HS Code 87.04 – Vehicles; for the transport of goods

HS code 8704 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vehicles; for the transport of goods. Heading 8704 covers 'Vehicles; for the transport of goods,' a cornerstone classification for global logistics, construction, and commercial sectors. This broad heading encompasses all motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of merchandise, ranging from light delivery vans and panel vans to heavy-duty lorries, dump trucks, and specialized cargo vehicles. The critical boundary for 8704 is its distinction from passenger vehicles (8703) and special purpose vehicles (8705). While a vehicle under 8704 might have a small auxiliary passenger area, its primary design intent must be for carrying goods. Key sub-categories include light commercial vehicles (LCVs), medium-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and specific types like refrigerated trucks, tanker trucks, and flatbed lorries. Accurate classification under 8704 is essential for trade compliance, directly impacting import duties, road taxes, weight restrictions, and safety standards, which are often specific to commercial goods transport. Historically, the evolution of goods transport vehicles has been integral to industrial supply chains and economic development. As a vital component of Chapter 87, this heading underpins the movement of goods across borders, making it central to international commerce and infrastructure.

Light commercial vans, Panel vans, Box trucks, Refrigerated trucks, Flatbed trucks, Dump trucks, Cement mixer trucks (without mixing function), Tanker trucks, Articulated lorries (prime movers + goods trailers), Heavy-duty lorries, Pickup trucks (primarily for goods, e.g., single cab), Delivery vans, Cargo vans, Tilt trucks, Semi-trailer trucks, Utility trucks, Waste collection trucks (without compacting mechanism), Stake trucks, Curtain-side trucks, Car transporters (lorry type), Log carrier trucks, Container chassis trucks, Mobile shop vehicles (without special function), Platform trucks, Express delivery vans.

The most frequent misclassification occurs with heading 8703 (Motor cars... for persons), especially for pickup trucks. The crucial factor is the 'principal design for' criterion: if a pickup truck is primarily for goods transport (e.g., a single cab with a large bed), it's 8704; if for passenger comfort and transport (e.g., a crew cab with limited cargo capacity), it's 8703. Another common mistake is confusing 8704 with 8705 (Special purpose motor vehicles). If a vehicle merely *transports* equipment (e.g., a flatbed carrying a small crane), it's 8704. If the equipment is permanently mounted and constitutes the vehicle's primary special function (e.g., a permanently mounted crane truck), it's 8705.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8704 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($40.7B, 22% of world exports), the United States ($17.5B) and China ($16.9B). World exports came to about $188.2B, 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 8704 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($41.7B, 21% of world imports), Canada ($20.1B) and the United Kingdom ($10.6B). World imports came to about $196.7B, 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 8704 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 87 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (87) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.