Product classification
HS code for Tank trailers: 8716.31
Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers.
Classification of tank trailers under HS 8716.31
HS Code 8716.31 is specifically designated for tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers. These are non-self-propelled vehicles designed to be towed by a motor vehicle, specifically constructed with a permanent tank for the transport of liquids, gases, or bulk powders. The classification depends on the vehicle's lack of independent propulsion and its specialized cargo body. This code is part of the broader category for trailers and semi-trailers for the transport of goods, but specifically isolates tankers due to their unique engineering requirements for fluid containment, pressure management, and safety baffles. The classification remains 8716.31 regardless of whether the trailer is used for food-grade liquids, chemicals, or petroleum products, provided it is a trailer or semi-trailer. The distinction between a trailer (which has at least two axles and a drawbar) and a semi-trailer (which rests on the towing vehicle) is irrelevant for this specific subheading as both are included. The key factor is the permanent attachment of the tank to the chassis of the trailer.
- Covers
- Fuel tanker semi-trailers
- Milk tanker trailers
- Chemical transport trailers
- LPG tanker trailers
- Water tanker trailers for road use
- Bitumen tanker trailers
- Also under 8716.31
- Heil Tank Trailers
- Polar Tank Trailers
- Brenner Tankers
- Fruehauf Tankers
- Feldbinder Tankers
Codes often confused with 8716.31
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying tanker trailers under HS Code 8704.23 or 8704.32. These codes are for motorized tanker trucks (the entire vehicle including the engine). HS Code 8716.31 only applies to the trailer portion that is towed. Another misclassification occurs with HS Code 8606.10, which is reserved for railway tank wagons. If the tank is a removable container (ISO tank), it should be classified under 8609.00 rather than as a trailer.
Top exporters and importers of HS 871631 (the code used for tank trailers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 871631 (the code used for tank trailers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 871631, not only tank trailers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $503M 30% of world exports
- 2 Germany $163M 9.8% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $107M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $254M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $80M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 Tanzania $80M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 tank trailers
Brazil classifies tank trailers under NCM 8716.31.00: HS 8716.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tank trailers
What is the HS code for Tank trailers?
The HS code for Tank trailers is 871631 (Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers).
How do I classify Tank trailers for customs?
Tank trailers is classified under HS code 871631 — Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a fuel trailer?
A fuel trailer or semi-trailer designed to be towed by a truck is classified under HS code 8716.31.
Does 8716.31 include the truck head?
No, 8716.31 only covers the trailer. The motorized truck head (tractor unit) is classified under HS code 8701.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of tank trailers (HS 871631)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 871631 (the code used for tank trailers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($503M, 30% of world exports), Germany ($163M) and Türkiye ($107M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 tank trailers (HS 871631)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 871631 (the code used for tank trailers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($254M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($80M) and Tanzania ($80M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Tank trailers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 871631 for Tank trailers 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 tank trailers in Brazil?
In Brazil, tank trailers (HS 871631) is classified under NCM 8716.31.00.