HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8705.90 – Vehicles; break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705
HS code 8705.90 is the 6-digit subheading for vehicles, break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705. It is used for tow trucks, road sweepers, street cleaning vehicles, de-icing trucks and mobile repair vans.
What HS 8705.90 covers
This broad "other" category captures a diverse range of special purpose motor vehicles not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 8705. It includes vehicles like breakdown lorries (tow trucks), road sweepers, spraying lorries (for water, pesticides, or de-icing agents), mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other highly specialized vehicles designed for specific non-transport functions. Importers are varied, ranging from municipal authorities for public services, construction companies, emergency services, and specialized industries requiring mobile operational platforms. Exporters are typically countries with advanced automotive and engineering sectors capable of customizing vehicles for niche applications. Key trade factors include the specific function of the vehicle, its technical specifications, chassis type, and adherence to relevant industry standards and regulations. The market for these vehicles is driven by the specific needs of different sectors and public service requirements.
- Covers
- Tow trucks
- Road sweepers
- Street cleaning vehicles
- De-icing trucks
- Mobile repair vans
- Mobile medical units
- Mobile command centers
- Sewer cleaning trucks
- Examples
- JLG telehandlers (if special purpose)
- Elgin Sweeper
- Vactor sewer cleaners
- Miller Industries tow trucks
- Mercedes-Benz Unimog (specialized variants)
Codes often confused with 8705.90
Common mistake. This code is a residual category and can be confused with 8704 (goods transport vehicles) if the special function is not primary, or other specific 8705 codes if the vehicle's main purpose aligns with one of them (e.g., a fire truck with a small crane might be 870530, not 870590).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 870590, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 870590 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.7B 18% of world exports
- 2 Italy $1.6B 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.3B 14% of world exports
World total: $9.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $940M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $725M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 France $430M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $7.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 8705.90 2
Brazil splits HS 8705.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8705.90.10 Oil-well logging trucksCaminhões para a determinação de parâmetros físicos característicos (perfilagem) de poços petrolíferos
- 8705.90.90 Other special purpose motor vehiclesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 87.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8705.90
What is HS code 870590?
HS code 870590 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vehicles; break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705. This broad "other" category captures a diverse range of special purpose motor vehicles not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 8705. It includes vehicles like breakdown lorries (tow trucks), road sweepers, spraying lorries (for water, pesticides, or de-icing agents), mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other highly specialized vehicles designed for specific non-transport functions. Importers are varied, ranging from municipal authorities for public services, construction companies, emergency services, and specialized industries requiring mobile operational platforms. Exporters are typically countries with advanced automotive and engineering sectors capable of customizing vehicles for niche applications. Key trade factors include the specific function of the vehicle, its technical specifications, chassis type, and adherence to relevant industry standards and regulations. The market for these vehicles is driven by the specific needs of different sectors and public service requirements.
What products fall under HS code 870590?
Tow trucks, road sweepers, street cleaning vehicles, de-icing trucks, mobile repair vans, mobile medical units, mobile command centers, sewer cleaning trucks
What are common misclassifications for HS code 870590?
This code is a residual category and can be confused with 8704 (goods transport vehicles) if the special function is not primary, or other specific 8705 codes if the vehicle's main purpose aligns with one of them (e.g., a fire truck with a small crane might be 870530, not 870590).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 870590?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 870590 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 18% of world exports), Italy ($1.6B) and Germany ($1.3B). World exports came to about $9.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 870590?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 870590 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($940M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($725M) and France ($430M). World imports came to about $7.6B, 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.
How is HS code 870590 structured?
HS code 870590 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (87) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 870590?
Brazil splits HS code 870590 into 2 NCM codes: 8705.90.10 (Oil-well logging trucks), 8705.90.90 (Other special purpose motor vehicles). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.