Product classification
HS code for Diesel semi-trailer tractors: 8701.21
Tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel).
Classification of diesel semi-trailer tractors under HS 8701.21
Road tractors for semi-trailers equipped solely with a diesel or semi-diesel compression-ignition internal combustion engine are classified under HS code 870121. Heading 8701 covers tractors, which are defined as vehicles constructed essentially for hauling or pushing another vehicle, appliance, or load. Subheading 870121 is specific to road tractors for semi-trailers, which are the motorized units designed to pull trailers in a semi-trailer configuration. The classification is further narrowed by the engine type; it must only have a diesel engine. If the tractor were to include an electric motor for hybrid propulsion, it would move to a different subheading. The distinction is vital for customs purposes as road tractors are treated differently from goods-transport vehicles (8704) because they do not have a significant load-carrying area of their own. The classification is based on the vehicle's primary design as a towing unit for semi-trailers on public roads.
- Covers
- Diesel semi-truck tractors
- Heavy-duty diesel road tractors
- Prime movers for semi-trailers (diesel only)
- Fifth-wheel diesel tractor units
- Also under 8701.21
- Freightliner Cascadia
- Volvo VNL
- Kenworth T680
- Scania R-series
- Mercedes-Benz Actros
Codes often confused with 8701.21
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 870423, which is for heavy diesel trucks designed to carry goods on their own chassis. It is also confused with 870122, which is the code for hybrid road tractors for semi-trailers. Additionally, agricultural tractors are classified under 870191 through 870195 and should not be confused with road tractors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel semi-trailer tractors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel semi-trailer tractors) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 870121, not only diesel semi-trailer tractors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $6.2B 15% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $5.8B 14% of world exports
- 3 China $4.8B 12% of world exports
World total: $40.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.5B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Poland $2.0B 5.2% of world imports
World total: $37.5B 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 semi-trailer tractors
Brazil classifies diesel semi-trailer tractors under NCM 8701.21.00: HS 8701.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel semi-trailer tractors
What is the HS code for Diesel semi-trailer tractors?
The HS code for Diesel semi-trailer tractors is 870121 (Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)). The HS code for road tractors for semi-trailers with only a diesel engine is 870121.
How do I classify Diesel semi-trailer tractors for customs?
Diesel semi-trailer tractors is classified under HS code 870121 — Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 870121 and 870423?
870121 is for the tractor unit that pulls a semi-trailer, while 870423 is for a rigid truck that carries the load on its own frame.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel semi-trailer tractors (HS 870121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel semi-trailer tractors) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.2B, 15% of world exports), the Netherlands ($5.8B) and China ($4.8B). World exports came to about $40.7B, 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 semi-trailer tractors (HS 870121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel semi-trailer tractors) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.5B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and Poland ($2.0B). World imports came to about $37.5B, 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 semi-trailer tractors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870121 for Diesel semi-trailer tractors 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 semi-trailer tractors in Brazil?
In Brazil, diesel semi-trailer tractors (HS 870121) is classified under NCM 8701.21.00.