Product classification
HS code for Diesel truck tractors: 8701.21
Tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel).
Classification of diesel truck tractors under HS 8701.21
Diesel truck tractors are classified under HS code 8701.21. This specific heading is designated for road tractors designed for semi-trailers. Unlike standard trucks, these vehicles are not built to carry a load on their own chassis; instead, they are equipped with a coupling device, commonly known as a 'fifth wheel,' which supports and pulls a semi-trailer. The classification 8701.21 specifically identifies tractors powered by a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel). The logic behind this classification is based on the vehicle's specialized function in the logistics chain, where the tractor and trailer are separate units. To be classified here, the vehicle must be intended for road use. This distinguishes it from off-road tractors or agricultural machinery. The technical requirement for this code is the presence of the fifth-wheel mechanism and the absence of a fixed cargo-carrying body, ensuring the vehicle's sole purpose is the traction of a semi-trailer.
- Covers
- Diesel-powered semi-truck heads
- Road tractors for semi-trailers with diesel engines
- Prime movers for heavy-duty road haulage
- Diesel tractor units for articulated lorries
- Also under 8701.21
- Freightliner Cascadia
- Volvo VNL
- Kenworth T680
- Scania R-series
- Mercedes-Benz Actros
Codes often confused with 8701.21
Common mistake. These are often confused with HS code 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. The key difference is that 8704 vehicles have a built-in cargo area, while 8701.21 vehicles only pull trailers. Additionally, they may be confused with HS code 8701.91 through 8701.95, which are reserved for agricultural or forestry tractors rather than road-going semi-trailer tractors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel truck tractors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel truck 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 truck 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 truck tractors
Brazil classifies diesel truck 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 truck tractors
What is the HS code for Diesel truck tractors?
The HS code for Diesel truck 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 powered by a diesel engine is 8701.21.
How do I classify Diesel truck tractors for customs?
Diesel truck 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.
Can a truck with a flatbed be classified under 8701.21?
No, if the vehicle has a flatbed or any fixed cargo-carrying area, it must be classified under heading 8704 as a goods transport vehicle, even if it has a towing hitch.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel truck tractors (HS 870121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel truck 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 truck tractors (HS 870121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870121 (the code used for diesel truck 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 truck tractors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870121 for Diesel truck 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 truck tractors in Brazil?
In Brazil, diesel truck tractors (HS 870121) is classified under NCM 8701.21.00.