HS 870510 Crane lorries
Quick Answer: Crane lorries imported under HS 870510 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.70% ad valorem, and the US at 25% ad valorem (MFN). This HS code specifically covers motor vehicles equipped with a crane, designed for lifting and moving heavy loads, often used in construction or industrial settings. Importers should note the significant duty rate disparity between major trading blocs. According to CustomTariffs, understanding these varying rates is crucial for accurate landed cost calculations and strategic sourcing decisions. Exporters should be aware of these differences when quoting prices and preparing export documentation.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8705100000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8705100090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 8705100011 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8705100000 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 8705100011 | 3.70 % | — | — |
| 8705100090 | 3.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8705100010 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 8705100050 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 87051000 | Free | — | — |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 870510 cover?
This subheading covers crane lorries, which are motor vehicles specifically equipped with a crane for lifting and moving heavy loads. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, these vehicles are primarily designed for the function of a crane, with the chassis and road locomotion being secondary. The US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to vehicles where the crane is a permanent and integral part of the vehicle, intended for its primary operational purpose.
What falls outside HS 870510?
The following products are excluded from HS 870510: motor vehicles fitted with cranes that are merely accessories or temporary attachments, such as those used for maintenance or repair, and not designed for the primary function of lifting and moving heavy loads as their main purpose. Vehicles classified under heading 8704 (motor vehicles for the transport of goods) that may have a small, auxiliary crane for loading or unloading their own cargo, but where the primary function remains goods transport, are also excluded. Similarly, specialized construction equipment like excavators with lifting capabilities are classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 870510?
A common error is misclassifying vehicles that have a crane as an auxiliary feature rather than the primary function. This often occurs when the vehicle's design prioritizes the transport of goods, with the crane serving a secondary purpose, such as loading or unloading the transported items. According to General Interpretative Rule 1 of the Harmonized System, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a vehicle is primarily a goods transport vehicle (heading 8704) with a crane, it should not be classified under 870510.
How should importers classify products under HS 870510?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 870510 involves a thorough examination of the vehicle's design and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must ascertain whether the crane is the principal feature and purpose of the vehicle, as opposed to a secondary attachment. Reviewing technical specifications, manufacturer brochures, and operational manuals is crucial. Consulting official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or the EU TARIC for specific rulings and Explanatory Notes provides essential guidance to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 870510?
A Liebherr LTM 1050-4 mobile crane lorry with a declared customs value of $350,000 USD would attract a US duty of $26,250. This is calculated using the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule's Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 7.5% ad valorem (HTSUS 8705.10.0000). The calculation is: 7.5% × $350,000 = $26,250. This specific rate applies to imports from countries not benefiting from preferential trade agreements, as published in the USITC's official tariff schedule.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 870510?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 870510, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can lead to a 0% duty rate for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also offers preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Japan. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a specific origin declaration for CPTPP is typically required, depending on the jurisdiction and specific agreement terms.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 870510 (Crane lorries)?
Import duty rates for HS code 870510, 'Crane lorries', vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the general (Most Favored Nation - MFN) duty rate is 3.70% ad valorem. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, the rate is often 0.00% ad valorem for goods originating from countries with preferential trade agreements, but can be higher for others. The UK Trade Tariff also shows a range of rates, often starting at Free for goods from certain trade partners. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your shipment.
What specific criteria define a vehicle as a 'Crane lorry' under HS code 870510?
HS code 870510 covers 'Crane lorries'. This classification applies to motor vehicles, chassis with engines and cabs, which are equipped with a crane. The defining characteristic is that the crane is a permanent or integral part of the vehicle, designed for lifting and moving materials. The crane must be more than a simple auxiliary device; it should be the primary function or a significant, built-in feature of the vehicle. Vehicles where the crane is merely a detachable attachment or trailer are generally classified elsewhere.
How is the import duty for a crane lorry calculated using HS code 870510?
The duty calculation typically depends on whether the duty rate is ad valorem (a percentage of the value) or specific (a fixed amount per unit). For an ad valorem rate, the duty is calculated as: (Customs Value of the Crane Lorry) × (Ad Valorem Duty Rate). For example, if a crane lorry has a customs value of $100,000 and the MFN duty rate in the US is 3.70%, the import duty would be $100,000 × 0.0370 = $3,700. Some countries may also apply other taxes or fees, such as Value Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST), on top of the customs duty.
What documentation is typically required when importing crane lorries under HS code 870510?
When importing crane lorries classified under HS code 870510, standard import documentation is required, which often includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Additionally, depending on the importing country's regulations, you may need a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Specific safety certifications, emissions compliance documents, or vehicle registration papers might also be necessary. It is advisable to consult with the customs authority of the destination country or a licensed customs broker for a comprehensive list of required documents.
Do common trade agreements, like USMCA or EU trade deals, offer preferential duty rates for HS code 870510?
Yes, common trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for HS code 870510. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), eligible crane lorries that meet the rules of origin may qualify for preferential duty rates, often resulting in a 0.00% duty. Similarly, the European Union has numerous free trade agreements with various countries that can reduce or eliminate duties on imported goods, including crane lorries, provided they originate from a partner country and meet the agreement's specific origin criteria. Importers must verify the origin of their crane lorries and ensure compliance with the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement to benefit from preferential treatment.