Product classification
HS code for Diesel-electric bus: 8702.30
Vehicles, public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, new or used.
Classification of diesel-electric bus under HS 8702.30
The HS code 8702.30 is specifically assigned to public-transport type motor vehicles that utilize a hybrid propulsion system. To fall under heading 8702, the vehicle must be designed for the transport of ten or more persons, including the driver. The subheading 8702.30 is reserved for those vehicles equipped with both a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and an electric motor for propulsion. This classification reflects the evolution of automotive technology, providing a distinct category for hybrid buses that combine traditional diesel power with electric efficiency. The classification applies regardless of whether the hybrid system is a 'parallel' or 'series' configuration, as long as both power sources contribute to the vehicle's movement. Customs officials verify this code by checking the seating capacity and the presence of both a diesel engine and an electric drive system with associated battery storage.
- Covers
- Hybrid diesel-electric city buses
- Articulated hybrid buses for public transit
- Diesel-electric motor coaches for long-distance travel
- Hybrid shuttle buses with 10+ seats
- Also under 8702.30
- Volvo 7900 Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz Citaro Hybrid
- BYD K9M Hybrid
- New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE HFS
- Gillig BRT Plus Hybrid
Codes often confused with 8702.30
Common mistake. Diesel-electric buses are frequently misclassified under 8702.10, which is for vehicles with only a diesel engine, or 8702.40, which is for vehicles with only an electric motor. Another error is using 8703 for smaller hybrid vans; however, if the vehicle carries 10 or more people, 8702.30 is the mandatory classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870230 (the code used for diesel-electric bus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870230 (the code used for diesel-electric bus) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 48% 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 870230, not only diesel-electric bus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $90M 57% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $21M 14% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $11M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $157M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $215M 48% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $99M 22% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $447M 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 diesel-electric bus
Brazil classifies diesel-electric bus under NCM 8702.30.00: HS 8702.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel-electric bus
What is the HS code for Diesel-electric bus?
The HS code for Diesel-electric bus is 870230 (Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, new or used). The HS code for a hybrid bus powered by both a diesel engine and an electric motor, carrying 10 or more people, is 8702.30.
How do I classify Diesel-electric bus for customs?
Diesel-electric bus is classified under HS code 870230 — Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, new or used. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plug-in hybrids?
Yes, as long as the vehicle has both a diesel engine and an electric motor and meets the seating capacity requirement, it is classified under 8702.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel-electric bus (HS 870230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870230 (the code used for diesel-electric bus) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($90M, 57% of world exports), Czechia ($21M) and Sweden ($11M). World exports came to about $157M, 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 diesel-electric bus (HS 870230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870230 (the code used for diesel-electric bus) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($215M, 48% of world imports), Nigeria ($99M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World imports came to about $447M, 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 Diesel-electric bus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870230 for Diesel-electric bus 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 diesel-electric bus in Brazil?
In Brazil, diesel-electric bus (HS 870230) is classified under NCM 8702.30.00.