Product classification
HS code for Prime mover: 8701.29
Tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with other propulsion methods n.e.c. in item no 8701.2.
Classification of prime mover under HS 8701.29
The classification of a prime mover under HS code 8701.29 is based on its function as a road tractor designed specifically for towing semi-trailers. Heading 8701 encompasses all tractors, which are motor vehicles constructed essentially for hauling or pushing another vehicle or load. Within this heading, the 8701.2x series is dedicated to road tractors for semi-trailers. Subheading 8701.29 is a residual category for vehicles that utilize propulsion methods not covered by the more specific codes 8701.21 through 8701.24. This includes vehicles powered solely by spark-ignition internal combustion engines (gasoline) or other alternative systems like hydrogen combustion that do not involve electric motors in a hybrid configuration. This code ensures that road tractors with less common engine types are accurately categorized separately from the standard diesel or electric models. The classification depends on the vehicle being designed for road use rather than agricultural or industrial off-road use.
- Covers
- Spark-ignition (gasoline) road tractors for semi-trailers
- Hydrogen internal combustion engine prime movers
- Ethanol-powered road tractors for semi-trailers
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) powered prime movers
- Alternative fuel road tractors not elsewhere classified
- Also under 8701.29
- Peterbilt 579
- Kenworth T680
- Scania R-series
- Mercedes-Benz Actros
- Volvo FH
Codes often confused with 8701.29
Common mistake. Prime movers are often misclassified under HS code 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. However, because a prime mover does not have a dedicated cargo-carrying space and is designed to pull a semi-trailer, it must stay in 8701. Another common error is using 8701.21, which is specifically for road tractors with compression-ignition internal combustion engines (diesel). If the vehicle uses an alternative propulsion method not involving a hybrid or pure electric drive, 8701.29 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870129 (the code used for prime mover), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870129 (the code used for prime mover) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Lithuania, with 14% 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 870129, not only prime mover.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $444M 57% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $90M 11% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $56M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $780M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Lithuania $117M 14% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $95M 11% of world imports
- 3 Nigeria $77M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $843M 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 prime mover
Brazil classifies prime mover under NCM 8701.29.00: HS 8701.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about prime mover
What is the HS code for Prime mover?
The HS code for Prime mover is 870129 (Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with other propulsion methods n.e.c. in item no 8701.2). The HS code for a prime mover (road tractor for semi-trailers) with alternative propulsion methods is 8701.29.
How do I classify Prime mover for customs?
Prime mover is classified under HS code 870129 — Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with other propulsion methods n.e.c. in item no 8701.2. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a tractor used for farming be classified under 8701.29?
No, agricultural tractors are generally classified under HS code 8701.91 through 8701.95. Code 8701.29 is specifically for road tractors designed to pull semi-trailers on public highways.
Which countries are the top exporters of prime mover (HS 870129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870129 (the code used for prime mover) in UN Comtrade data were China ($444M, 57% of world exports), the Netherlands ($90M) and Brazil ($56M). World exports came to about $780M, 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 prime mover (HS 870129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870129 (the code used for prime mover) in UN Comtrade data were Lithuania ($117M, 14% of world imports), the Netherlands ($95M) and Nigeria ($77M). World imports came to about $843M, 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 Prime mover the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870129 for Prime mover 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 prime mover in Brazil?
In Brazil, prime mover (HS 870129) is classified under NCM 8701.29.00.