Product classification
HS code for Drive axle: 8708.50
Vehicle parts, drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles, parts thereof.
Classification of drive axle under HS 8708.50
Drive axles for motor vehicles are classified under HS code 8708.50. This code is part of Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, and parts and accessories thereof. Heading 8708 is specifically for parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8701. Subheading 8708.50 covers drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, as well as non-driving axles. The classification is based on the part's dedicated use in a motor vehicle. A drive axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear; in vehicles, it is the component that transmits power from the transmission to the wheels. The inclusion of the differential—a gear assembly that allows wheels to rotate at different speeds—is a key identifying feature for this specific subheading. According to the Section XVII notes, parts and accessories are classified under 8708 only if they are not excluded by Note 2 to Section XVII and are suitable for use solely or principally with the vehicles of Chapter 87. Drive axles are essential components of the drivetrain and are distinct from the engine or the gearbox. The subheading 8708.50 is comprehensive, covering the axle assembly itself, the housing, and the internal shafts. This classification is used globally to track the trade of automotive components and is subject to specific rules of origin in many free trade agreements due to the high value and complexity of the assembly.
- Covers
- Rear drive axles with differentials
- Front drive axles for 4WD/AWD vehicles
- Axle housings and covers
- Half-shafts and axle shafts
- Non-driving axles (dead axles) for trailers or trucks
- Also under 8708.50
- Dana Spicer Axles
- Meritor Drive Axles
- ZF Axle Systems
- American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) Differentials
- GKN Driveline Axle Shafts
Codes often confused with 8708.50
Common mistake. Drive axles are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8483, which covers transmission shafts and cranks. However, 8483 is for general machinery parts, whereas 8708.50 is specific to motor vehicles. Another common error is 8708.40 (gear boxes), but the axle is a separate component of the drivetrain located after the gearbox.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870850 (the code used for drive axle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870850 (the code used for drive axle) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 870850, not only drive axle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $6.1B 20% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $3.2B 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.9B 9.4% of world exports
World total: $30.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.1B 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.3B 11% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $3.0B 9.6% of world imports
World total: $31.1B 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 codes for drive axle
Brazil splits HS 8708.50 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8708.50.11Dumper differential axles, load of 14 t or more
- 8708.50.12Non-driving axles for tractors and dumpers
- 8708.50.19Other drive-axles for tractors and dumpers
- 8708.50.80Axles for cars, trucks and other vehicles
- 8708.50.91Parts of non-driving axles, tractors and dumpers
- 8708.50.99Other parts of drive-axles and non-driving axles
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about drive axle
What is the HS code for Drive axle?
The HS code for Drive axle is 870850 (Vehicle parts; drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles; parts thereof). The HS code for drive-axles with differential and non-driving axles for motor vehicles is 8708.50.
How do I classify Drive axle for customs?
Drive axle is classified under HS code 870850 — Vehicle parts; drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles; parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the CV joints?
Constant Velocity (CV) joints are often classified here when they are part of the axle assembly, though they can sometimes be classified under 8483 if imported separately.
Which countries are the top exporters of drive axle (HS 870850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870850 (the code used for drive axle) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($6.1B, 20% of world exports), Mexico ($3.2B) and the United States ($2.9B). World exports came to about $30.4B, 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 drive axle (HS 870850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870850 (the code used for drive axle) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.1B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($3.3B) and Mexico ($3.0B). World imports came to about $31.1B, 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 Drive axle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870850 for Drive axle 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 drive axle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870850 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for drive axle depends on the product's details: 8708.50.11 (Dumper differential axles, load of 14 t or more), 8708.50.12 (Non-driving axles for tractors and dumpers), 8708.50.19 (Other drive-axles for tractors and dumpers), 8708.50.80 (Axles for cars, trucks and other vehicles), 8708.50.91 (Parts of non-driving axles, tractors and dumpers), 8708.50.99 (Other parts of drive-axles and non-driving axles).