Product classification

HS code for Special purpose trailers: 8716.40

Trailers and semi-trailers, n.e.c. in item no. 8716.3.

Classification of special purpose trailers under HS 8716.40

Special purpose trailers are classified under HS code 8716.40. This code is a residual category within heading 8716, which covers trailers and semi-trailers and other vehicles, not mechanically propelled. The 'special purpose' designation applies to trailers that are not designed primarily for the transport of goods or for use as living quarters (camping). Instead, these trailers are constructed or permanently converted to perform a specific technical or professional function. Classification is determined by the equipment permanently mounted on the trailer chassis. If the trailer's main utility is its function as a mobile workspace, laboratory, or display unit, it falls under 8716.40. This follows the General Rules of Interpretation which prioritize specific functionality when a vehicle is not intended for standard freight haulage.

Covers
  • Mobile library trailers
  • Mobile medical clinics or laboratories
  • Exhibition or display trailers
  • Generator trailers (where the generator is integrated)
  • Fire-fighting trailers without automotive power
Also under 8716.40
  • Featherlite Trailers (custom specialty trailers)
  • Aluma Trailers (utility and specialty)
  • Load Trail (heavy-duty custom trailers)
  • Big Tex Trailers (specialty equipment)
  • ATC Trailers (custom car haulers)

Codes often confused with 8716.40

Common mistake. These trailers are often misclassified under 8716.39 (other trailers for the transport of goods) or 8716.10 (trailers for housing or camping). The distinction is the primary intent: 8716.39 is for moving cargo, while 8716.40 is for 'doing' something at a destination. For example, a trailer used to haul medical supplies is 8716.39, but a trailer that is itself a medical exam room is 8716.40. Additionally, if a trailer has a permanently mounted machine, it might be confused with the machine's own HS code, but if the trailer chassis is the defining feature, 8716.40 is usually correct.

8716.39Trailers and semi-trailers; (other than tanker type)8716.10Trailers and semi-trailers; of the caravan type, for housing or camping

Top exporters and importers of HS 871640 (the code used for special purpose trailers), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 871640 (the code used for special purpose trailers) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 871640, not only special purpose trailers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Poland $330M
  2. 2 China $241M
  3. 3 Netherlands $188M

World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $257M
  2. 2 Germany $200M
  3. 3 Poland $147M

World total: $2.1B 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 special purpose trailers

Brazil classifies special purpose trailers under NCM 8716.40.00: HS 8716.40 with 00 added.

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

Questions about special purpose trailers

What is the HS code for Special purpose trailers?

The HS code for Special purpose trailers is 871640 (Trailers and semi-trailers; n.e.c. in item no. 8716.3). The HS code for trailers designed for special purposes (other than freight or camping) is 8716.40.

How do I classify Special purpose trailers for customs?

Special purpose trailers is classified under HS code 871640 — Trailers and semi-trailers; n.e.c. in item no. 8716.3. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this include semi-trailers?

Yes, the heading 8716 and the subheading 8716.40 include both full trailers and semi-trailers, provided they are for special purposes.

Which countries are the top exporters of special purpose trailers (HS 871640)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 871640 (the code used for special purpose trailers) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($330M, 16% of world exports), China ($241M) and the Netherlands ($188M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 special purpose trailers (HS 871640)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 871640 (the code used for special purpose trailers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($257M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($200M) and Poland ($147M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Special purpose trailers the same in all countries?

The base HS code 871640 for Special purpose trailers 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 special purpose trailers in Brazil?

In Brazil, special purpose trailers (HS 871640) is classified under NCM 8716.40.00.