HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 87.16 – Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not mechanically propelled; parts thereof
What HS 87.16 covers
Heading 8716 encompasses a diverse range of non-mechanically propelled vehicles and their identifiable parts, crucial for understanding the international trade of towing equipment and specialized transport units. The scope includes all types of trailers and semi-trailers designed to be towed by motor vehicles, such as cargo trailers, camping trailers (caravans), boat trailers, and heavy-duty semi-trailers used with tractor units. It also covers other non-motorized vehicles like hand carts, wheelbarrows, and even animal-drawn vehicles. The 'parts thereof' aspect is significant, including components like chassis, axles, braking systems, suspension units, and bodies specifically identifiable as parts of these vehicles. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it dictates applicable tariffs, import duties, and regulatory requirements, which can differ markedly from self-propelled vehicles (Chapter 87, earlier headings) or other transport equipment. Historically, trailers have been indispensable for logistics, enabling efficient goods movement across various sectors, from agriculture to heavy industry. This heading falls under Section XVII, which broadly covers transport equipment, clearly distinguishing non-mechanically propelled vehicles from their motorized counterparts. Proper classification under 8716 prevents costly delays and penalties, ensuring smooth international trade for industries reliant on towed or manually moved transport solutions. Its boundaries are clear in excluding self-propelled vehicles or machinery mounted on a chassis but not primarily for transport. Sub-categories often differentiate by type (e.g., camping, cargo, agricultural) and capacity, impacting specific tariff lines.
- Covers
- Utility trailers
- Flatbed semi-trailers
- Refrigerated semi-trailers
- Livestock trailers
- Boat trailers
- Travel trailers (caravans)
- Horse trailers
- Chassis for semi-trailers
- Axles for trailers
- Trailer braking systems
- Trailer suspension units
- Fifth-wheel hitches
- Drawbar couplings
- Hand trucks (dollies)
- Wheelbarrows
- Shopping carts
- Golf pull carts
- Agricultural wagons
- Bicycle trailers
- Industrial platform trailers
- Logging trailers
- Tank trailers
- Dump trailers
- Container chassis
- Parts of trailer bodies
- Examples
A German manufacturer exports 50 specialized refrigerated semi-trailers to a logistics company in Saudi Arabia via the Suez Canal route, facilitating the transport of perishable goods in the Gulf region. An American company imports components like trailer axles and suspension systems from China to assemble utility trailers for the North American market, often shipped across the Pacific to West Coast ports like Los Angeles. A recreational vehicle dealer in Australia imports a batch of high-end travel trailers (caravans) from a European manufacturer, typically arriving by sea freight from ports like Antwerp to Sydney. A construction firm in Brazil purchases a consignment of heavy-duty flatbed trailers from a U.S. supplier for transporting machinery to remote job sites, utilizing direct ocean freight from Gulf Coast ports to Brazilian ports.
Subheadings under 87.16 7
Codes often confused with 87.16
Common mistake. A common mistake is confusing specialized trailers with self-propelled machinery or vehicles of Chapter 87. For instance, a mobile crane mounted on a chassis is classified in 8705 (special purpose motor vehicles), not 8716, as it's a self-propelled vehicle, not a trailer. Another error is classifying identifiable parts of trailers in general machinery parts headings (e.g., 84 or 85) instead of specifically in 8716 if they are solely or principally used with trailers. Conversely, parts that have general application (e.g., standard bolts, bearings) are classified by their material or function elsewhere. Goods like mobile homes designed for permanent dwelling, even if movable, are generally excluded if not primarily for transport.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8716, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8716 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 China $7.0B 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $6.6B 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $3.8B 11% of world exports
World total: $35.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $5.3B 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.3B 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Canada $2.4B 6.9% of world imports
World total: $34.0B 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.
Questions about HS 87.16
What is HS code 8716?
HS code 8716 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not mechanically propelled; parts thereof. Heading 8716 encompasses a diverse range of non-mechanically propelled vehicles and their identifiable parts, crucial for understanding the international trade of towing equipment and specialized transport units. The scope includes all types of trailers and semi-trailers designed to be towed by motor vehicles, such as cargo trailers, camping trailers (caravans), boat trailers, and heavy-duty semi-trailers used with tractor units. It also covers other non-motorized vehicles like hand carts, wheelbarrows, and even animal-drawn vehicles. The 'parts thereof' aspect is significant, including components like chassis, axles, braking systems, suspension units, and bodies specifically identifiable as parts of these vehicles. This classification is vital for trade compliance as it dictates applicable tariffs, import duties, and regulatory requirements, which can differ markedly from self-propelled vehicles (Chapter 87, earlier headings) or other transport equipment. Historically, trailers have been indispensable for logistics, enabling efficient goods movement across various sectors, from agriculture to heavy industry. This heading falls under Section XVII, which broadly covers transport equipment, clearly distinguishing non-mechanically propelled vehicles from their motorized counterparts. Proper classification under 8716 prevents costly delays and penalties, ensuring smooth international trade for industries reliant on towed or manually moved transport solutions. Its boundaries are clear in excluding self-propelled vehicles or machinery mounted on a chassis but not primarily for transport. Sub-categories often differentiate by type (e.g., camping, cargo, agricultural) and capacity, impacting specific tariff lines.
What products fall under HS code 8716?
Utility trailers, flatbed semi-trailers, refrigerated semi-trailers, livestock trailers, boat trailers, travel trailers (caravans), horse trailers, chassis for semi-trailers, axles for trailers, trailer braking systems, trailer suspension units, fifth-wheel hitches, drawbar couplings, hand trucks (dollies), wheelbarrows, shopping carts, golf pull carts, agricultural wagons, bicycle trailers, industrial platform trailers, logging trailers, tank trailers, dump trailers, container chassis, parts of trailer bodies
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8716?
A common mistake is confusing specialized trailers with self-propelled machinery or vehicles of Chapter 87. For instance, a mobile crane mounted on a chassis is classified in 8705 (special purpose motor vehicles), not 8716, as it's a self-propelled vehicle, not a trailer. Another error is classifying identifiable parts of trailers in general machinery parts headings (e.g., 84 or 85) instead of specifically in 8716 if they are solely or principally used with trailers. Conversely, parts that have general application (e.g., standard bolts, bearings) are classified by their material or function elsewhere. Goods like mobile homes designed for permanent dwelling, even if movable, are generally excluded if not primarily for transport.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8716?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8716 in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.0B, 20% of world exports), Germany ($6.6B) and the United States ($3.8B). World exports came to about $35.3B, 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 8716?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8716 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.3B, 16% of world imports), Germany ($3.3B) and Canada ($2.4B). World imports came to about $34.0B, 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 8716 structured?
HS code 8716 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 87 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (87) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (16) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.