HS Code for Public transport vehicle

Public transport vehicles are classified under HS code 870290 when they are designed to carry ten or more persons (including the driver) and do not fall under the specific categories of compression-ignition (diesel) or purely electric propulsion defined in other subheadings of 8702. Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock. Heading 8702 is dedicated to motor vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons. The subheading 870290 acts as a residual category for vehicles with alternative propulsion systems, such as those powered by spark-ignition internal combustion engines (gasoline/petrol) or other non-standard engines. Classification depends heavily on the seating capacity and the technical specifications of the engine, which must be documented in the vehicle's technical data sheet.

Products Included

• Gasoline-powered buses (10+ seats)
• Natural gas (CNG) public transport vehicles
• Trolleybuses (connected to electric lines but not on rails)
• Hybrid public transport vehicles (not elsewhere specified)
• Vintage or specialized passenger shuttles

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is with HS code 870210, which is specifically for vehicles with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel). Another frequent error is using HS code 8703, which is for motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons but with a capacity of fewer than ten people. If a van is modified to seat 9 people including the driver, it stays in 8703; if it seats 10, it moves to 8702. Additionally, purely electric buses should be classified under 870240 rather than 870290.

FAQ

What is the HS code for a public transport vehicle?

For vehicles carrying 10+ people not powered by diesel or pure electricity, the HS code is 870290.

Does the seating count include the driver?

Yes, the Harmonized System explicitly states that the count of ten or more persons includes the driver.