Product classification
HS code for Semi-trucks: 8701.21
Tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel).
Classification of semi-trucks under HS 8701.21
Semi-trucks, specifically road tractors for semi-trailers, are classified under HS code 870121. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. Heading 8701 is dedicated to tractors, which are defined in the Explanatory Notes as wheeled or track-laying vehicles constructed essentially for hauling or pushing another vehicle, appliance, or load. Subheading 870121 is specific to road tractors for semi-trailers that utilize a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). The primary distinguishing feature of these vehicles is the presence of a fifth-wheel coupling device, which allows them to support and pull a semi-trailer. Unlike standard trucks, these tractors are not designed to carry a significant load on their own chassis, but rather to provide the motive power for a separate trailer unit. The classification remains consistent regardless of the number of axles or the gross vehicle weight, provided the engine type is diesel and the primary function is towing semi-trailers.
- Covers
- Heavy-duty diesel road tractors
- Prime movers for semi-trailers
- Day cab semi-tractors
- Sleeper cab semi-tractors
- Three-axle diesel road tractors
- Also under 8701.21
- Freightliner Cascadia
- Volvo VNL
- Kenworth T680
- Scania R-series
- Mercedes-Benz Actros
Codes often confused with 8701.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. While both semi-trucks and cargo trucks transport goods, 8704 applies to vehicles with a fixed cargo bed or chassis designed to carry the load directly. Semi-trucks are classified under 8701 because they are tractors. Another common error involves HS code 870122, 870123, or 870124, which are reserved for tractors with electric motors or spark-ignition engines. Importers must verify the engine type (compression-ignition vs. spark-ignition) to ensure the correct 6-digit subheading is applied.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870121 (the code used for semi-trucks), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870121 (the code used for semi-trucks) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 870121, not only semi-trucks.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $6.2B 15% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $5.8B 14% of world exports
- 3 China $4.8B 12% of world exports
World total: $40.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.5B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $2.4B 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Poland $2.0B 5.2% of world imports
World total: $37.5B 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-trucks
Brazil classifies semi-trucks under NCM 8701.21.00: HS 8701.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about semi-trucks
What is the HS code for Semi-trucks?
The HS code for Semi-trucks is 870121 (Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)). The HS code for semi-trucks with diesel engines is 870121. If the truck has a different engine type, such as electric or hybrid, the code will change within the 8701 heading.
How do I classify Semi-trucks for customs?
Semi-trucks is classified under HS code 870121 — Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the trailer?
No, trailers are classified separately under heading 8716. HS code 870121 only covers the tractor unit (the motorized part of the vehicle).
Which countries are the top exporters of semi-trucks (HS 870121)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870121 (the code used for semi-trucks) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.2B, 15% of world exports), the Netherlands ($5.8B) and China ($4.8B). World exports came to about $40.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of semi-trucks (HS 870121)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870121 (the code used for semi-trucks) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.5B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($2.4B) and Poland ($2.0B). World imports came to about $37.5B, 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-trucks the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870121 for Semi-trucks 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-trucks in Brazil?
In Brazil, semi-trucks (HS 870121) is classified under NCM 8701.21.00.