Product classification
HS code for Fire engine: 8705.30
Vehicles, fire fighting vehicles.
Classification of fire engine under HS 8705.30
Fire engines are classified under HS code 8705.30, which falls within the broader category of special purpose motor vehicles. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8705 covers motor vehicles specially constructed or adapted, equipped with various devices that enable them to perform certain non-transport functions. Fire engines are a primary example of this, as their essential character is defined by the firefighting apparatus they carry—such as high-capacity pumps, extendable ladders, and specialized water tanks—rather than the transport of passengers or freight. Even if the vehicle has a small cabin for a crew, the primary function remains the delivery and operation of firefighting equipment. This classification applies to vehicles built on a dedicated chassis or those modified from standard commercial chassis, provided the modification is permanent and specialized for fire services.
- Covers
- Pumpers and water tenders
- Aerial ladder trucks and turntable ladders
- Airport crash tenders
- Wildland fire engines and brush trucks
- Hydraulic platform fire vehicles
- Also under 8705.30
- Rosenbauer Panther
- E-ONE Cyclone
- Pierce Enforcer
- Spartan ERV Metro Star
- KME Predator
Codes often confused with 8705.30
Common mistake. Fire engines are frequently misclassified under HS code 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. This confusion often arises when the vehicle is a modified truck chassis. However, if the vehicle is equipped with a pump or ladder, it must be moved to 8705.30. Another common error is using 8702 for vehicles that carry a large crew; however, the firefighting equipment takes precedence over passenger capacity in the Harmonized System hierarchy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870530 (the code used for fire engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870530 (the code used for fire engine) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 11% 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 870530, not only fire engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $346M 22% of world exports
- 2 United States $226M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $144M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $170M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $87M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $75M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 code for fire engine
Brazil classifies fire engine under NCM 8705.30.00: HS 8705.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fire engine
What is the HS code for Fire engine?
The HS code for Fire engine is 870530 (Vehicles; fire fighting vehicles). The specific HS code for fire engines and fire fighting vehicles is 8705.30.
How do I classify Fire engine for customs?
Fire engine is classified under HS code 870530 — Vehicles; fire fighting vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fire engine parts classified under the same code?
No, parts for fire engines are generally classified under 8708 (parts and accessories of motor vehicles) or under their specific material headings, such as 8413 for the water pumps.
Which countries are the top exporters of fire engine (HS 870530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870530 (the code used for fire engine) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($346M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($226M) and Germany ($144M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of fire engine (HS 870530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870530 (the code used for fire engine) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($170M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($87M) and Saudi Arabia ($75M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Fire engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870530 for Fire engine 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 fire engine in Brazil?
In Brazil, fire engine (HS 870530) is classified under NCM 8705.30.00.