Product classification

HS code for Diesel HEV: 8703.50

Vehicles, with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power.

Classification of diesel HEV under HS 8703.50

Diesel Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) that cannot be charged by plugging into an external power source are classified under HS code 8703.50. This code was introduced to specifically categorize vehicles that combine a compression-ignition internal combustion engine (diesel) with an electric motor for propulsion. The classification is based on two criteria: the type of internal combustion engine and the lack of an external charging port. This distinguishes them from traditional diesel vehicles and from plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), ensuring accurate tracking of hybrid technology adoption in the automotive sector. Under the Harmonized System's 2017 and 2022 updates, the 8703 heading was expanded to provide more granularity for eco-friendly vehicles. Classification follows GRI 1 and the specific subheadings created for hybrid technologies. These vehicles use the diesel engine to both drive the wheels and charge the onboard battery, which in turn powers the electric motor to assist in propulsion, particularly during acceleration or low-speed operation. The electric motor acts as a generator during braking (regenerative braking) to recover energy. Because they do not plug in, they rely entirely on the diesel fuel and kinetic energy recovery for their power, which is the defining characteristic of the 8703.50 classification.

Covers
  • Non-plug-in diesel-electric hybrid passenger cars
  • Diesel hybrid SUVs (non-plug-in)
  • Diesel hybrid station wagons
  • Mild diesel hybrids (MHEV) without external charging
  • Full diesel hybrids (HEV) without external charging
Also under 8703.50
  • Mercedes-Benz E 300 de (older non-PHEV variants)
  • Audi Q7 3.0 TDI e-tron (some non-PHEV variants)
  • Volvo S90 D5 Twin Engine (some non-PHEV variants)

Codes often confused with 8703.50

Common mistake. Diesel HEVs are often misclassified under 8703.40, which is for hybrid vehicles with a spark-ignition engine (gasoline). They are also frequently confused with 8703.70, which covers diesel hybrids that can be charged by plugging into an external source (PHEVs). It is critical to verify the engine type (compression-ignition vs. spark-ignition) and the charging capability (plug-in vs. non-plug-in) to select the correct code. Traditional diesel vehicles without any electric motor assistance are classified under 8703.31 through 8703.33.

8703.40Vehicles; with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power8703.70Vehicles; with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power8703.31Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc8703.33Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500cc

Top exporters and importers of HS 870350 (the code used for diesel HEV), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870350 (the code used for diesel HEV) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 22% 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 870350, not only diesel HEV.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $3.5B
  2. 2 Slovakia $3.3B
  3. 3 United Kingdom $1.5B

World total: $9.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Italy $2.9B
  2. 2 Poland $2.0B
  3. 3 Germany $1.7B

World total: $13.1B 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 code for diesel HEV

Brazil classifies diesel HEV under NCM 8703.50.00: HS 8703.50 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about diesel HEV

What is the HS code for Diesel HEV?

The HS code for Diesel HEV is 870350 (Vehicles; with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power).

How do I classify Diesel HEV for customs?

Diesel HEV is classified under HS code 870350 — Vehicles; with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for a diesel hybrid car?

A non-plug-in diesel hybrid car is classified under HS code 8703.50.

What is the difference between 8703.50 and 8703.70?

8703.50 is for diesel hybrids that cannot be plugged in, while 8703.70 is for diesel hybrids that can be charged from an external electrical source.

Which countries are the top exporters of diesel HEV (HS 870350)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870350 (the code used for diesel HEV) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($3.5B, 36% of world exports), Slovakia ($3.3B) and the United Kingdom ($1.5B). World exports came to about $9.7B, 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 diesel HEV (HS 870350)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 870350 (the code used for diesel HEV) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($2.9B, 22% of world imports), Poland ($2.0B) and Germany ($1.7B). World imports came to about $13.1B, 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 Diesel HEV the same in all countries?

The base HS code 870350 for Diesel HEV 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 HEV in Brazil?

In Brazil, diesel HEV (HS 870350) is classified under NCM 8703.50.00.