Product classification

HS code for Mobile drilling rig: 8705.20

Vehicles, mobile drilling derricks.

Classification of mobile drilling rig under HS 8705.20

A mobile drilling rig is classified under HS code 8705.20. This classification is driven by the fact that the drilling equipment is permanently mounted on a motor vehicle chassis, transforming the unit into a special purpose motor vehicle. Under Chapter 87, heading 8705 covers motor vehicles that are not primarily designed for the transport of persons or goods, but rather for performing a specific technical function. Sub-heading 8705.20 specifically identifies mobile drilling derricks. The classification relies on the integration of the drilling machinery with the vehicle's propulsion and structural components. If the drilling rig is merely transported by a vehicle but can be removed and operated independently, it would likely fall under Chapter 84. However, for 8705.20 to apply, the vehicle must be constructed with the drilling derrick as an integral part of the unit, often sharing the power source of the vehicle for its operation.

Covers
  • Truck-mounted oil and gas drilling rigs
  • Mobile water well drilling derricks
  • Vehicle-mounted mineral exploration rigs
  • Self-propelled mobile boring machines on automotive chassis
  • Truck-mounted core drills for geological sampling
Also under 8705.20
  • Atlas Copco SmartROC series
  • Sandvik Ranger series
  • Schramm T-series
  • Foremost DR series
  • Epiroc FlexiROC series

Codes often confused with 8705.20

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8430.41, which covers self-propelled boring or sinking machinery. The distinction lies in the nature of the carrier. If the machine is mounted on a simple wheeled or tracked chassis that does not meet the definition of a motor vehicle (e.g., it lacks a steering system or road-legal lighting), it stays in 8430. If it is on a truck chassis, it moves to 8705.20. Additionally, 8704 is sometimes incorrectly used, but that code is for goods-transport vehicles, which these rigs are not.

8430.41Boring or sinking machinery; self-propelled, n.e.c. in heading no. 843084.30Moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating, tamping, compacting, extracting or boring machinery, for earth, minerals, or ores; pile drivers and extractors; snow ploughs and snow blowers87.04Vehicles; for the transport of goods

Top exporters and importers of HS 870520 (the code used for mobile drilling rig), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870520 (the code used for mobile drilling rig) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 870520, not only mobile drilling rig.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Canada $31M
  2. 2 United States $23M
  3. 3 Germany $21M

World total: $126M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $28M
  2. 2 Côte d'Ivoire $19M
  3. 3 Algeria* ~$17M

World total: $188M 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 code for mobile drilling rig

Brazil classifies mobile drilling rig under NCM 8705.20.00: HS 8705.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about mobile drilling rig

What is the HS code for Mobile drilling rig?

The HS code for Mobile drilling rig is 870520 (Vehicles; mobile drilling derricks). The correct HS code for a mobile drilling rig mounted on a motor vehicle chassis is 8705.20.

How do I classify Mobile drilling rig for customs?

Mobile drilling rig is classified under HS code 870520 — Vehicles; mobile drilling derricks. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can a drilling rig be classified in Chapter 84?

Yes, if the drilling rig is not mounted on a motor vehicle chassis (for example, if it is on a simple skid or a non-automotive crawler), it is classified under 8430.41 or 8430.49.

Which countries are the top exporters of mobile drilling rig (HS 870520)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870520 (the code used for mobile drilling rig) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($31M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($23M) and Germany ($21M). World exports came to about $126M, 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 mobile drilling rig (HS 870520)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 870520 (the code used for mobile drilling rig) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($28M, 15% of world imports), Côte d'Ivoire ($19M) and Algeria (about $17M). World imports came to about $188M, 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 Mobile drilling rig the same in all countries?

The base HS code 870520 for Mobile drilling rig 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 mobile drilling rig in Brazil?

In Brazil, mobile drilling rig (HS 870520) is classified under NCM 8705.20.00.