Product classification
HS code for Self-charging hybrid: 8703.40
Vehicles, with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power.
Classification of self-charging hybrid under HS 8703.40
The classification of self-charging hybrid vehicles under HS code 870340 is strictly governed by their dual-propulsion architecture and the specific method by which their energy storage systems are replenished. These vehicles are equipped with both a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and an electric motor for propulsion. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, the defining characteristic of products under this code is that they are incapable of being charged by plugging into an external source of electric power. Instead, the electric motor is powered by an on-board battery that is charged through regenerative braking systems—which capture kinetic energy during deceleration—or directly by the internal combustion engine acting as a generator. This technical distinction is vital for customs purposes, as it separates these Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) from Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). The classification follows General Interpretative Rule 1, as the heading text specifically addresses the propulsion and charging limitations of the vehicle.
- Covers
- Full hybrid passenger vehicles (HEV) with petrol engines
- Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV) utilizing spark-ignition
- Self-charging hybrid SUVs and crossovers
- Parallel and series-parallel hybrid sedans without charging ports
- Regenerative braking-equipped hybrid passenger cars
- Also under 8703.40
- Toyota Prius
- Honda CR-V Hybrid
- Lexus RX 450h
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Ford Maverick Hybrid
Codes often confused with 8703.40
Common mistake. One of the most frequent errors in customs declarations is the confusion between HS code 870340 and HS code 870360. The latter is reserved for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that possess the hardware to be charged from an external electrical grid. Another common misclassification is HS code 870380, which applies exclusively to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) that have no internal combustion engine at all. Furthermore, if the vehicle utilizes a compression-ignition (diesel) engine instead of a spark-ignition (petrol) engine, it must be classified under HS code 870350. Importers must also distinguish these from non-hybrid vehicles classified under 870321 through 870324.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870340 (the code used for self-charging hybrid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870340 (the code used for self-charging hybrid) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 870340, not only self-charging hybrid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $30.1B 21% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $14.7B 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $10.2B 7.3% of world exports
World total: $140.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $28.6B 20% of world imports
- 2 France $10.6B 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $10.2B 7.1% of world imports
World total: $142.7B 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 self-charging hybrid
Brazil classifies self-charging hybrid under NCM 8703.40.00: HS 8703.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about self-charging hybrid
What is the HS code for Self-charging hybrid?
The HS code for Self-charging hybrid is 870340 (Vehicles; with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power). The correct HS code is 870340 for vehicles equipped with spark-ignition internal combustion engines and electric motors that cannot be plugged in.
How do I classify Self-charging hybrid for customs?
Self-charging hybrid is classified under HS code 870340 — Vehicles; with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, incapable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 870340 differ from 870350?
While both codes refer to self-charging hybrids, 870340 is for spark-ignition (petrol) engines, whereas 870350 is for compression-ignition (diesel) engines.
Which countries are the top exporters of self-charging hybrid (HS 870340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870340 (the code used for self-charging hybrid) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($30.1B, 21% of world exports), South Korea ($14.7B) and Germany ($10.2B). World exports came to about $140.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of self-charging hybrid (HS 870340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870340 (the code used for self-charging hybrid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($28.6B, 20% of world imports), France ($10.6B) and Italy ($10.2B). World imports came to about $142.7B, 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 Self-charging hybrid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870340 for Self-charging hybrid 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 self-charging hybrid in Brazil?
In Brazil, self-charging hybrid (HS 870340) is classified under NCM 8703.40.00.