Product classification
HS code for Tractor unit: 8701.29
Tractors, road tractors for semi-trailers, with other propulsion methods n.e.c. in item no 8701.2.
Classification of tractor unit under HS 8701.29
A tractor unit, specifically a road tractor for semi-trailers, is classified under HS code 8701.29 when it features propulsion systems other than traditional compression-ignition (diesel) or electric motors. Heading 8701 covers all tractors, and the 8701.2 series is dedicated to road tractors for semi-trailers. These are motor vehicles designed solely or primarily for towing semi-trailers. Unlike trucks in heading 8704, tractor units do not have a load-carrying platform or body for transporting goods directly; instead, they feature a "fifth wheel" coupling device. Sub-heading 8701.29 is a residual category for "other" propulsion types, which may include spark-ignition engines (gasoline), natural gas (LNG/CNG) engines without electric hybridization, or other emerging propulsion technologies not specifically listed in 8701.21 through 8701.24.
- Covers
- Semi-truck tractor units (non-diesel)
- Gas-powered road tractors
- Fifth-wheel tractor units
- Heavy-duty road tractors for semi-trailers
- Terminal tractors (if for road use)
- 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 is under HS code 8704, which covers motor vehicles for the transport of goods. The key difference is that 8704 vehicles have a cargo area, while 8701.29 vehicles only have a coupling for a trailer. Another error is using 8701.21, which is strictly for diesel-powered (compression-ignition) road tractors. Importers must verify the engine type to choose between 8701.21, 8701.22 (electric), and 8701.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870129 (the code used for tractor unit), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870129 (the code used for tractor unit) 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 tractor unit.
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 tractor unit
Brazil classifies tractor unit 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 tractor unit
What is the HS code for Tractor unit?
The HS code for Tractor unit is 870129 (Tractors; road tractors for semi-trailers, with other propulsion methods n.e.c. in item no 8701.2). Road tractor units for semi-trailers with "other" propulsion are classified under 8701.29. Diesel units are 8701.21.
How do I classify Tractor unit for customs?
Tractor unit 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.
What is the difference between a tractor unit and a truck?
A tractor unit (8701) is designed to pull a semi-trailer via a fifth wheel, whereas a truck (8704) has its own integrated cargo-carrying body.
Which countries are the top exporters of tractor unit (HS 870129)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870129 (the code used for tractor unit) 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 tractor unit (HS 870129)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870129 (the code used for tractor unit) 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 Tractor unit the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870129 for Tractor unit 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 tractor unit in Brazil?
In Brazil, tractor unit (HS 870129) is classified under NCM 8701.29.00.