Product classification
HS code for EV: 8703.80
Vehicles, with only electric motor for propulsion.
Classification of EV under HS 8703.80
Electric Vehicles (EVs) designed for the transport of persons are classified under HS code 8703.80. This classification is part of the broader heading 8703, which encompasses motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of people. The specific subheading 8703.80 was established to categorize vehicles that rely solely on an electric motor for propulsion. This distinguishes them from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and various types of hybrids. The classification is determined by the propulsion system; for a vehicle to fall under 8703.80, it must not possess a spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engine as a source of power. This includes all-electric sedans, hatchbacks, and sport utility vehicles. The shift toward this specific code reflects the global customs community's need to track the trade of zero-emission vehicles separately from fossil-fuel-dependent transport, ensuring accurate data for environmental policy and tariff application.
- Covers
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) for passenger use
- Electric luxury sedans and hatchbacks
- Electric Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
- Electric multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs)
- Small electric city cars designed for road use
- Also under 8703.80
- Tesla Model 3
- Nissan Leaf
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
Codes often confused with 8703.80
Common mistake. EVs are frequently confused with HS code 8703.60, which covers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They are also confused with 8703.40, which covers non-plug-in hybrids (HEVs). Another error involves 8703.10, which is for specialized vehicles like golf carts or snowmobiles, even if they are electric-powered.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870380 (the code used for EV), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870380 (the code used for EV) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 12% 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 870380, not only EV.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $45.2B 31% of world exports
- 2 China $36.4B 25% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $8.9B 6.2% of world exports
World total: $143.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $17.7B 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $16.0B 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $11.8B 7.9% of world imports
World total: $149.4B 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 code for EV
Brazil classifies EV under NCM 8703.80.00: HS 8703.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about EV
What is the HS code for EV?
The HS code for EV is 870380 (Vehicles; with only electric motor for propulsion). The HS code for a fully electric passenger vehicle is 8703.80.
How do I classify EV for customs?
EV is classified under HS code 870380 — Vehicles; with only electric motor for propulsion. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electric motorcycles included in this code?
No, electric motorcycles are classified under HS code 8711.60, as heading 8703 is specifically for four-wheeled motor cars and similar vehicles.
Which countries are the top exporters of EV (HS 870380)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870380 (the code used for EV) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($45.2B, 31% of world exports), China ($36.4B) and Mexico ($8.9B). World exports came to about $143.6B, 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 EV (HS 870380)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870380 (the code used for EV) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($17.7B, 12% of world imports), the United States ($16.0B) and Germany ($11.8B). World imports came to about $149.4B, 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 EV the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870380 for EV 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 EV in Brazil?
In Brazil, EV (HS 870380) is classified under NCM 8703.80.00.