Product classification
HS code for Electric van: 8704.60
Vehicles, with only electric motor for propulsion.
Classification of electric van under HS 8704.60
The HS code 8704.60 is used for the classification of electric vans designed for the transport of goods. Chapter 87 covers all land vehicles, and heading 8704 is specifically for motor vehicles for the transport of goods. With the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System, 8704.60 was established to specifically categorize vehicles with only electric motors for propulsion. This classification applies to light commercial vehicles, such as delivery vans, provided their primary purpose is the carriage of cargo rather than passengers. To be classified here, the van must not possess an internal combustion engine; it must be a pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The distinction between 8704 (goods transport) and 8703 (passenger transport) is vital. Customs authorities look for features like the absence of rear windows, the presence of a permanent partition between the driver and the load area, and the lack of passenger amenities in the rear to confirm classification under 8704. If a van is designed to carry both people and goods, its classification depends on its primary design characteristics as outlined in the Explanatory Notes to heading 8703 and 8704.
- Covers
- Electric delivery vans
- Electric panel vans
- Electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs)
- Electric box trucks (lightweight)
- Electric refrigerated vans
- Also under 8704.60
- Tesla Semi
- Rivian EDV
- Ford E-Transit
- Mercedes-Benz eSprinter
- Volvo VNR Electric
- BYD eT3
Codes often confused with 8704.60
Common mistake. Electric vans are frequently misclassified under 8703.80 if they are mistaken for passenger vehicles. Conversely, they may be misclassified under 8704.21 if the user assumes the code for traditional diesel vans applies. It is also common to see errors involving hybrid vans, which should be classified under 8704.41 through 8704.52, depending on the engine type and weight.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870460 (the code used for electric van), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870460 (the code used for electric van) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 13% 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 870460, not only electric van.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.0B 23% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $1.2B 14% of world exports
- 3 France $1.2B 13% of world exports
World total: $8.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $1.1B 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $797M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 Norway $683M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $8.2B 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 van
Brazil classifies electric van under NCM 8704.60.00: HS 8704.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric van
What is the HS code for Electric van?
The HS code for Electric van is 870460 (Vehicles; with only electric motor for propulsion). The HS code for a vehicle designed for the transport of goods with only an electric motor for propulsion is 8704.60.
How do I classify Electric van for customs?
Electric van is classified under HS code 870460 — Vehicles; with only electric motor for propulsion. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a passenger van be classified under 8704.60?
No, if the van is primarily designed for the transport of persons, it must be classified under HS code 8703.80.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric van (HS 870460)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870460 (the code used for electric van) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.0B, 23% of world exports), Türkiye ($1.2B) and France ($1.2B). World exports came to about $8.7B, 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 electric van (HS 870460)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870460 (the code used for electric van) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($1.1B, 13% of world imports), Germany ($797M) and Norway ($683M). World imports came to about $8.2B, 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 van the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870460 for Electric 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 electric van in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric van (HS 870460) is classified under NCM 8704.60.00.