Product classification
HS code for Compact car: 8703.22
Vehicles, with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500cc.
Classification of compact car under HS 8703.22
Compact cars are classified under HS code 8703.22. This classification is part of Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. Heading 8703 is dedicated to motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons. The specific subheading 8703.22 is determined by two primary technical factors: the engine type and the cylinder capacity. To fall under this code, the vehicle must be equipped with a spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine (gasoline/petrol). Furthermore, the cylinder capacity (displacement) must be over 1,000 cc but not exceeding 1,500 cc. This range covers the vast majority of vehicles marketed globally as "compact" or "subcompact" cars. The classification is objective and does not depend on the vehicle's luxury features, body style (sedan vs. hatchback), or marketing segment, provided the engine specifications meet the criteria. For customs purposes, the displacement is verified using the manufacturer's certificate of conformity or the vehicle's technical identification plate.
- Covers
- Gasoline-powered compact sedans (1.2L to 1.5L)
- Hatchbacks with 1.4L spark-ignition engines
- Compact SUVs with 1.3L petrol engines
- Four-door passenger cars with 1498cc engines
- Station wagons within the 1000cc-1500cc range
- Also under 8703.22
- Honda Fit/Jazz (1.5L)
- Toyota Yaris (1.5L)
- Volkswagen Polo (1.2L/1.4L)
- Ford Fiesta (1.0L EcoBoost/1.5L)
- Suzuki Swift (1.2L/1.4L)
Codes often confused with 8703.22
Common mistake. Compact cars are often confused with 8703.21 (engines under 1,000 cc) or 8703.23 (engines between 1,500 cc and 3,000 cc). Additionally, hybrid vehicles are often misclassified here, but they should be placed under 8703.40 or 8703.50, while purely electric compact cars belong under 8703.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870322 (the code used for compact car), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870322 (the code used for compact car) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 870322, not only compact car.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $22.5B 17% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $15.8B 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $15.6B 11% of world exports
World total: $135.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $25.6B 18% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $11.6B 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $8.9B 6.4% of world imports
World total: $140.1B 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 compact car
Brazil splits HS 8703.22 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8703.22.10Spark-ignition cars over 1 to 1.5 L, up to 6 seats
- 8703.22.90Spark-ignition cars over 1 to 1.5 L, over 6 seats
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about compact car
What is the HS code for Compact car?
The HS code for Compact car is 870322 (Vehicles; with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500cc). The HS code for a compact car with a spark-ignition engine between 1,000 cc and 1,500 cc is 8703.22.
How do I classify Compact car for customs?
Compact car is classified under HS code 870322 — Vehicles; with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500cc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to diesel compact cars?
No, diesel-powered vehicles (compression-ignition engines) are classified under subheadings 8703.31 through 8703.33, depending on their displacement.
Which countries are the top exporters of compact car (HS 870322)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870322 (the code used for compact car) in UN Comtrade data were China ($22.5B, 17% of world exports), Mexico ($15.8B) and Germany ($15.6B). World exports came to about $135.7B, 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 compact car (HS 870322)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870322 (the code used for compact car) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($25.6B, 18% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($11.6B) and Germany ($8.9B). World imports came to about $140.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Compact car the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870322 for Compact car 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 compact car in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870322 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for compact car depends on the product's details: 8703.22.10 (Spark-ignition cars over 1 to 1.5 L, up to 6 seats), 8703.22.90 (Spark-ignition cars over 1 to 1.5 L, over 6 seats).