HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8703.31 – Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc
HS code 8703.31 is the 6-digit subheading for vehicles, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc. It is used for small diesel hatchback, subcompact diesel sedan, diesel city car, mini diesel SUV and entry-level diesel compact.
What HS 8703.31 covers
This HS code covers passenger vehicles powered exclusively by a compression-ignition (diesel or semi-diesel) internal combustion engine, with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1500cc. These vehicles are typically small, highly fuel-efficient cars, often popular in regions where diesel fuel is more economical or preferred for its torque characteristics. Major importers include European countries, India, and other markets where small diesel cars have historically been popular due to lower running costs and robust performance. Exporters are primarily European and Asian automotive manufacturers known for their diesel engine technology. Key trade considerations involve increasingly strict diesel emissions standards (e.g., Euro 6), fuel quality, and consumer perception regarding diesel technology. Despite some decline in popularity in certain markets, these vehicles remain important for specific economic and environmental niches.
- Covers
- Small diesel hatchback
- Subcompact diesel sedan
- Diesel city car
- Mini diesel SUV
- Entry-level diesel compact
- Diesel supermini
- Light diesel passenger car
- Examples
- Volkswagen Polo TDI (1.4L)
- Skoda Fabia TDI (1.4L)
- Ford Fiesta TDCi (1.5L)
- Hyundai i20 CRDi (1.4L)
- Suzuki Swift DDiS (1.3L)
Codes often confused with 8703.31
Common mistake. This code is for diesel-only passenger vehicles with engines 1500cc or less, distinguishing it from larger diesel engines (870332, 870333) and all spark-ignition vehicles.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 870331, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 870331 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 27% 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 Spain $1.9B 24% of world exports
- 2 France $1.5B 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $879M 11% of world exports
World total: $8.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $2.2B 27% of world imports
- 2 France $771M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $707M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $8.2B 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 8703.31 2
Brazil splits HS 8703.31 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8703.31.10 Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, up to 6 seatsCom capacidade de transporte de pessoas sentadas inferior ou igual a seis, incluindo o motorista
- 8703.31.90 Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, over 6 seatsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 87.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8703.31
What is HS code 870331?
HS code 870331 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc. This HS code covers passenger vehicles powered exclusively by a compression-ignition (diesel or semi-diesel) internal combustion engine, with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1500cc. These vehicles are typically small, highly fuel-efficient cars, often popular in regions where diesel fuel is more economical or preferred for its torque characteristics. Major importers include European countries, India, and other markets where small diesel cars have historically been popular due to lower running costs and robust performance. Exporters are primarily European and Asian automotive manufacturers known for their diesel engine technology. Key trade considerations involve increasingly strict diesel emissions standards (e.g., Euro 6), fuel quality, and consumer perception regarding diesel technology. Despite some decline in popularity in certain markets, these vehicles remain important for specific economic and environmental niches.
What products fall under HS code 870331?
Small diesel hatchback, Subcompact diesel sedan, Diesel city car, Mini diesel SUV, Entry-level diesel compact, Diesel supermini, Light diesel passenger car
What are common misclassifications for HS code 870331?
This code is for diesel-only passenger vehicles with engines 1500cc or less, distinguishing it from larger diesel engines (870332, 870333) and all spark-ignition vehicles.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 870331?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 870331 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.9B, 24% of world exports), France ($1.5B) and Germany ($879M). World exports came to about $8.0B, 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 870331?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 870331 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($2.2B, 27% of world imports), France ($771M) and Morocco ($707M). World imports came to about $8.2B, 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.
How is HS code 870331 structured?
HS code 870331 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (87) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 870331?
Brazil splits HS code 870331 into 2 NCM codes: 8703.31.10 (Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, up to 6 seats), 8703.31.90 (Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, over 6 seats). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.