Product classification
HS code for Fire truck: 8705.30
Vehicles, fire fighting vehicles.
Classification of fire truck under HS 8705.30
Firefighting vehicles are classified under HS code 8705.30, which falls within the category of special purpose motor vehicles. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and heading 8705 specifically addresses motor vehicles that are constructed or adapted for purposes other than the transport of persons or goods. A fire truck is a prime example of this classification because its primary function is to transport specialized equipment and personnel to the site of a fire and to provide the mechanical means (pumps, ladders, monitors) to combat the blaze. These vehicles are typically built on a heavy-duty chassis and integrated with water tanks, foam systems, and high-reach aerial platforms. Even if the vehicle includes a cabin for a crew of firefighters, the presence of the firefighting apparatus is the "essential character" that dictates its classification under 8705.30 rather than 8704 (goods transport) or 8702 (public transport). This classification is used globally to apply specific tariff rates and to monitor the export of emergency response infrastructure, ensuring that these critical life-safety vehicles are correctly identified in international trade.
- Covers
- Fire pumpers (engines)
- Aerial ladder trucks
- Airport crash tenders
- Wildland fire engines
- Firefighting tankers (water tenders)
- 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 trucks are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8704, which is for the transport of goods, especially if the vehicle resembles a standard commercial truck. However, the addition of specialized firefighting equipment necessitates the use of 8705.30. Another error is using 8424.10, which is for portable fire extinguishers; while a truck carries extinguishers, the vehicle itself is a motor vehicle of Chapter 87. Additionally, ambulances are classified under 8703, not 8705, despite being emergency vehicles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870530 (the code used for fire truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870530 (the code used for fire truck) 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 truck.
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 truck
Brazil classifies fire truck 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 truck
What is the HS code for Fire truck?
The HS code for Fire truck is 870530 (Vehicles; fire fighting vehicles). The HS code for fire trucks and other firefighting vehicles is 8705.30.
How do I classify Fire truck for customs?
Fire truck is classified under HS code 870530 — Vehicles; fire fighting vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are airport crash tenders classified as fire trucks?
Yes, airport crash tenders are specialized firefighting vehicles designed for aircraft rescue and are classified under HS code 8705.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of fire truck (HS 870530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870530 (the code used for fire truck) 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 truck (HS 870530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870530 (the code used for fire truck) 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 truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870530 for Fire truck 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 truck in Brazil?
In Brazil, fire truck (HS 870530) is classified under NCM 8705.30.00.