Product classification
HS code for Diesel PHEV: 8703.70
Vehicles, 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 power.
Classification of diesel PHEV under HS 8703.70
Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) are classified under HS code 8703.70. This classification is determined by the Harmonized System's specific provision for motor vehicles designed for the transport of persons that incorporate both a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and an electric motor. A critical requirement for this subheading is that the vehicle must be capable of being charged by plugging into an external source of electric power. This distinguishes it from standard hybrid vehicles that lack external charging capabilities. Under the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6, the technical configuration of the dual-propulsion system and the external charging interface dictate this specific placement within Chapter 87. The classification accounts for the vehicle's primary purpose of passenger transport while recognizing the advanced hybrid technology that combines traditional diesel efficiency with electric range.
- Covers
- Diesel plug-in hybrid luxury sedans
- Diesel PHEV sport utility vehicles (SUVs)
- Plug-in diesel-electric passenger vans with fewer than 10 seats
- Executive diesel hybrid cars with external charging ports
- Also under 8703.70
- Mercedes-Benz C 300 de
- BMW 530e (some diesel PHEV variants)
- Volvo S60 D5 Twin Engine (older diesel PHEV models)
Codes often confused with 8703.70
Common mistake. Diesel PHEVs are frequently misclassified under HS code 8703.3x, which is reserved for conventional diesel vehicles without electric motors. They are also often confused with HS code 8703.50, which covers diesel-electric hybrids that are not capable of being charged by plugging into an external source. Using 8703.50 for a PHEV is a common error that can lead to incorrect duty assessments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870370 (the code used for diesel PHEV), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870370 (the code used for diesel PHEV) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% 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 870370, not only diesel PHEV.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.1B 61% of world exports
- 2 United States $782M 23% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $220M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $789M 23% of world imports
- 2 Italy $426M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $421M 13% of world imports
World total: $3.4B 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 PHEV
Brazil classifies diesel PHEV under NCM 8703.70.00: HS 8703.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel PHEV
What is the HS code for Diesel PHEV?
The HS code for Diesel PHEV is 870370 (Vehicles; 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 power). The HS code for Diesel Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles is 8703.70.
How do I classify Diesel PHEV for customs?
Diesel PHEV is classified under HS code 870370 — Vehicles; 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 power. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS code 8703.70 and 8703.50?
HS code 8703.70 is for diesel hybrids that can be plugged into an external power source, whereas 8703.50 is for diesel hybrids that cannot be plugged in and rely solely on internal charging.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel PHEV (HS 870370)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870370 (the code used for diesel PHEV) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.1B, 61% of world exports), the United States ($782M) and Denmark ($220M). World exports came to about $3.4B, 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 PHEV (HS 870370)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870370 (the code used for diesel PHEV) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($789M, 23% of world imports), Italy ($426M) and Spain ($421M). World imports came to about $3.4B, 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 PHEV the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870370 for Diesel PHEV 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 PHEV in Brazil?
In Brazil, diesel PHEV (HS 870370) is classified under NCM 8703.70.00.