Product classification
HS code for Battery electric vehicle: 8703.80
Vehicles, with only electric motor for propulsion.
Classification of battery electric vehicle under HS 8703.80
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are classified under HS code 8703.80. This classification is found within Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. Heading 8703 is specifically reserved for motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons. The sub-heading 8703.80 was introduced to provide a distinct category for vehicles that are propelled solely by one or more electric motors. To qualify for this classification, the vehicle must rely entirely on energy stored in onboard rechargeable batteries and must not possess any internal combustion engine (ICE). This distinguishes BEVs from hybrid models. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the product's primary characteristic—its propulsion system—is explicitly described in the heading text. This code is critical for customs authorities to apply specific tariffs, environmental subsidies, or import restrictions related to electric mobility and carbon emission standards.
- Covers
- Pure electric passenger cars
- Battery-powered SUVs and crossovers
- All-electric sedans
- Electric vans designed for person transport
- Battery-operated racing cars
- Also under 8703.80
- Tesla Model 3
- Nissan Leaf
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
Codes often confused with 8703.80
Common mistake. BEVs are frequently confused with Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) classified under 8703.40 or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) classified under 8703.60. These codes are for vehicles that combine an electric motor with a traditional internal combustion engine. Another common error is classifying electric motorcycles under this code; however, motorcycles are classified under heading 8711. Electric golf carts and similar small vehicles are also excluded and fall under 8703.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870380 (the code used for battery electric vehicle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870380 (the code used for battery electric vehicle) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, 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 870380, not only battery electric vehicle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $45.2B 31% of world exports
- 2 China $36.4B 25% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $8.9B 6.2% of world exports
World total: $143.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $17.7B 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $16.0B 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11.8B 7.9% of world imports
World total: $149.4B 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 battery electric vehicle
Brazil classifies battery electric vehicle under NCM 8703.80.00: HS 8703.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about battery electric vehicle
What is the HS code for Battery electric vehicle?
The HS code for Battery electric vehicle is 870380 (Vehicles; with only electric motor for propulsion). The HS code for a vehicle powered only by an electric motor is 8703.80.
How do I classify Battery electric vehicle for customs?
Battery electric vehicle is classified under HS code 870380 — Vehicles; with only electric motor for propulsion. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8703.80 include hybrid cars?
No, hybrid cars are classified under codes 8703.40 through 8703.70, depending on their specific engine configuration.
Which countries are the top exporters of battery electric vehicle (HS 870380)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870380 (the code used for battery electric vehicle) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($45.2B, 31% of world exports), China ($36.4B) and Mexico ($8.9B). World exports came to about $143.6B, 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 battery electric vehicle (HS 870380)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870380 (the code used for battery electric vehicle) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($17.7B, 12% of world imports), the United States ($16.0B) and Germany ($11.8B). World imports came to about $149.4B, 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 Battery electric vehicle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870380 for Battery electric vehicle 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 battery electric vehicle in Brazil?
In Brazil, battery electric vehicle (HS 870380) is classified under NCM 8703.80.00.