Product classification
HS code for Crane lorry: 8705.10
Vehicles, crane lorries.
Classification of crane lorry under HS 8705.10
The classification of a crane lorry under HS code 8705.10 is determined by its primary design as a special purpose motor vehicle. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8705 covers motor vehicles that are not principally designed for the transport of persons or goods, but rather to perform a specific technical function. A crane lorry consists of a motor vehicle chassis on which a crane is permanently mounted. The vehicle must possess the essential mechanical features of a road-going automobile, including a motor, gearbox, and steering gear, allowing it to travel on public roads under its own power. This distinguishes it from mobile cranes that are merely mounted on a simple wheeled or tracked undercarriage. The integration of the lifting mechanism with a heavy-duty truck chassis necessitates its placement in Chapter 87. Furthermore, the crane must be a permanent fixture; if the crane were a temporary attachment to a standard cargo truck, the classification might shift toward the transport vehicle itself. The 8705.10 subheading specifically isolates these units from other special purpose vehicles like fire fighting vehicles or concrete mixers. The vehicle must comply with road safety regulations, including lighting and braking systems, which confirms its status as a motor vehicle rather than a piece of stationary machinery.
- Covers
- Mobile cranes mounted on truck chassis
- Hydraulic crane trucks
- Lattice boom crane trucks
- Road-legal recovery vehicles with integrated cranes
- Truck-mounted telescopic cranes
- Also under 8705.10
- Liebherr LTM series
- Tadano GR series
- Grove TMS series
- Palfinger PK series
- Fassi F series
Codes often confused with 8705.10
Common mistake. Which other HS codes get confused with this one and why. Mention specific code numbers. A common error is classifying these under 8426, which covers ships' derricks, cranes, and mobile lifting frames. However, 8426 is reserved for cranes that are not mounted on a motor vehicle chassis (e.g., self-propelled on tracks or simple trailers). Another misclassification is 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. If the crane is merely an accessory for loading and unloading the truck's own cargo, the vehicle remains under 8704.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870510 (the code used for crane lorry), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870510 (the code used for crane lorry) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 870510, not only crane lorry.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.8B 46% of world exports
- 2 China $2.2B 37% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $264M 4.4% of world exports
World total: $6.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $731M 13% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$340M 6.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Brazil $282M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $5.6B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 crane lorry
Brazil splits HS 8705.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8705.10.20All-axle-steer crane lorries, lift under 100 t
- 8705.10.30Crane lorries lifting 100 t or more
- 8705.10.90Other crane lorries
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about crane lorry
What is the HS code for Crane lorry?
The HS code for Crane lorry is 870510 (Vehicles; crane lorries). The HS code for a crane lorry is 8705.10, which specifically covers motor vehicles equipped with a crane.
How do I classify Crane lorry for customs?
Crane lorry is classified under HS code 870510 — Vehicles; crane lorries. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 8705 and 8426?
Heading 8705 is for road-legal truck chassis with integrated cranes, while 8426 is for cranes that are either stationary or mounted on non-road-legal undercarriages like crawlers.
Which countries are the top exporters of crane lorry (HS 870510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870510 (the code used for crane lorry) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.8B, 46% of world exports), China ($2.2B) and the Netherlands ($264M). World exports came to about $6.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of crane lorry (HS 870510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870510 (the code used for crane lorry) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($731M, 13% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $340M) and Brazil ($282M). World imports came to about $5.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Crane lorry the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870510 for Crane lorry 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 crane lorry in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870510 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for crane lorry depends on the product's details: 8705.10.20 (All-axle-steer crane lorries, lift under 100 t), 8705.10.30 (Crane lorries lifting 100 t or more), 8705.10.90 (Other crane lorries).