Product classification
HS code for Diesel van: 8704.21
Vehicles, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Classification of diesel van under HS 8704.21
A diesel van designed for the transport of goods with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 5 tonnes is classified under HS code 870421. Heading 8704 covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. The classification within this heading depends on the engine type and the weight capacity. Code 870421 specifies vehicles with a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). The 21 suffix indicates the weight threshold of 5 tonnes or less. This includes light commercial vehicles used for deliveries and logistics. To be classified here, the vehicle's primary design must be for hauling cargo rather than passengers. If a van has windows and seats in the rear compartment, it may be reclassified under 8703 as a passenger vehicle, making the physical configuration of the interior a key factor in determining the correct code. The GVW is the maximum weight of the vehicle plus its load capacity as specified by the manufacturer.
- Covers
- Light commercial diesel vans
- Diesel pickup trucks (goods transport)
- Diesel delivery vans under 5 tonnes GVW
- Panel vans with diesel engines
- Also under 8704.21
- Ford Transit Custom
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (lighter variants)
- Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
- Toyota Hilux (diesel variants)
- Isuzu D-Max (diesel variants)
Codes often confused with 8704.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is under 8703, which is for passenger vehicles; this occurs if the van has rear seating. Another error is using 870422, which is for diesel trucks with a GVW between 5 and 20 tonnes. Importers also occasionally use 870431, which is for gasoline-powered vans of the same weight class.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870421 (the code used for diesel van), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870421 (the code used for diesel van) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 10% 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 870421, not only diesel van.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $8.3B 13% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $6.4B 9.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $5.4B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $66.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $7.5B 10% of world imports
- 2 Australia $6.2B 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $5.7B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $71.3B 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 van
Brazil splits HS 8704.21 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8704.21.10Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW up to 5 tonnes
- 8704.21.20Diesel tipper trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes
- 8704.21.30Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW up to 5 t
- 8704.21.90Other diesel trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel van
What is the HS code for Diesel van?
The HS code for Diesel van is 870421 (Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1). The HS code for a diesel van for goods transport with a GVW not exceeding 5 tonnes is 870421.
How do I classify Diesel van for customs?
Diesel van is classified under HS code 870421 — Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I classify a van with seats in the back?
If the van is primarily for passenger transport, it should be classified under heading 8703 rather than 870421.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel van (HS 870421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870421 (the code used for diesel van) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($8.3B, 13% of world exports), Türkiye ($6.4B) and Germany ($5.4B). World exports came to about $66.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of diesel van (HS 870421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870421 (the code used for diesel van) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($7.5B, 10% of world imports), Australia ($6.2B) and Germany ($5.7B). World imports came to about $71.3B, 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 van the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870421 for Diesel van 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 van in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870421 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for diesel van depends on the product's details: 8704.21.10 (Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW up to 5 tonnes), 8704.21.20 (Diesel tipper trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes), 8704.21.30 (Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW up to 5 t), 8704.21.90 (Other diesel trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes).