Product classification

HS code for 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 diesel engine under HS 8408.20

The classification of diesel engines under HS code 8408.20 is determined by the engine's ignition method and its specific intended application. HS code 8408 specifically covers compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines, commonly known as diesel or semi-diesel engines. The subheading 8408.20 is reserved for those engines designed for the propulsion of vehicles classified within Chapter 87, which includes motor cars, trucks, and tractors. This classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these engines utilize the heat of compression to ignite fuel rather than a spark plug, they are excluded from heading 8407. Furthermore, because they are intended for transport vehicles rather than marine propulsion or stationary industrial use, they fall specifically under 8408.20. The technical distinction lies in the absence of a spark-ignition system and the presence of fuel injection systems designed for the variable loads typical of road transport.

Covers
  • Diesel engines for heavy-duty trucks
  • Semi-diesel engines for agricultural tractors
  • Compression-ignition engines for passenger motor cars
  • Diesel engines for buses and coaches
  • Replacement diesel engines for road-going 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. Diesel engines are frequently confused with spark-ignition engines under HS code 8407. The primary difference is the ignition source; 8407 requires a spark plug. Additionally, diesel engines for marine propulsion must be classified under 8408.10, while stationary diesel engines for industrial machinery or power generation fall under 8408.90. Misclassifying a vehicle engine as a stationary engine (8408.90) is a common error that can lead to incorrect duty assessments.

84.07Reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines8408.10Engines; for marine propulsion, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines)8408.90Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of chapter 87

Top exporters and importers of HS 840820 (the code used for diesel engine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840820 (the code used for 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 diesel engine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $4.5B
  2. 2 Germany $3.9B
  3. 3 Sweden $2.2B

World total: $27.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $5.3B
  2. 2 United States $2.7B
  3. 3 Germany $2.6B

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 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 diesel engine

What is the HS code for Diesel engine?

The HS code for 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 vehicle propulsion is 8408.20.

How do I classify Diesel engine for customs?

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 engines for marine vessels?

No, diesel engines for marine propulsion are classified under HS code 8408.10, regardless of their size or power output.

Which countries are the top exporters of diesel engine (HS 840820)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840820 (the code used for 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 diesel engine (HS 840820)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 840820 (the code used for 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 Diesel engine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 840820 for 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 diesel engine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 840820 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for 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).