HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8701.21 – Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)
HS code 8701.21 is the 6-digit subheading for tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). It is used for diesel semi-trucks, heavy-duty diesel tractors, prime movers (diesel), long-haul diesel trucks and diesel articulated lorries.
What HS 8701.21 covers
This HS code covers road tractors for semi-trailers, equipped solely with a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). These heavy-duty vehicles are the backbone of global road freight, designed to pull large semi-trailers and transport goods across vast distances. International trade involves major automotive manufacturers, fleet operators, and logistics companies, with a focus on performance, fuel efficiency, and compliance with emissions standards. Key considerations for importers and exporters include engine power, payload capacity, driver comfort, and the availability of maintenance networks, as these vehicles are critical assets in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of virtually all types of goods.
- Covers
- Diesel semi-trucks
- Heavy-duty diesel tractors
- Prime movers (diesel)
- Long-haul diesel trucks
- Diesel articulated lorries
- Diesel tractor units
- Examples
- Freightliner Cascadia
- Volvo VNL
- Kenworth T680
- Scania R-series
- Mercedes-Benz Actros
Codes often confused with 8701.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with other types of trucks (e.g., 8704 for goods transport vehicles) if not specifically designed for pulling semi-trailers. Hybrid or electric versions of road tractors for semi-trailers fall under different 8701 subheadings.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 870121, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 870121 in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $6.2B 15% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $5.8B 14% of world exports
- 3 China $4.8B 12% of world exports
World total: $40.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.5B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Poland $2.0B 5.2% of world imports
World total: $37.5B 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 8701.21
Brazil does not split HS 8701.21: its NCM code is 8701.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 87.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8701.21
What is HS code 870121?
HS code 870121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). This HS code covers road tractors for semi-trailers, equipped solely with a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). These heavy-duty vehicles are the backbone of global road freight, designed to pull large semi-trailers and transport goods across vast distances. International trade involves major automotive manufacturers, fleet operators, and logistics companies, with a focus on performance, fuel efficiency, and compliance with emissions standards. Key considerations for importers and exporters include engine power, payload capacity, driver comfort, and the availability of maintenance networks, as these vehicles are critical assets in the global supply chain, facilitating the movement of virtually all types of goods.
What products fall under HS code 870121?
Diesel semi-trucks, heavy-duty diesel tractors, prime movers (diesel), long-haul diesel trucks, diesel articulated lorries, diesel tractor units
What are common misclassifications for HS code 870121?
Can be confused with other types of trucks (e.g., 8704 for goods transport vehicles) if not specifically designed for pulling semi-trailers. Hybrid or electric versions of road tractors for semi-trailers fall under different 8701 subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 870121?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 870121 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.2B, 15% of world exports), the Netherlands ($5.8B) and China ($4.8B). World exports came to about $40.7B, 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 goods under HS code 870121?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 870121 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.5B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and Poland ($2.0B). World imports came to about $37.5B, 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.
How is HS code 870121 structured?
HS code 870121 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (87) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 870121?
In Brazil, HS code 870121 is NCM 8701.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.