Product classification
HS code for Road sweeper: 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 road sweeper under HS 8705.90
The classification of a road sweeper under HS code 8705.90 is determined by its design as a special-purpose motor vehicle. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, heading 8705 is reserved for vehicles that are not primarily designed for the transport of persons or goods but are instead constructed to perform a specific technical function. A road sweeper consists of a motor vehicle chassis upon which sweeping, suction, and water-spraying mechanisms are permanently mounted. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System specify that these vehicles are essentially mobile machines where the vehicle provides the mobility for the specialized apparatus. Because the sweeping mechanism is integrated into the chassis and the vehicle's utility is derived from its cleaning capabilities rather than its capacity to haul freight, it is excluded from heading 8704 (goods transport) and placed in the specialized category of 8705.90. This classification applies regardless of whether the vehicle is used for municipal street cleaning or industrial site maintenance.
- Covers
- Mechanical street sweepers with integrated hoppers
- Vacuum-assisted road cleaning vehicles
- Airport runway sweepers
- Gutter and curb cleaning motor vehicles
- Regenerative air street sweepers
- 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. Road sweepers are frequently misclassified under HS code 8704.21 or 8704.22, which cover motor vehicles for the transport of goods. This error occurs when the debris hopper is mistaken for a standard cargo bed. However, if the vehicle is purpose-built for sweeping, 8705.90 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 8479.89, which covers mechanical appliances with individual functions. This code only applies to sweeping attachments that are not permanently mounted on a motor vehicle chassis.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870590 (the code used for road sweeper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870590 (the code used for road sweeper) 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 road sweeper.
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 road sweeper
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 road sweeper
What is the HS code for Road sweeper?
The HS code for Road sweeper 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 self-propelled road sweeper mounted on a motor vehicle chassis is 8705.90.
How do I classify Road sweeper for customs?
Road sweeper 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.
Are spare brushes for road sweepers classified under this code?
No, spare brushes are generally classified according to their constituent material, typically falling under heading 9603 as prepared parts for sweeping machines.
Which countries are the top exporters of road sweeper (HS 870590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870590 (the code used for road sweeper) 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 road sweeper (HS 870590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870590 (the code used for road sweeper) 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 Road sweeper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870590 for Road sweeper 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 road sweeper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870590 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for road sweeper depends on the product's details: 8705.90.10 (Oil-well logging trucks), 8705.90.90 (Other special purpose motor vehicles).