Product classification
HS code for Fuel tankers: 8716.31
Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers.
Classification of fuel tankers under HS 8716.31
Fuel tankers designed as trailers or semi-trailers are classified under HS code 8716.31. This classification is governed by the provisions of Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. Heading 8716 specifically includes trailers and semi-trailers for all vehicles, as well as other vehicles not mechanically propelled. The subheading 8716.31 is designated for tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers intended for the transport of liquids or gases. It is crucial to distinguish these from motorized tanker trucks, which are classified elsewhere. The classification under 8716.31 applies to the non-motorized unit that is designed to be towed by a tractor unit. The technical specifications, such as the presence of a permanent tank and the lack of self-propulsion, are the primary factors in determining this code. This includes tankers for petroleum, chemicals, and liquefied gases.
- Covers
- Fuel semi-trailers
- Petroleum tanker trailers
- Chemical transport semi-trailers
- LPG tanker trailers
- Water tanker trailers
- Also under 8716.31
- Heil Tank Trailers
- Polar Tank Trailers
- Brenner Tankers
- Fruehauf Tankers
- Feldbinder Tankers
Codes often confused with 8716.31
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying a complete motorized tanker truck under 8716.31. Motorized tanker trucks must be classified under heading 8704, specifically 8704.23 or similar, depending on the gross vehicle weight and engine type. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 8716.39, which is a general category for other trailers. Because 8716.31 is the specific provision for tanker trailers, it must take precedence over the general category according to GRI 3(a). Furthermore, detachable tanks (containers) are classified under 8609.00 if they are designed for multi-modal transport.
Top exporters and importers of HS 871631 (the code used for fuel tankers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 871631 (the code used for fuel tankers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 871631, not only fuel tankers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $503M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $163M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $107M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $254M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $80M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Tanzania $80M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 fuel tankers
Brazil classifies fuel tankers under NCM 8716.31.00: HS 8716.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fuel tankers
What is the HS code for Fuel tankers?
The HS code for Fuel tankers is 871631 (Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers). The HS code for fuel tanker trailers and semi-trailers is 8716.31.
How do I classify Fuel tankers for customs?
Fuel tankers is classified under HS code 871631 — Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the truck head?
No, the truck head (tractor unit) is classified separately under HS code 8701.20, as it is a motorized vehicle designed to pull a semi-trailer.
Which countries are the top exporters of fuel tankers (HS 871631)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 871631 (the code used for fuel tankers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($503M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($163M) and Türkiye ($107M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 fuel tankers (HS 871631)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 871631 (the code used for fuel tankers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($254M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($80M) and Tanzania ($80M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Fuel tankers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 871631 for Fuel tankers 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 fuel tankers in Brazil?
In Brazil, fuel tankers (HS 871631) is classified under NCM 8716.31.00.