Product classification
HS code for Semi-truck: 8701.29
Tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with other propulsion methods n.e.c. in item no 8701.2.
Classification of semi-truck under HS 8701.29
A semi-truck, technically referred to as a road tractor for semi-trailers, is classified under HS code 8701.29 when it utilizes propulsion methods other than compression-ignition internal combustion engines (diesel) or electric motors. Chapter 87 covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock. Heading 8701 is dedicated to tractors. The sub-heading 8701.2x specifically identifies road tractors for semi-trailers. While diesel-powered tractors fall under 8701.21 and electric ones under 8701.24, the 8701.29 code serves as a residual category for tractors using alternative fuels like spark-ignition engines (gasoline, LNG, or CNG) or certain hybrid configurations. The classification is based on the vehicle's primary function: to pull a semi-trailer rather than to carry a load itself, which distinguishes it from goods-transport vehicles.
- Covers
- Gasoline-powered road tractors for semi-trailers
- Natural gas-powered (LNG/CNG) heavy-duty prime movers
- Hybrid-propulsion road tractors not meeting the criteria for 8701.22 or 8701.23
- Hydrogen-powered semi-truck tractors
- Specialized road tractors for heavy hauling with non-diesel engines
- Also under 8701.29
- Peterbilt 579
- Kenworth T680
- Scania R-series
- Mercedes-Benz Actros
- Volvo FH
Codes often confused with 8701.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. While a semi-truck is used in the transport of goods, it does not have a cargo-carrying body of its own; it is a tractor. Additionally, many importers mistakenly use 8701.21 for all semi-trucks, but that code is strictly for diesel (compression-ignition) engines. If the truck is purely electric, it must be classified under 8701.24.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870129 (the code used for semi-truck), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870129 (the code used for semi-truck) 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 semi-truck.
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 semi-truck
Brazil classifies semi-truck 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 semi-truck
What is the HS code for Semi-truck?
The HS code for Semi-truck 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 road tractor for semi-trailers with alternative propulsion (non-diesel/non-electric) is 8701.29. Diesel models are 8701.21.
How do I classify Semi-truck for customs?
Semi-truck 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.
Why is a semi-truck not classified under 8704?
Heading 8704 is for vehicles that carry loads. A semi-truck is a tractor (8701) because its primary design is to pull a separate trailer via a fifth-wheel coupling.
Which countries are the top exporters of semi-truck (HS 870129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870129 (the code used for semi-truck) 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 semi-truck (HS 870129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870129 (the code used for semi-truck) 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 Semi-truck the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870129 for Semi-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-truck in Brazil?
In Brazil, semi-truck (HS 870129) is classified under NCM 8701.29.00.