HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8704.21 – Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1
HS code 8704.21 is the 6-digit subheading for vehicles, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1. It is used for diesel panel vans (light), diesel pickup trucks (under 5t GVW), diesel chassis cabs (under 5t GVW), diesel box vans (small) and diesel utility vehicles.
What HS 8704.21 covers
This HS code pertains to light-duty goods vehicles, specifically those powered solely by a compression-ignition (diesel or semi-diesel) internal combustion piston engine, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) not exceeding 5 tonnes, and not falling under the off-highway dumpers of 870410. This category includes a wide range of commercial vehicles vital for urban logistics, small business operations, and last-mile delivery. Examples include small diesel panel vans, light pickup trucks, and chassis cabs used for various utility purposes. Trade in these vehicles is global, with strong demand in both developed and developing economies for their versatility, fuel efficiency, and durability in commercial applications. Major manufacturing hubs in Europe and Asia are significant exporters.
- Covers
- Diesel panel vans (light)
- Diesel pickup trucks (under 5t GVW)
- Diesel chassis cabs (under 5t GVW)
- Diesel box vans (small)
- Diesel utility vehicles
- Diesel cargo vans
- Examples
- Ford Transit Custom
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (lighter variants)
- Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
- Toyota Hilux (diesel variants)
- Isuzu D-Max (diesel variants)
Codes often confused with 8704.21
Common mistake. Often confused with 870333 (large diesel passenger vehicles) if a pickup truck is primarily used for personal transport, or with 870422 (medium diesel goods vehicles >5t) if the GVW limit is misapplied.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 870421, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 870421 in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 10% 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 Thailand $8.3B 13% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $6.4B 9.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $5.4B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $66.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $7.5B 10% of world imports
- 2 Australia $6.2B 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $5.7B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $71.3B 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 8704.21 4
Brazil splits HS 8704.21 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8704.21.10 Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW up to 5 tonnesChassis com motor e cabina
- 8704.21.20 Diesel tipper trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnesCom caixa basculante
- 8704.21.30 Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW up to 5 tFrigoríficos ou isotérmicos
- 8704.21.90 Other diesel trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 87.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8704.21
What is HS code 870421?
HS code 870421 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1. This HS code pertains to light-duty goods vehicles, specifically those powered solely by a compression-ignition (diesel or semi-diesel) internal combustion piston engine, with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) not exceeding 5 tonnes, and not falling under the off-highway dumpers of 870410. This category includes a wide range of commercial vehicles vital for urban logistics, small business operations, and last-mile delivery. Examples include small diesel panel vans, light pickup trucks, and chassis cabs used for various utility purposes. Trade in these vehicles is global, with strong demand in both developed and developing economies for their versatility, fuel efficiency, and durability in commercial applications. Major manufacturing hubs in Europe and Asia are significant exporters.
What products fall under HS code 870421?
Diesel panel vans (light), diesel pickup trucks (under 5t GVW), diesel chassis cabs (under 5t GVW), diesel box vans (small), diesel utility vehicles, diesel cargo vans
What are common misclassifications for HS code 870421?
Often confused with 870333 (large diesel passenger vehicles) if a pickup truck is primarily used for personal transport, or with 870422 (medium diesel goods vehicles >5t) if the GVW limit is misapplied.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 870421?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 870421 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($8.3B, 13% of world exports), Türkiye ($6.4B) and Germany ($5.4B). World exports came to about $66.1B, 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 goods under HS code 870421?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 870421 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($7.5B, 10% of world imports), Australia ($6.2B) and Germany ($5.7B). World imports came to about $71.3B, 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 870421 structured?
HS code 870421 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (87) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) 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 870421?
Brazil splits HS code 870421 into 4 NCM codes: 8704.21.10 (Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW up to 5 tonnes), 8704.21.20 (Diesel tipper trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes), 8704.21.30 (Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW up to 5 t), 8704.21.90 (Other diesel trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.