Product classification
HS code for Plug-in hybrid car: 8703.60
Vehicles, with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power.
Classification of plug-in hybrid car under HS 8703.60
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are classified under HS code 8703.60. This classification is based on the vehicle's propulsion system and its ability to be recharged from an external electrical source. Under Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock, heading 8703 applies to motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons. Subheading 8703.60 is specifically reserved for vehicles that utilize both a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and an electric motor. The critical technical requirement for this code is the "plug-in" capability, meaning the vehicle must have a charging port and onboard equipment to allow the traction battery to be charged from the power grid. This distinguishes it from traditional hybrids that only charge via the internal engine or regenerative braking. The classification applies to various body styles, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs, provided they meet these specific powertrain and charging criteria.
- Covers
- PHEV sedans with spark-ignition engines
- PHEV SUVs and crossovers
- Plug-in hybrid station wagons
- Passenger vehicles with both gasoline engines and external charging ports
- Also under 8703.60
- Toyota RAV4 Prime
- BMW 330e
- Volvo XC60 Recharge
- Hyundai Tucson PHEV
- Audi Q5 TFSI e
Codes often confused with 8703.60
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with code 8703.40, which is for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are not capable of being charged by plugging into an external source. Another error involves code 8703.80, which is reserved for vehicles with only an electric motor for propulsion (Full EVs). Furthermore, if the vehicle uses a compression-ignition (diesel) engine instead of a spark-ignition (gasoline) engine, it must be classified under 8703.70, even if it has plug-in capabilities.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870360 (the code used for plug-in hybrid car), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870360 (the code used for plug-in hybrid car) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 870360, not only plug-in hybrid car.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $22.4B 25% of world exports
- 2 Germany $21.2B 23% of world exports
- 3 Japan $7.0B 7.7% of world exports
World total: $90.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $13.6B 16% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $8.8B 10% of world imports
- 3 United States $7.8B 9.2% of world imports
World total: $84.9B 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 plug-in hybrid car
Brazil classifies plug-in hybrid car under NCM 8703.60.00: HS 8703.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plug-in hybrid car
What is the HS code for Plug-in hybrid car?
The HS code for Plug-in hybrid car is 870360 (Vehicles; with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power). The HS code for a plug-in hybrid car with a gasoline (spark-ignition) engine is 8703.60.
How do I classify Plug-in hybrid car for customs?
Plug-in hybrid car is classified under HS code 870360 — Vehicles; with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include diesel hybrids?
No, plug-in hybrids with diesel (compression-ignition) engines are classified under HS code 8703.70.
Which countries are the top exporters of plug-in hybrid car (HS 870360)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870360 (the code used for plug-in hybrid car) in UN Comtrade data were China ($22.4B, 25% of world exports), Germany ($21.2B) and Japan ($7.0B). World exports came to about $90.8B, 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 plug-in hybrid car (HS 870360)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870360 (the code used for plug-in hybrid car) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($13.6B, 16% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($8.8B) and the United States ($7.8B). World imports came to about $84.9B, 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 Plug-in hybrid car the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870360 for Plug-in hybrid car 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 plug-in hybrid car in Brazil?
In Brazil, plug-in hybrid car (HS 870360) is classified under NCM 8703.60.00.