Product classification
HS code for Chemical tankers: 8716.31
Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers.
Classification of chemical tankers under HS 8716.31
Chemical tankers are classified under HS code 8716.31, which specifically covers tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the function and design of the vehicle. Since these units are non-motorized vehicles designed to be towed by a motor vehicle, they fall under Chapter 87 (Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock). Heading 8716 encompasses trailers and semi-trailers for all vehicles, and the subheading 8716.31 is reserved for those equipped with a tank, typically used for the transport of liquids or gases, including hazardous chemicals. The classification remains consistent regardless of the specific chemical being transported, provided the vehicle is a trailer or semi-trailer and not a self-propelled motorized truck.
- Covers
- Semi-trailers equipped with stainless steel tanks for corrosive chemicals
- Aluminum tank trailers for industrial solvent transport
- Multi-compartment chemical semi-trailers
- Hazardous material (HAZMAT) rated tanker trailers
- Non-motorized liquid chemical transport units
- Also under 8716.31
- Heil Tank Trailers
- Polar Tank Trailers
- Brenner Tankers
- Fruehauf Tankers
- Feldbinder Tankers
Codes often confused with 8716.31
Common mistake. Chemical tankers are frequently misclassified under HS code 8704.23 or 8704.22. These codes refer to motorized vehicles (trucks) for the transport of goods. If the chemical tank is permanently mounted on a motorized chassis, it must be classified under 8704. However, if the tank is part of a trailer that can be detached from the tractor unit, 8716.31 is the correct code. Additionally, ISO tank containers are classified under 8609.00, as they are containers specially designed for carriage by one or more modes of transport, rather than being trailers themselves.
Top exporters and importers of HS 871631 (the code used for chemical tankers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 871631 (the code used for chemical tankers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 871631, not only chemical tankers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $503M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $163M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $107M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $254M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $80M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Tanzania $80M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 chemical tankers
Brazil classifies chemical tankers under NCM 8716.31.00: HS 8716.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chemical tankers
What is the HS code for Chemical tankers?
The HS code for Chemical tankers is 871631 (Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers). The HS code for chemical tanker trailers and semi-trailers is 8716.31.
How do I classify Chemical tankers for customs?
Chemical tankers is classified under HS code 871631 — Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the truck pulling the tanker?
No, the motorized tractor unit is classified separately under HS code 8701.20, while the tanker semi-trailer is classified under 8716.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of chemical tankers (HS 871631)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 871631 (the code used for chemical tankers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($503M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($163M) and Türkiye ($107M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 chemical tankers (HS 871631)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 871631 (the code used for chemical tankers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($254M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($80M) and Tanzania ($80M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Chemical tankers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 871631 for Chemical tankers 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 chemical tankers in Brazil?
In Brazil, chemical tankers (HS 871631) is classified under NCM 8716.31.00.