Product classification
HS code for Marine diesel engine: 8408.10
Engines, for marine propulsion, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines).
Classification of marine diesel engine under HS 8408.10
Marine diesel engines are classified under HS code 8408.10 as they are compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines specifically designed for marine propulsion. Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System deals with nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Within this chapter, heading 84.08 is dedicated to compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines). The 8408.10 subheading is a functional classification, meaning the engine must be intended for the propulsion of vessels. This distinguishes these engines from those used in land vehicles or for stationary power generation, even if the internal mechanical design is similar. The classification covers the engine itself, including its essential components like fuel pumps, injectors, and turbochargers, provided they are presented with the engine. For an engine to be classified here, it must possess features that make it suitable for marine use, such as water-cooled exhaust manifolds, specialized mounting brackets for ship hulls, or corrosion-resistant materials. Customs authorities often require technical documentation or manufacturer specifications to confirm that the engine's primary design and configuration are for marine propulsion. This classification is vital for determining applicable tariffs and ensuring compliance with maritime safety and environmental regulations.
- Covers
- Inboard diesel propulsion engines
- Diesel engines for tugboats and tankers
- Marine diesel units for pleasure craft
- Semi-diesel marine propulsion engines
- Compression-ignition engines for ship propulsion
- Also under 8408.10
- Caterpillar C32 ACERT
- Cummins QSK60
- MAN D2862 LE431
- Volvo Penta D13
- Yanmar 4JH45
Codes often confused with 8408.10
Common mistake. Marine diesel engines are often confused with outboard motors, which are classified under HS code 8407.21 if they are spark-ignition engines. They are also frequently misclassified under 8408.20 (engines for vehicles) or 8408.90 (stationary engines) if the marine propulsion intent is not clearly documented.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840810 (the code used for marine diesel engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840810 (the code used for marine diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% 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 840810, not only marine diesel engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $1.3B 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $796M 18% of world exports
- 3 Japan $537M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.4B 33% of world imports
- 2 Italy $241M 5.7% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $230M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $4.2B 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 marine diesel engine
Brazil splits HS 8408.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8408.10.10Diesel outboard motors
- 8408.10.90Other diesel marine engines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about marine diesel engine
What is the HS code for Marine diesel engine?
The HS code for Marine diesel engine is 840810 (Engines; for marine propulsion, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines)). The HS code for marine diesel engines used for propulsion is 8408.10.
How do I classify Marine diesel engine for customs?
Marine diesel engine is classified under HS code 840810 — Engines; for marine propulsion, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are diesel generators for ships classified here?
No, diesel engines used to drive generators on ships are classified under 8408.90 because they are not used for propulsion.
Which countries are the top exporters of marine diesel engine (HS 840810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840810 (the code used for marine diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.3B, 28% of world exports), Germany ($796M) and Japan ($537M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of marine diesel engine (HS 840810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840810 (the code used for marine diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.4B, 33% of world imports), Italy ($241M) and Türkiye ($230M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 Marine diesel engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840810 for Marine diesel engine 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 marine diesel engine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 840810 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for marine diesel engine depends on the product's details: 8408.10.10 (Diesel outboard motors), 8408.10.90 (Other diesel marine engines).