Product classification
HS code for Light diesel truck: 8704.21
Vehicles, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Classification of light diesel truck under HS 8704.21
Light diesel trucks are classified under HS code 8704.21. This classification is found in Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. Heading 8704 is specifically for motor vehicles for the transport of goods. The classification within this heading follows a strict hierarchy based on the engine type and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). The code 8704.21 is designated for vehicles with a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and a GVW not exceeding 5 tonnes. The GVW is defined as the maximum weight of the vehicle when fully loaded with fuel, passengers, and cargo, as specified by the manufacturer. This category typically includes light commercial vehicles used for urban delivery and small-scale logistics. The classification is objective and depends on the technical specifications of the vehicle rather than its intended use. Even if a truck is used for personal transport, if its primary design is for goods and it meets the weight and engine criteria, it falls under 8704.21.
- Covers
- Diesel pickup trucks with GVW under 5 tonnes
- Small diesel delivery vans
- Light flatbed diesel trucks
- Refrigerated light diesel trucks for local delivery
- Diesel panel vans designed for cargo
- Small diesel tipper trucks
- Also under 8704.21
- Ford Transit Custom
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (lighter variants)
- Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
- Toyota Hilux (diesel variants)
- Isuzu D-Max (diesel variants)
Codes often confused with 8704.21
Common mistake. Light diesel trucks are often confused with 8704.22, which is for diesel trucks with a GVW exceeding 5 tonnes but not exceeding 20 tonnes. Another common misclassification occurs with 8703, which covers passenger vehicles. If a vehicle (like a SUV or a dual-cab pickup) is designed for both passengers and goods, customs authorities apply specific criteria regarding the ratio of the cargo area to the passenger area to determine if it belongs in 8703 or 8704.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870421 (the code used for light diesel truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870421 (the code used for light diesel truck) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 10% 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 870421, not only light diesel truck.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $8.3B 13% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $6.4B 9.6% of world exports
- 3 Germany $5.4B 8.2% of world exports
World total: $66.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $7.5B 10% of world imports
- 2 Australia $6.2B 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $5.7B 8.0% of world imports
World total: $71.3B 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 codes for light diesel truck
Brazil splits HS 8704.21 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8704.21.10Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW up to 5 tonnes
- 8704.21.20Diesel tipper trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes
- 8704.21.30Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW up to 5 t
- 8704.21.90Other diesel trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about light diesel truck
What is the HS code for Light diesel truck?
The HS code for Light diesel truck is 870421 (Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1). The HS code for a diesel goods vehicle with a GVW of 5 tonnes or less is 8704.21.
How do I classify Light diesel truck for customs?
Light diesel truck is classified under HS code 870421 — Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is GVW calculated for classification?
GVW is the total weight of the vehicle plus its maximum allowable load (payload), as certified by the manufacturer's technical documentation.
Which countries are the top exporters of light diesel truck (HS 870421)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870421 (the code used for light diesel truck) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($8.3B, 13% of world exports), Türkiye ($6.4B) and Germany ($5.4B). World exports came to about $66.1B, 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 light diesel truck (HS 870421)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870421 (the code used for light diesel truck) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($7.5B, 10% of world imports), Australia ($6.2B) and Germany ($5.7B). World imports came to about $71.3B, 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 Light diesel truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870421 for Light diesel truck 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 light diesel truck in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870421 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for light diesel truck depends on the product's details: 8704.21.10 (Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW up to 5 tonnes), 8704.21.20 (Diesel tipper trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes), 8704.21.30 (Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW up to 5 t), 8704.21.90 (Other diesel trucks, GVW up to 5 tonnes).