Product classification
HS code for Car diesel engine: 8408.20
Engines, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87.
Classification of car diesel engine under HS 8408.20
Car diesel engines are classified under HS code 8408.20. This code specifically covers compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines) of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of Chapter 87. The distinction between heading 8407 and 8408 is fundamental: 8407 is for spark-ignition engines (petrol/gasoline), while 8408 is for compression-ignition engines (diesel). For an engine to be classified under 8408.20, it must be designed for vehicle propulsion. This excludes stationary diesel engines used for power generation (which fall under 8408.90) or marine propulsion engines (8408.10). The classification includes the engine block along with its essential components such as the fuel injection system, valves, and pistons. However, it does not include the transmission or the exhaust system if they are presented separately. The technical specification of the engine as a "compression-ignition" type is the primary determinant for this HS code, ensuring that diesel powerplants for passenger cars, vans, and SUVs are correctly identified for tariff and regulatory purposes. The engine must be a complete assembly capable of functioning as a power source for the vehicle.
- Covers
- Turbo-diesel engines for passenger cars
- Semi-diesel engines for motor vehicles
- Complete diesel engine blocks for SUVs and vans
- Compression-ignition engines for light commercial vehicles
- Also under 8408.20
- Cummins X15
- Detroit Diesel DD15
- Mercedes-Benz OM471
- Ford Power Stroke 6.7L
- Volkswagen TDI 2.0L
Codes often confused with 8408.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is 8407.34, which covers spark-ignition (petrol) engines of high cylinder capacity. It is vital to distinguish the ignition method. Another error is using 8409.99, which is for parts of diesel engines. A complete engine must be classified under 8408, while individual components like pistons or rings go to 8409.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840820 (the code used for car diesel engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840820 (the code used for car diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 18% 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 840820, not only car diesel engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $4.5B 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $3.9B 14% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $2.2B 8.1% of world exports
World total: $27.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $5.3B 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.7B 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $2.6B 9.1% of world imports
World total: $28.9B 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 car diesel engine
Brazil splits HS 8408.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8408.20.10Diesel vehicle engines, 1,500 cm³ or less
- 8408.20.20Diesel vehicle engines, over 1,500 to 2,500 cm³
- 8408.20.30Diesel vehicle engines, over 2,500 to 3,500 cm³
- 8408.20.90Diesel vehicle engines, over 3,500 cm³
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about car diesel engine
What is the HS code for Car diesel engine?
The HS code for Car diesel engine is 840820 (Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87). The HS code for a diesel engine used for car propulsion is 8408.20.
How do I classify Car diesel engine for customs?
Car diesel engine is classified under HS code 840820 — Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the gearbox?
No, the gearbox or transmission is classified separately under HS code 8708.30 or 8708.40 as a vehicle part.
Which countries are the top exporters of car diesel engine (HS 840820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840820 (the code used for car diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.5B, 16% of world exports), Germany ($3.9B) and Sweden ($2.2B). World exports came to about $27.6B, 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 car diesel engine (HS 840820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840820 (the code used for car diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($5.3B, 18% of world imports), the United States ($2.7B) and Germany ($2.6B). World imports came to about $28.9B, 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 Car diesel engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840820 for Car diesel 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 car diesel engine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 840820 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for car diesel engine depends on the product's details: 8408.20.10 (Diesel vehicle engines, 1,500 cm³ or less), 8408.20.20 (Diesel vehicle engines, over 1,500 to 2,500 cm³), 8408.20.30 (Diesel vehicle engines, over 2,500 to 3,500 cm³), 8408.20.90 (Diesel vehicle engines, over 3,500 cm³).