Product classification
HS code for Electric tractor unit: 8701.24
Tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with only electric motors for propulsion.
Classification of electric tractor unit under HS 8701.24
Electric tractor units for semi-trailers are classified under HS code 8701.24. This code is part of Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. Heading 8701 is reserved for tractors, which are defined as vehicles constructed essentially for hauling or pushing another vehicle, appliance, or load. Within this heading, a distinction is made between different types of tractors based on their intended use and propulsion system. Subheading 8701.24 was specifically introduced in the 2022 HS nomenclature update to account for the technological shift toward sustainable transport, focusing on road tractors for semi-trailers that utilize only electric motors for propulsion. This means the vehicle must rely entirely on electricity stored in batteries or provided by another electrical source, without the assistance of an internal combustion engine. The classification process requires verifying that the vehicle is designed primarily to haul a semi-trailer rather than carrying a load itself. This is a critical distinction from heavy-duty trucks (8704). The vehicle must be equipped with a fifth-wheel coupling or similar device to be considered a road tractor for semi-trailers.
- Covers
- Battery-electric semi-truck tractors
- Electric road tractors for semi-trailers
- Pure electric heavy-duty haulers (road-legal)
- Electric terminal tractors (if road-legal and for semi-trailers)
- Also under 8701.24
- Tesla Semi
- Volvo VNR Electric
- Freightliner eCascadia
- Nikola Tre BEV
Codes often confused with 8701.24
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 8701.21, which is for diesel-powered road tractors, or 8701.22 and 8701.23, which cover hybrid-electric road tractors. If the vehicle has any form of internal combustion engine, it cannot be classified under 8701.24. Additionally, electric vehicles designed to carry goods rather than haul trailers are classified under 8704.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870124 (the code used for electric tractor unit), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870124 (the code used for electric tractor unit) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 19% 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 870124, not only electric tractor unit.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $431M 48% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $101M 11% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $97M 11% of world exports
World total: $895M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $119M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $57M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Switzerland $57M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $612M 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 electric tractor unit
Brazil classifies electric tractor unit under NCM 8701.24.00: HS 8701.24 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric tractor unit
What is the HS code for Electric tractor unit?
The HS code for Electric tractor unit is 870124 (Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only electric motors for propulsion). The HS code for a road tractor for semi-trailers with only electric motors for propulsion is 8701.24.
How do I classify Electric tractor unit for customs?
Electric tractor unit is classified under HS code 870124 — Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only electric motors for propulsion. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are hybrid tractors included in this code?
No, hybrid tractors are classified under 8701.22 (diesel-electric) or 8701.23 (gasoline-electric) depending on their engine type.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric tractor unit (HS 870124)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870124 (the code used for electric tractor unit) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($431M, 48% of world exports), Belgium ($101M) and Sweden ($97M). World exports came to about $895M, 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 electric tractor unit (HS 870124)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870124 (the code used for electric tractor unit) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($119M, 19% of world imports), France ($57M) and Switzerland ($57M). World imports came to about $612M, 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 Electric tractor unit the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870124 for Electric tractor unit 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 electric tractor unit in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric tractor unit (HS 870124) is classified under NCM 8701.24.00.