Product classification
HS code for Vehicle axle: 8708.50
Vehicle parts, drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles, parts thereof.
Classification of vehicle axle under HS 8708.50
Vehicle axles are classified under HS code 8708.50 because they are identified as essential transmission components within the category of parts and accessories for motor vehicles of headings 87.01 to 87.05. This specific subheading encompasses drive-axles equipped with differentials, regardless of whether they are provided with other transmission components, as well as non-driving axles. The classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically Rule 1 and Rule 6, which prioritize the specific description of the component as a part of a vehicle's drivetrain or suspension system. Because these components are dedicated solely to the structural and mechanical operation of motor vehicles, they fall squarely within Chapter 87.
- Covers
- Drive-axles with differential assemblies
- Non-driving front and rear axles
- Axle housings and beams
- Stub axles and steering knuckles
- Half-shafts and axle shafts
- Hubs and wheel bearings integrated into axle assemblies
- Also under 8708.50
- Dana Spicer Axles
- Meritor Drive Axles
- ZF Axle Systems
- American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) Differentials
- GKN Driveline Axle Shafts
Codes often confused with 8708.50
Common mistake. Vehicle axles are frequently misclassified under HS code 8708.99, which serves as a residual category for other vehicle parts. However, because 8708.50 provides a more specific description for axles, it must take precedence according to GRI 3(a). Another common error involves confusing axles with gear boxes classified under 8708.40. While both are transmission components, the presence of a differential and the structural axle beam distinguishes 8708.50 from standalone transmissions. Additionally, heavy-duty axles for industrial machinery might be incorrectly placed here instead of Chapter 84 if they are not intended for the motor vehicles described in headings 87.01 to 87.05.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870850 (the code used for vehicle axle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870850 (the code used for vehicle axle) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 870850, not only vehicle axle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $6.1B 20% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $3.2B 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $2.9B 9.4% of world exports
World total: $30.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $6.1B 20% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.3B 11% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $3.0B 9.6% of world imports
World total: $31.1B 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 vehicle axle
Brazil splits HS 8708.50 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8708.50.11Dumper differential axles, load of 14 t or more
- 8708.50.12Non-driving axles for tractors and dumpers
- 8708.50.19Other drive-axles for tractors and dumpers
- 8708.50.80Axles for cars, trucks and other vehicles
- 8708.50.91Parts of non-driving axles, tractors and dumpers
- 8708.50.99Other parts of drive-axles and non-driving axles
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vehicle axle
What is the HS code for Vehicle axle?
The HS code for Vehicle axle is 870850 (Vehicle parts; drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles; parts thereof). The primary HS code for vehicle axles, including drive-axles with differentials and non-driving axles, is 8708.50.
How do I classify Vehicle axle for customs?
Vehicle axle is classified under HS code 870850 — Vehicle parts; drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles; parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are individual axle parts classified under this same code?
Yes, HS code 8708.50 also includes parts of axles, such as axle housings and shafts, provided they are identifiable as being solely or principally for use with the axles of motor vehicles.
Which countries are the top exporters of vehicle axle (HS 870850)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870850 (the code used for vehicle axle) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($6.1B, 20% of world exports), Mexico ($3.2B) and the United States ($2.9B). World exports came to about $30.4B, 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 vehicle axle (HS 870850)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870850 (the code used for vehicle axle) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($6.1B, 20% of world imports), Germany ($3.3B) and Mexico ($3.0B). World imports came to about $31.1B, 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 Vehicle axle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870850 for Vehicle axle 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 vehicle axle in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 870850 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for vehicle axle depends on the product's details: 8708.50.11 (Dumper differential axles, load of 14 t or more), 8708.50.12 (Non-driving axles for tractors and dumpers), 8708.50.19 (Other drive-axles for tractors and dumpers), 8708.50.80 (Axles for cars, trucks and other vehicles), 8708.50.91 (Parts of non-driving axles, tractors and dumpers), 8708.50.99 (Other parts of drive-axles and non-driving axles).