Product classification

HS code for Truck diesel engine: 8408.20

Engines, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87.

Classification of truck diesel engine under HS 8408.20

Truck diesel engines are classified under HS code 8408.20. This classification is based on the engine's combustion type and its intended application. Heading 8408 covers compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines, commonly known as diesel or semi-diesel engines. Subheading 8408.20 specifically identifies those engines "of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of Chapter 87." This distinguishes them from engines used for marine propulsion or stationary industrial applications. The classification remains 8408.20 regardless of whether the engine is new or reconditioned, provided it is a complete compression-ignition engine designed for vehicle use. The engine must be imported as a functional unit, though it may lack certain auxiliary components like the radiator or battery. This code is vital for the automotive supply chain, ensuring that heavy-duty power plants are tracked separately from smaller passenger car engines or industrial generators.

Covers
  • Heavy-duty truck diesel engines
  • Semi-truck compression-ignition engines
  • Turbo-diesel engines for transport vehicles
  • Diesel engines for tractors
  • Reconditioned truck diesel engines
Also under 8408.20
  • Cummins X15
  • Detroit Diesel DD15
  • Mercedes-Benz OM471
  • Ford Power Stroke 6.7L
  • Volkswagen TDI 2.0L

Codes often confused with 8408.20

Common mistake. Truck engines are often misclassified under 8407.34, which is reserved for spark-ignition (gasoline) engines. They may also be confused with 8408.90, which covers stationary diesel engines used for generators or pumps. Furthermore, individual engine parts like pistons or valves should not be classified here; they belong under 8409.99.

8407.34Engines; reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1000cc8408.90Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of chapter 878409.99Engines; parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)

Top exporters and importers of HS 840820 (the code used for truck diesel engine), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840820 (the code used for truck diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 18% 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 840820, not only truck diesel engine.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $4.5B
  2. 2 Germany $3.9B
  3. 3 Sweden $2.2B

World total: $27.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $5.3B
  2. 2 United States $2.7B
  3. 3 Germany $2.6B

World total: $28.9B 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 truck diesel engine

Brazil splits HS 8408.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8408.20.10Diesel vehicle engines, 1,500 cm³ or less
  • 8408.20.20Diesel vehicle engines, over 1,500 to 2,500 cm³
  • 8408.20.30Diesel vehicle engines, over 2,500 to 3,500 cm³
  • 8408.20.90Diesel vehicle engines, over 3,500 cm³

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about truck diesel engine

What is the HS code for Truck diesel engine?

The HS code for Truck diesel engine is 840820 (Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87). The HS code for compression-ignition (diesel) engines used for the propulsion of trucks is 8408.20.

How do I classify Truck diesel engine for customs?

Truck diesel engine is classified under HS code 840820 — Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the truck's gearbox?

No, the gearbox or transmission is classified separately under HS code 8708.40 as a vehicle part, even if attached to the engine during shipping.

Which countries are the top exporters of truck diesel engine (HS 840820)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840820 (the code used for truck diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.5B, 16% of world exports), Germany ($3.9B) and Sweden ($2.2B). World exports came to about $27.6B, 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 truck diesel engine (HS 840820)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 840820 (the code used for truck diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($5.3B, 18% of world imports), the United States ($2.7B) and Germany ($2.6B). World imports came to about $28.9B, 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 Truck diesel engine the same in all countries?

The base HS code 840820 for Truck diesel engine 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 truck diesel engine in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 840820 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for truck diesel engine depends on the product's details: 8408.20.10 (Diesel vehicle engines, 1,500 cm³ or less), 8408.20.20 (Diesel vehicle engines, over 1,500 to 2,500 cm³), 8408.20.30 (Diesel vehicle engines, over 2,500 to 3,500 cm³), 8408.20.90 (Diesel vehicle engines, over 3,500 cm³).