Product classification
HS code for Boat engine: 8407.21
Engines, outboard motors for marine propulsion, spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines.
Classification of boat engine under HS 8407.21
HS code 8407.21 is designated for spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines that are specifically configured as outboard motors for marine propulsion. The classification is based on the mechanical design where the engine, transmission, and propeller are housed in a single, self-contained unit that is mounted on the exterior of the boat's transom. These engines typically operate on a two-stroke or four-stroke cycle and use gasoline as fuel, ignited by a spark plug. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from other marine engines based on their outboard nature. Under GRI 1 and 6, the classification is determined by the specific language of the subheading. For an engine to be classified under 8407.21, it must be a complete outboard unit. If the shipment consists only of the engine head (the powerhead) without the lower unit or propeller, it may still be classified here provided it is clearly identifiable as a part of an outboard motor, though often parts are classified under 8409. The distinction between 8407.21 and other marine spark-ignition engines is vital for customs compliance, as duty rates and regulatory requirements often differ between portable outboard motors and fixed inboard gasoline engines. The technical definition of an outboard motor requires it to be removable and capable of steering the vessel by pivoting the entire unit.
- Covers
- Two-stroke gasoline outboard motors
- Four-stroke gasoline outboard motors
- Portable marine spark-ignition engines
- Electric-start outboard propulsion units
- High-performance racing outboard motors
- Also under 8407.21
- Yamaha F25
- Mercury 150 Pro XS
- Honda BF2.3
- Suzuki DF300AP
- Tohatsu MFS9.8
Codes often confused with 8407.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with inboard spark-ignition engines, which fall under 8407.29. Additionally, diesel marine engines are classified under 8408.10. Importers often confuse the two because both are used for marine propulsion, but the ignition method (spark vs. compression) and the mounting type (outboard vs. inboard) are the primary deciders.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840721 (the code used for boat engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840721 (the code used for boat engine) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% 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 840721, not only boat engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $1.9B 57% of world exports
- 2 United States $520M 16% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $274M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $871M 26% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $224M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 Canada $194M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $3.3B 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 boat engine
Brazil splits HS 8407.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8407.21.10Single-cylinder spark-ignition outboard motors
- 8407.21.90Other spark-ignition outboard motors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about boat engine
What is the HS code for Boat engine?
The HS code for Boat engine is 840721 (Engines; outboard motors for marine propulsion, spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines). The HS code for a spark-ignition outboard boat engine is 8407.21.
How do I classify Boat engine for customs?
Boat engine is classified under HS code 840721 — Engines; outboard motors for marine propulsion, spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electric outboard motors classified under 8407.21?
No, 8407.21 specifically covers internal combustion piston engines. Electric motors for marine propulsion are classified under heading 8501.
Which countries are the top exporters of boat engine (HS 840721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840721 (the code used for boat engine) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($1.9B, 57% of world exports), the United States ($520M) and Belgium ($274M). World exports came to about $3.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of boat engine (HS 840721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840721 (the code used for boat engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($871M, 26% of world imports), Belgium ($224M) and Canada ($194M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Boat engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840721 for Boat engine 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 boat engine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 840721 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for boat engine depends on the product's details: 8407.21.10 (Single-cylinder spark-ignition outboard motors), 8407.21.90 (Other spark-ignition outboard motors).