Product classification
HS code for E-bus: 8702.40
Vehicles, public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only electric motor for propulsion, new or used.
Classification of E-bus under HS 8702.40
Electric buses are classified under HS code 8702.40, which is designated for public-transport type motor vehicles designed for the transport of ten or more persons, including the driver, powered solely by an electric motor for propulsion. This code was specifically introduced to distinguish zero-emission electric vehicles from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and hybrids. The classification depends on two primary criteria: the seating capacity (minimum 10 persons) and the propulsion system (exclusively electric). This includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that store energy in onboard battery packs. The classification remains consistent whether the bus is used for urban transit, school transportation, or long-distance touring, as long as the passenger threshold and electric-only propulsion requirements are met. The technical specifications of the battery or the charging method (plug-in vs. pantograph) do not change the primary classification under 8702.40.
- Covers
- Battery electric city transit buses
- Electric school buses with 10+ seats
- Electric airport shuttle buses
- Articulated electric buses for high-capacity transit
- Electric motor coaches for long-distance travel
- Also under 8702.40
- BYD K9
- Proterra Catalyst
- VDL Citea Electric
- Yutong E12
- Solaris Urbino 12 Electric
Codes often confused with 8702.40
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying electric buses under HS code 8702.10 or 8702.90. Code 8702.10 is reserved for vehicles with compression-ignition internal combustion engines (diesel), while 8702.90 is a residual category for other engine types. Another common mistake is using 8703.80, which is for electric passenger vehicles; however, 8703 only applies to vehicles designed for fewer than ten people. Hybrid electric buses (HEVs) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Buses (PHEVs) must be classified under 8702.20 or 8702.30, depending on their engine configuration, rather than 8702.40. Accurate seat counting is essential, as a vehicle with 9 seats would fall under 8703.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870240 (the code used for E-bus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870240 (the code used for E-bus) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 11% 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 870240, not only E-bus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.3B 44% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.3B 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $402M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $7.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $726M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $590M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Chile $413M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 codes for E-bus
Brazil splits HS 8702.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8702.40.10Trolleybuses
- 8702.40.90Electric buses, excluding trolleybuses
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about E-bus
What is the HS code for E-bus?
The HS code for E-bus is 870240 (Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only electric motor for propulsion, new or used).
How do I classify E-bus for customs?
E-bus is classified under HS code 870240 — Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only electric motor for propulsion, new or used. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for an electric bus?
The correct HS code for a public transport vehicle with 10 or more seats powered only by an electric motor is 8702.40.
Are trolleybuses classified under this code?
Trolleybuses that draw power from overhead wires but are designed for public transport of 10+ people are generally included in 8702.40, as they are propelled by an electric motor, though some jurisdictions may have specific sub-national codes for them.
Which countries are the top exporters of E-bus (HS 870240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870240 (the code used for E-bus) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.3B, 44% of world exports), Poland ($1.3B) and Germany ($402M). World exports came to about $7.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of E-bus (HS 870240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870240 (the code used for E-bus) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($726M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($590M) and Chile ($413M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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 E-bus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870240 for E-bus 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 E-bus in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870240 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for E-bus depends on the product's details: 8702.40.10 (Trolleybuses), 8702.40.90 (Electric buses, excluding trolleybuses).