Minister	Decree 26 effective from 15/07/2023; Decision 15 effective from 15/07/2023	Basis for MFN duty, ordinary duty and HS-based tax review.	HS 8425.11.00, 8425.31.00, 8425.49.10, 8431.10.13.	Re-check at the declaration date.
VAT	Resolution 204/2025/QH15 and Decree 174/2025/ND-CP	National Assembly / Government	Period 01/07/2025–31/12/2026	Basis to review VAT rate 8%/10%.	VAT reduction exclusion appendices.	Do not apply mechanically without checking HS and exclusions.

VIEW / DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL LEGAL DOCUMENTS

Enterprises should cross-check the documents by document number on official legal databases, the Government portal or websites of issuing authorities before applying them.

Circular 05/2012/TT-BLĐTBXH Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH Circular 36/2019/TT-BLĐTBXH

CUSTOMS DOCUMENT SET

Commercial documents

Commercial Invoice.
Packing List.
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill.
Sales Contract/Purchase Order if any.
C/O where applicable.
Catalogue, datasheet, photos, nameplate, model list.

Specialized documents

Group 2 quality inspection registration if applicable.
Conformity certification/declaration under QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH if applicable.
Test report, inspection certificate, original technical file.
Labelling dossier and safety/user manual.
Inspection certificate for used goods.

Matching rule: product name, quantity, model, rated load, lifting height, voltage, power, origin, serial number and specifications must match 100% across commercial documents, catalogue, labels, specialized dossier and customs declaration.

OPERATIONAL DOSSIER CHECKLIST

Dossier group	Required documents	Used for which step	Usually prepared by	Common error	Pre-ETA check
Commercial	Invoice, Packing List, Contract/PO.	Customs declaration, value and quantity review.	Importer, exporter, purchasing team.	Generic product name; missing model or rated load.	Cross-check each line against catalogue and packing list.
Transport	B/L or AWB, Arrival Notice, Pre-alert.	Delivery order, ETA tracking and customs declaration.	Forwarder, carrier/airline.	Wrong consignee, package count or gross weight.	Check draft B/L/AWB before issuance.
Technical	Catalogue, datasheet, user manual, nameplate.	HS classification, policy explanation and specialized inspection.	Manufacturer/supplier.	Missing rated load, lifting height, chain/wire-rope structure.	Request English technical documents with model and key specifications.
Specialized	Quality inspection registration, conformity certification/declaration and test report where applicable.	Clearance and/or putting the equipment into use.	Importer, certification/inspection body.	Started only after ETA, causing storage/demurrage risk.	Review Circular 01/2021/TT-BLĐTBXH and QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH before shipment.
Origin	C/O, direct transport documents, third-party invoice where applicable.	Preferential duty and compliance control.	Exporter/importer.	Wrong form, HS code or goods description.	Review the C/O draft before original issuance.
Used goods	Inspection certificate, year of manufacture, manufacturing standard, equipment photos.	Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg review.	Importer and inspection organization.	No year of manufacture or technical standard.	Lock import conditions before signing the contract.

CLEARANCE DECISION POINTS

Decision point	Question	Evidence	Consequence if unclear	Recommended action
HS basis	Is it electric hoist, winch, crane or parts?	Catalogue, photos, datasheet, BOM.	Reclassification or document query.	Prepare a technical identification table.
Group 2	Is the HS/nature listed under MOLISA Group 2?	Circular 01/2021, catalogue, model list.	Missing quality inspection/conformity dossier.	Prepare specialized dossier before ETA.
Model/rated load	Do invoice, catalogue and nameplate match?	Nameplate, catalogue, packing list.	Customs or inspection query.	Check nameplate photos before shipment.
New or used	Brand new, used or refurbished?	Invoice, contract, photos, inspection certificate.	Decision 18 risk.	Do not ship used goods before compliance review.
C/O	Is form, criterion, description and HS consistent?	C/O, invoice, B/L, packing list.	Preference may be rejected.	Review draft C/O.

PRACTICAL E2E PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-ETA review

Finalize HS, duty, VAT, C/O, label, Group 2 policy, QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH, rated load, model and condition.

Step 2: Lock documents

Finalize invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, catalogue, datasheet, nameplate, model list and load-rating documents.

Step 3: Register specialized inspection if applicable

Prepare quality inspection, conformity and safety inspection plan where required.

Step 4: Customs declaration

Green channel: system clearance under conditions; Yellow: document check; Red: document and physical inspection.

Step 5: Clearance and post-clearance compliance

Deliver goods, review labels, complete inspection/conformity records and retain shipment dossier.

PRE-ETA RISK CHECKLIST

Risk	Consequence	Pre-ETA control	Documents
Generic product name.	Wrong HS/policy.	State electric chain/wire-rope hoist, model, load and voltage.	Invoice, packing list, catalogue.
Missing QCVN 7 technical file.	Delayed quality inspection/conformity.	Request catalogue, test report, manual and nameplate.	Datasheet, test report, certificate.
Model/rated-load mismatch.	Document correction or inspection query.	Check nameplate photo before final documents.	Nameplate, invoice, packing list.
Used goods without inspection certificate.	Decision 18 risk.	Confirm condition before contract.	Inspection certificate, production year.
Incorrect C/O.	Preference rejected.	Check draft C/O.	C/O, B/L, invoice.
Wireless remote not reviewed.	Possible ICT policy issue.	Request frequency and power details.	Remote specification.

FAQ

1. Does an electric hoist require an import license?

Do not answer absolutely. The key review is Group 2 quality inspection, QCVN 7:2012/BLĐTBXH, conformity and safety inspection where applicable.

2. What is the main HS?

Common reference: 8425.11.00 for electric motor-driven pulley tackle/hoists.

3. What are the duties?

MFN reference 0%, ordinary duty reference 5%, VAT review 8%/10%.

4. Is safety inspection required before use?

Electric hoists are equipment subject to strict occupational safety requirements; technical safety inspection should be reviewed before operation.

5. Are samples/warranty goods treated differently?

HS, policy, label and purpose still need review. Group 2 policy is not automatically waived.

6. What if model differs between invoice and catalogue?

Request document correction or a model correlation letter before customs declaration.

IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT FROM TGIMEX

This guide provides a map for HS, duties, documents and specialized policies. For real shipments, enterprises should still review catalogue, datasheet, model, rated load, origin and import purpose.

TGIMEX has an agent network in more than 60 countries and is a member of WCA, WCA China Global, VLA and HNLA, with capability in sea, air, road/rail transport, customs clearance, C/O, import permits, warehousing and inland delivery.

Pre-ETA review

HS, Group 2 policy, C/O, duties, label, technical dossier and condition.

Compliance dossier

Cross-check invoice, packing list, B/L/AWB, C/O, catalogue, test report and labels.

International logistics

Coordinate agents, carriers, ETA, pre-alert and transport documents.

Customs declaration

Prepare declaration, handle Green/Yellow/Red channels and support HS/origin/policy explanation.

Enterprises should not wait until cargo arrival to review documents. A small discrepancy between invoice, packing list, catalogue, datasheet, C/O or label may lead to document supplementation, delayed clearance and unexpected storage costs.