Product classification
HS code for Semi-trailer truck: 8704.23
Vehicles, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Classification of semi-trailer truck under HS 8704.23
A semi-trailer truck, specifically a heavy-duty vehicle designed for the transport of goods, is classified under HS code 8704.23. This classification is determined by several factors: the vehicle's primary function (transport of goods), the engine type (compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine, commonly known as diesel or semi-diesel), and the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Heading 8704 covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. Subheading 8704.23 specifically applies to those vehicles with a GVW exceeding 20 tonnes. It is important to note that this code refers to the complete vehicle or the chassis fitted with a cab, designed to carry a load. In the context of a 'semi-trailer truck,' this code is used for the heavy trucks that carry the cargo directly on their own frame, rather than just the tractor unit that pulls a separate trailer.
- Covers
- Heavy-duty diesel freight trucks (GVW > 20 tonnes)
- Diesel dump trucks for road use (GVW > 20 tonnes)
- Refuse collection vehicles with diesel engines (GVW > 20 tonnes)
- Tanker trucks for liquids (GVW > 20 tonnes)
- Refrigerated goods transport trucks (GVW > 20 tonnes)
- Also under 8704.23
- Volvo FH16
- Mercedes-Benz Actros
- Kenworth W900
- Scania R-series
- Caterpillar 797F
Codes often confused with 8704.23
Common mistake. A very common misclassification occurs between HS code 8704.23 and 8701.20. HS code 8701.20 is specifically for 'Road tractors for semi-trailers' (the cab/unit that pulls the trailer). If the vehicle is designed solely to pull a trailer and does not have a cargo-carrying space of its own, it belongs in 8701.20. Another misclassification happens with 8704.22, which is for diesel trucks with a GVW between 5 and 20 tonnes. Accurate weighing and documentation of the Gross Vehicle Weight are essential to distinguish between these subheadings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870423 (the code used for semi-trailer truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870423 (the code used for semi-trailer truck) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Mexico reports $6.2B of its heading 8704 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 870423, not only semi-trailer truck.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $5.7B 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $3.2B 13% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $2.5B 10.0% of world exports
Mexico reports $6.2B of its heading 8704 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $25.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.9B 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.6B 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $1.6B 6.5% of world imports
World total: $24.3B 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 semi-trailer truck
Brazil splits HS 8704.23 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8704.23.10Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW over 20 tonnes
- 8704.23.20Diesel tipper trucks, GVW over 20 tonnes
- 8704.23.30Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW over 20 t
- 8704.23.40Diesel log forwarders with crane, 126 kW or more
- 8704.23.90Other diesel trucks, GVW over 20 tonnes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about semi-trailer truck
What is the HS code for Semi-trailer truck?
The HS code for Semi-trailer truck is 870423 (Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1).
How do I classify Semi-trailer truck for customs?
Semi-trailer truck is classified under HS code 870423 — Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a semi-trailer truck over 20 tonnes?
The HS code for a diesel-powered goods transport vehicle with a GVW exceeding 20 tonnes is 8704.23.
Does this code include the trailer itself?
No, trailers and semi-trailers are classified separately under heading 8716. HS code 8704.23 only covers the motorized vehicle (the truck).
Which countries are the top exporters of semi-trailer truck (HS 870423)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870423 (the code used for semi-trailer truck) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.7B, 23% of world exports), Germany ($3.2B) and Mexico ($2.5B). World exports came to about $25.0B, 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 its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of semi-trailer truck (HS 870423)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870423 (the code used for semi-trailer truck) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.9B, 12% of world imports), Germany ($2.6B) and Canada ($1.6B). World imports came to about $24.3B, 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 Semi-trailer truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870423 for Semi-trailer 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 semi-trailer truck in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870423 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for semi-trailer truck depends on the product's details: 8704.23.10 (Diesel truck chassis-cabs, GVW over 20 tonnes), 8704.23.20 (Diesel tipper trucks, GVW over 20 tonnes), 8704.23.30 (Diesel reefer/insulated trucks, GVW over 20 t), 8704.23.40 (Diesel log forwarders with crane, 126 kW or more), 8704.23.90 (Other diesel trucks, GVW over 20 tonnes).