HS Code 87 – Vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof

HS code 87 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. Chapter 87 comprehensively covers 'Vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof,' forming a critical component of international trade, especially within the automotive industry. This chapter encompasses all types of land vehicles designed for the transport of persons or goods, or for special purposes, excluding those operating exclusively on rails or tramways (which fall under Chapter 86), aircraft (Chapter 88), and vessels (Chapter 89). Its scope is broad, including everything from passenger cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles to bicycles, trailers, and specialized vehicles like fire engines, mobile cranes, and concrete mixers. Crucially, it also includes the vast array of parts and accessories essential for the manufacture, maintenance, and repair of these vehicles. The classification under Chapter 87 is paramount for trade compliance due to the high value and strategic importance of these goods. Proper classification directly impacts applicable tariffs, taxes, import restrictions, and regulatory requirements, such as safety standards (e.g., emissions, crash testing), environmental regulations, and specific licensing. The automotive sector, in particular, relies heavily on precise HS classification for managing complex global supply chains, enabling 'just-in-time' manufacturing, and leveraging free trade agreements. Historically, the trade in vehicles and their components has been a cornerstone of industrial economies, leading to the development of sophisticated customs procedures and rules of origin, especially within major trade blocs like the EU, USMCA, and ASEAN. Key sub-categories within this chapter include motor vehicles for the transport of persons (8703), motor vehicles for the transport of goods (8704), special purpose motor vehicles (8705), motorcycles and bicycles (8711, 8712), trailers and semi-trailers (8716), and the all-encompassing heading for parts and accessories of motor vehicles (8708). Each heading specifies particular types of vehicles or components, requiring meticulous attention to detail for accurate classification and adherence to international trade regulations.

Sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric cars, passenger buses, cargo vans, semi-trailer tractors, heavy-duty dump trucks, fire trucks, concrete mixer trucks, mobile crane vehicles, chassis fitted with engines, car bodies, car engines, brake pads, transmission systems, steering wheels, motorcycle helmets, electric motorcycles, mountain bikes, road bicycles, baby strollers, utility trailers, boat trailers, bicycle parts, motorcycle parts

Common misclassifications under Chapter 87 often arise from confusing vehicles with specialized machinery or toys. One frequent error is classifying a specialized rail maintenance vehicle under 87 instead of Chapter 86 (Railway or tramway rolling stock), as the primary mode of transport (road vs. rail) is the defining factor. Another mistake involves classifying vehicle-mounted equipment, such as a large crane attachment or a drilling rig, as part of the vehicle in 87 when the equipment itself might be separately classified under Chapter 84 (Machinery and mechanical appliances) or 85 (Electrical machinery) if it constitutes the primary function and the vehicle is merely a mobile base. Traders also sometimes incorrectly classify children's ride-on electric cars or scooters under 87; if these are clearly designed as toys for amusement rather than practical transport, they belong in Chapter 95 (Toys, games, and sports requisites), with size, power, and construction being key differentiators.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 87 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($287.6B, 15% of world exports), China ($248.3B) and Mexico ($152.1B). World exports came to about $1.88T, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 87 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($337.9B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($157.9B) and the United Kingdom ($93.8B). World imports came to about $1.88T, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 87 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.