Product classification
HS code for Cargo vehicle: 8704.90
Vehicles, for transport of goods, n.e.c. in heading no. 8704.
Classification of cargo vehicle under HS 8704.90
The HS code 8704.90 is designated for motor vehicles for the transport of goods that are not elsewhere classified within heading 8704. While most cargo vehicles are categorized based on their engine type—such as compression-ignition (diesel) under 8704.21 or spark-ignition (gasoline) under 8704.31—the 8704.90 subheading serves as the "other" category. This is increasingly relevant with the rise of alternative propulsion systems. Electric cargo vans and trucks, as well as vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells or other non-traditional energy sources, are typically classified here. The classification is determined by the vehicle's primary function (transport of goods) and the fact that its power source does not fit the specific descriptions of the preceding subheadings. It is essential to evaluate the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and the engine specifications to ensure the vehicle does not fall into the more specific internal combustion categories. Under the Harmonized System, the distinction between passenger transport (8703) and goods transport (8704) is critical; vehicles with a separate cabin for the driver and an open or enclosed platform for goods are almost always 8704. As technology evolves, 8704.90 captures the innovation in the automotive sector that bypasses traditional fossil fuel engines, ensuring that electric logistics fleets are correctly documented for international trade and environmental regulation compliance.
- Covers
- Electric delivery vans
- Hydrogen-powered freight trucks
- Electric heavy-duty haulers
- Hybrid goods vehicles (where not specified by engine type)
- Battery-operated utility vehicles for goods
- Also under 8704.90
- Nikola Tre FCEV (Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck)
- Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell
- Iveco Daily CNG
- Toyota Material Handling (specific industrial models)
- Hyster (specific industrial models)
Codes often confused with 8704.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with diesel or gasoline trucks, which must be classified under 8704.21 through 8704.32 depending on weight and engine type. Another error is using 8703.90, which is for "other" passenger vehicles. If a vehicle is designed primarily for off-road use in factories or warehouses, it might fall under 8709 instead of 8704.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870490 (the code used for cargo vehicle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870490 (the code used for cargo vehicle) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 870490, not only cargo vehicle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $142M 24% of world exports
- 2 Italy $60M 10% of world exports
- 3 France $50M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $588M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $164M 15% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $131M 12% of world imports
- 3 Denmark $73M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 code for cargo vehicle
Brazil classifies cargo vehicle under NCM 8704.90.00: HS 8704.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cargo vehicle
What is the HS code for Cargo vehicle?
The HS code for Cargo vehicle is 870490 (Vehicles; for transport of goods, n.e.c. in heading no. 8704). For vehicles with non-traditional engines (like electric), the HS code is 8704.90. Traditional engines use 8704.21-8704.32.
How do I classify Cargo vehicle for customs?
Cargo vehicle is classified under HS code 870490 — Vehicles; for transport of goods, n.e.c. in heading no. 8704. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electric trucks classified under 8704.90?
Yes, most international customs territories classify fully electric goods-transport vehicles under the 8704.90 "other" category.
Which countries are the top exporters of cargo vehicle (HS 870490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870490 (the code used for cargo vehicle) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($142M, 24% of world exports), Italy ($60M) and France ($50M). World exports came to about $588M, 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 cargo vehicle (HS 870490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870490 (the code used for cargo vehicle) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($164M, 15% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($131M) and Denmark ($73M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Cargo vehicle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870490 for Cargo vehicle is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for cargo vehicle in Brazil?
In Brazil, cargo vehicle (HS 870490) is classified under NCM 8704.90.00.