Product classification
HS code for Hybrid bus: 8702.30
Vehicles, public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, new or used.
Classification of hybrid bus under HS 8702.30
The classification of a hybrid bus under HS code 8702.30 is determined by the vehicle's primary design for public transport and its specific dual-propulsion system. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 8702 covers motor vehicles designed to transport ten or more persons, including the driver. Subheading 8702.30 is specifically designated for vehicles that utilize both a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and an electric motor for propulsion. This classification applies regardless of whether the vehicle is new or used. The hybrid nature of the vehicle must involve an integrated system where both the diesel engine and the electric motor contribute to the mechanical drive of the bus. This code is essential for customs authorities to track the adoption of lower-emission public transit technologies and apply the correct environmental tariffs or incentives.
- Covers
- Hybrid diesel-electric city buses
- Articulated hybrid diesel buses for public transit
- Intercity hybrid coaches with 10+ seats and diesel-electric engines
- Used hybrid diesel-electric shuttle buses (10+ capacity)
- Also under 8702.30
- Volvo 7900 Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz Citaro Hybrid
- BYD K9M Hybrid
- New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE HFS
- Gillig BRT Plus Hybrid
Codes often confused with 8702.30
Common mistake. Hybrid buses are frequently misclassified under 8702.10, which is reserved for vehicles with only a compression-ignition internal combustion engine (pure diesel). Another common error is using 8702.40, which is strictly for vehicles with only an electric motor for propulsion (pure EV). Furthermore, if the bus uses a spark-ignition (gasoline) hybrid system instead of diesel, it must be classified under 8702.20. Importers must verify the engine type and the presence of the electric motor to avoid these errors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870230 (the code used for hybrid bus), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870230 (the code used for hybrid bus) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 48% 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 870230, not only hybrid bus.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $90M 57% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $21M 14% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $11M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $157M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $215M 48% of world imports
- 2 Nigeria $99M 22% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $34M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $447M 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 hybrid bus
Brazil classifies hybrid bus under NCM 8702.30.00: HS 8702.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hybrid bus
What is the HS code for Hybrid bus?
The HS code for Hybrid bus is 870230 (Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, new or used). The HS code for a hybrid bus designed to carry 10 or more people, equipped with both a diesel engine and an electric motor, is 8702.30.
How do I classify Hybrid bus for customs?
Hybrid bus is classified under HS code 870230 — Vehicles; public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor for propulsion, new or used. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plug-in hybrid buses?
Yes, subheading 8702.30 covers both non-plug-in (HEV) and plug-in (PHEV) diesel-electric buses, as the current nomenclature for heading 8702 does not differentiate between charging methods for diesel hybrids.
Which countries are the top exporters of hybrid bus (HS 870230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870230 (the code used for hybrid bus) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($90M, 57% of world exports), Czechia ($21M) and Sweden ($11M). World exports came to about $157M, 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 hybrid bus (HS 870230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870230 (the code used for hybrid bus) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($215M, 48% of world imports), Nigeria ($99M) and the Netherlands ($34M). World imports came to about $447M, 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 Hybrid bus the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870230 for Hybrid 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 hybrid bus in Brazil?
In Brazil, hybrid bus (HS 870230) is classified under NCM 8702.30.00.