Product classification
HS code for Light hybrid truck: 8704.51
Vehicles, with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motors for propulsion, of a g.v.w. not exceeding 5,000kg.
Classification of light hybrid truck under HS 8704.51
The classification of light hybrid trucks under HS code 8704.51 is a result of recent updates to the Harmonized System to better categorize electrified vehicles. This code applies to vehicles that utilize both a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and one or more electric motors for propulsion. To qualify for this specific code, the vehicle must be primarily designed for the transport of goods and have a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 5,000 kg (5 tonnes). The inclusion of both power sources is the defining technical characteristic. Unlike traditional gasoline trucks, the hybrid nature requires a specific subheading that acknowledges the dual-propulsion system. This classification follows the hierarchical structure of Chapter 87, which separates vehicles by their primary function (goods vs. passengers) and then by their engine technology and weight class. The classification remains 8704.51 regardless of whether the vehicle is a standard hybrid (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), provided the internal combustion engine is a spark-ignition type. This ensures that customs authorities can accurately track the trade of modern, lower-emission commercial vehicles separately from traditional internal combustion engine trucks.
- Covers
- Hybrid pickup trucks (gasoline-electric)
- Plug-in hybrid delivery vans (PHEV)
- Light-duty hybrid box trucks under 5 tonnes
- Hybrid utility vehicles designed for cargo
- Gasoline-electric hybrid chassis-cabs for goods transport
- Also under 8704.51
- Ford Maverick Hybrid
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (commercial variants)
- Hyundai Santa Cruz Hybrid
- Ram 1500 eTorque (mild hybrid)
Codes often confused with 8704.51
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 8704.41, which covers hybrid trucks with compression-ignition (diesel) engines. It is also frequently misclassified under 8704.60, which is strictly for purely electric vehicles (EVs) that do not possess an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, if the vehicle is primarily for passenger transport, it belongs in 8703.40 or 8703.60.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870451 (the code used for light hybrid truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870451 (the code used for light hybrid truck) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 45% of world imports. Mexico reports $6.2B of its heading 8704 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 870451, not only light hybrid truck.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 27% of world exports
- 2 South Africa $1.1B 25% of world exports
- 3 United States $764M 18% of world exports
Mexico reports $6.2B of its heading 8704 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $4.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.7B 45% of world imports
- 2 Canada $1.1B 18% of world imports
- 3 Australia $862M 14% of world imports
World total: $6.0B 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 light hybrid truck
Brazil classifies light hybrid truck under NCM 8704.51.00: HS 8704.51 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about light hybrid truck
What is the HS code for Light hybrid truck?
The HS code for Light hybrid truck is 870451 (Vehicles; with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motors for propulsion, of a g.v.w. not exceeding 5,000kg). The HS code for a light hybrid truck (spark-ignition) with a GVW not exceeding 5 tonnes is 8704.51.
How do I classify Light hybrid truck for customs?
Light hybrid truck is classified under HS code 870451 — Vehicles; with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motors for propulsion, of a g.v.w. not exceeding 5,000kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include plug-in hybrids?
Yes, HS code 8704.51 includes both standard hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, as long as they use a spark-ignition engine and are for goods transport.
Which countries are the top exporters of light hybrid truck (HS 870451)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870451 (the code used for light hybrid truck) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 27% of world exports), South Africa ($1.1B) and the United States ($764M). World exports came to about $4.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $6.2B of its heading 8704 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of light hybrid truck (HS 870451)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870451 (the code used for light hybrid truck) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.7B, 45% of world imports), Canada ($1.1B) and Australia ($862M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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 hybrid truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870451 for Light hybrid 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 hybrid truck in Brazil?
In Brazil, light hybrid truck (HS 870451) is classified under NCM 8704.51.00.