Product classification
HS code for Mobile workshop: 8705.90
Vehicles, break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705.
Classification of mobile workshop under HS 8705.90
A mobile workshop is classified under HS code 8705.90. This classification falls under heading 8705, which is dedicated to special purpose motor vehicles. These are vehicles that are not primarily designed for the transport of persons or goods but are equipped with various devices that allow them to perform certain non-transport functions. A mobile workshop typically consists of a truck or van chassis that has been permanently fitted with workbenches, tools, machinery (such as lathes or drills), and power sources to allow for on-site repairs and maintenance. Because "mobile workshops" are explicitly mentioned in the text of heading 8705, and they do not have a specific four-digit sub-heading like crane lorries or fire fighting vehicles, they are categorized under the residual "Other" sub-heading 8705.90. The classification is contingent upon the equipment being permanently fixed to the vehicle.
- Covers
- Truck-mounted repair shops
- Mobile maintenance units for heavy machinery
- Field service vehicles with permanent tool installations
- Mobile welding workshops on motor vehicle chassis
- Emergency repair vehicles for utility companies
- Also under 8705.90
- JLG telehandlers (if special purpose)
- Elgin Sweeper
- Vactor sewer cleaners
- Miller Industries tow trucks
- Mercedes-Benz Unimog (specialized variants)
Codes often confused with 8705.90
Common mistake. Mobile workshops are frequently misclassified under 8704, which is the heading for motor vehicles for the transport of goods. If a van is simply carrying tools in the back that can be removed, it remains an 8704 vehicle. It only becomes an 8705.90 mobile workshop if the interior is permanently modified and the tools are fixed. Another error is 8705.10, but that is strictly for crane lorries. Proper classification requires verifying that the vehicle's primary purpose is the workshop function itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870590 (the code used for mobile workshop), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870590 (the code used for mobile workshop) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 12% 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 870590, not only mobile workshop.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.7B 18% of world exports
- 2 Italy $1.6B 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.3B 14% of world exports
World total: $9.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $940M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $725M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 France $430M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $7.6B 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 codes for mobile workshop
Brazil splits HS 8705.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8705.90.10Oil-well logging trucks
- 8705.90.90Other special purpose motor vehicles
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mobile workshop
What is the HS code for Mobile workshop?
The HS code for Mobile workshop is 870590 (Vehicles; break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705). The HS code for a mobile workshop is 8705.90, as it is a special purpose motor vehicle.
How do I classify Mobile workshop for customs?
Mobile workshop is classified under HS code 870590 — Vehicles; break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other special purpose vehicles n.e.c. in heading no. 8705. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does a van with toolboxes count as a mobile workshop?
Usually, no. If the toolboxes are not permanently integrated into the vehicle's structure and the vehicle can still be used for general transport, it is classified under 8703 or 8704.
Which countries are the top exporters of mobile workshop (HS 870590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870590 (the code used for mobile workshop) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 18% of world exports), Italy ($1.6B) and Germany ($1.3B). World exports came to about $9.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of mobile workshop (HS 870590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870590 (the code used for mobile workshop) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($940M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($725M) and France ($430M). World imports came to about $7.6B, 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 Mobile workshop the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870590 for Mobile workshop 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 workshop in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870590 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for mobile workshop depends on the product's details: 8705.90.10 (Oil-well logging trucks), 8705.90.90 (Other special purpose motor vehicles).