Product classification
HS code for Small diesel car: 8703.31
Vehicles, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc.
Classification of small diesel car under HS 8703.31
The classification of small diesel cars is governed by the Harmonized System under code 8703.31. This specific code identifies motor vehicles designed for the transport of persons that utilize a compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine, which is the technical definition of a diesel or semi-diesel engine. To qualify for this specific subheading, the vehicle's engine must have a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,500 cubic centimeters (cc). This classification is part of Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock. The classification process follows the General Interpretative Rules (GIR), specifically GIR 1 and 6. Customs authorities examine the primary design of the vehicle; it must be intended for passenger transport, which distinguishes it from vehicles designed for the transport of goods. The engine type is the secondary filter, and the displacement is the final metric for subheading determination. Accurate classification is essential for determining the correct import duties, taxes, and environmental levies, which often vary significantly based on engine size and fuel type.
- Covers
- Diesel-powered hatchbacks with 1.4L engines
- Compact diesel sedans with displacement under 1500cc
- Small diesel SUVs with displacement of 1498cc
- Semi-diesel passenger cars within the capacity limit
- Diesel micro-cars for urban transport
- Also under 8703.31
- Volkswagen Polo TDI (1.4L)
- Skoda Fabia TDI (1.4L)
- Ford Fiesta TDCi (1.5L)
- Hyundai i20 CRDi (1.4L)
- Suzuki Swift DDiS (1.3L)
Codes often confused with 8703.31
Common mistake. Small diesel cars are frequently misclassified under HS code 8703.21 or 8703.22. However, these codes are reserved for spark-ignition internal combustion engines (petrol/gasoline). Another common error is using HS code 8703.32, which is for diesel engines with a capacity exceeding 1,500cc but not exceeding 2,500cc. Importers must verify the exact displacement on the vehicle's technical data sheet to avoid these errors. Additionally, vehicles designed for the transport of ten or more persons are classified under 8702, regardless of engine size.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870331 (the code used for small diesel car), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870331 (the code used for small diesel car) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 27% 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 870331, not only small diesel car.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $1.9B 24% of world exports
- 2 France $1.5B 19% of world exports
- 3 Germany $879M 11% of world exports
World total: $8.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $2.2B 27% of world imports
- 2 France $771M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Morocco $707M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $8.2B 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 small diesel car
Brazil splits HS 8703.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8703.31.10Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, up to 6 seats
- 8703.31.90Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, over 6 seats
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about small diesel car
What is the HS code for Small diesel car?
The HS code for Small diesel car is 870331 (Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc). The HS code for a small diesel car with an engine capacity of 1,500cc or less is 8703.31.
How do I classify Small diesel car for customs?
Small diesel car is classified under HS code 870331 — Vehicles; with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity not over 1500cc. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include hybrid diesel vehicles?
No, hybrid vehicles that combine a diesel engine with an electric motor are generally classified under subheadings 8703.40 through 8703.70, depending on whether they are plug-in or non-plug-in hybrids.
Which countries are the top exporters of small diesel car (HS 870331)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870331 (the code used for small diesel car) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.9B, 24% of world exports), France ($1.5B) and Germany ($879M). World exports came to about $8.0B, 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 small diesel car (HS 870331)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870331 (the code used for small diesel car) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($2.2B, 27% of world imports), France ($771M) and Morocco ($707M). World imports came to about $8.2B, 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 Small diesel car the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870331 for Small diesel car 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 small diesel car in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870331 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for small diesel car depends on the product's details: 8703.31.10 (Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, up to 6 seats), 8703.31.90 (Diesel cars up to 1.5 L, over 6 seats).