Product classification
HS code for Minibus: 8702.90
Vehicles, public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), n.e.c. in heading 8702, new or used.
Classification of minibus under HS 8702.90
A minibus is classified under HS code 8702.90 when it is designed for the transport of ten or more persons, including the driver, and is not powered by a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). This classification typically covers public-transport type vehicles that utilize spark-ignition engines (petrol), electric motors, or hybrid systems. The primary criteria for classification under heading 8702 are the seating capacity and the vehicle's design for passenger transport. Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and the 8702 heading is specific to large-capacity passenger vehicles. The sub-heading 8702.90 serves as the residual category for vehicles that do not meet the diesel engine criteria of 8702.10.
- Covers
- Electric minibuses for urban transit
- Petrol-powered passenger vans (10+ seats)
- Hybrid public transport minibuses
- CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) minibuses
- Shuttle buses with 10 to 15 seats
- Also under 8702.90
- New Flyer Xcelsior CNG
- Solaris Urbino 12 CNG
- Van Hool A330 Fuel Cell
- Mercedes-Benz Citaro NGT
- Scania Citywide LFA CNG
Codes often confused with 8702.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for a minibus is HS code 8703, which covers motor cars and other vehicles principally designed for the transport of fewer than ten persons. If a van has 9 seats or fewer, it must be classified under 8703, even if it looks like a minibus. Another common error is using 8702.10, which is strictly for diesel or semi-diesel vehicles. Importers must verify the engine type and the official seating capacity (including the driver) to ensure the correct code is applied. Additionally, vehicles designed for the transport of goods rather than people fall under 8704.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870290 (the code used for minibus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870290 (the code used for minibus) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 17% 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 870290, not only minibus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $717M 27% of world exports
- 2 Japan $485M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $387M 14% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $359M 17% of world imports
- 2 United States $290M 13% of world imports
- 3 Italy $160M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 minibus
Brazil classifies minibus under NCM 8702.90.00: HS 8702.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about minibus
What is the HS code for Minibus?
The HS code for Minibus is 870290 (Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), n.e.c. in heading 8702, new or used). The HS code for a minibus (10+ seats) that is not diesel-powered is 8702.90.
How do I classify Minibus for customs?
Minibus is classified under HS code 870290 — Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), n.e.c. in heading 8702, new or used. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the minibus has exactly 10 seats?
If the vehicle is designed to carry 10 persons including the driver, it is classified under 8702. If it carries 9 or fewer, it falls under 8703.
Which countries are the top exporters of minibus (HS 870290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870290 (the code used for minibus) in UN Comtrade data were China ($717M, 27% of world exports), Japan ($485M) and the United States ($387M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 minibus (HS 870290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870290 (the code used for minibus) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($359M, 17% of world imports), the United States ($290M) and Italy ($160M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Minibus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870290 for Minibus 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 minibus in Brazil?
In Brazil, minibus (HS 870290) is classified under NCM 8702.90.00.