Product classification

HS code for Vehicle transmission: 8708.40

Vehicle parts, gear boxes and parts thereof.

Classification of vehicle transmission under HS 8708.40

Vehicle transmissions, specifically gear boxes and their constituent parts, are classified under HS code 8708.40. This code is situated within Chapter 87, which covers vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling-stock and their parts and accessories. Heading 8708 is the primary location for parts of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. Subheading 8708.40 specifically identifies gear boxes, which are essential components for torque and speed conversion in a vehicle's drivetrain. This classification includes complete gearbox assemblies—whether manual, automatic, or continuously variable (CVT)—as well as individual internal components like gears, shafts, and synchronizers, provided they are identifiable as being solely or principally for use with motor vehicle gearboxes. The classification is driven by the part's dedicated function within the automotive mechanical system. Because these items are specifically listed under 8708.40, they are removed from more general machinery headings in Chapter 84, ensuring a standardized classification for the automotive supply chain.

Covers
  • Manual transmission assemblies
  • Automatic gear boxes
  • Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT)
  • Transmission gears and shafts for motor vehicles
Also under 8708.40
  • ZF Automatic Transmissions
  • Aisin Manual Transmissions
  • BorgWarner Dual-Clutch Modules
  • Getrag Gearboxes
  • Jatco CVT Units

Codes often confused with 8708.40

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8483.40, which covers gears and gearing, other than toothed wheels, and other transmission elements. While 8483 covers general transmission elements used in various industries, 8708.40 is the specific heading for motor vehicle gear boxes. If the gearbox is for an industrial machine, 8483 applies; if for a motor vehicle, 8708.40 is required. Also, 8708.50 (Drive-axles with differential) is sometimes confused with the transmission box itself, though they are distinct components of the drivetrain.

8483.40Gears and gearing; (not toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately); ball or roller screws; gear boxes and other speed changers, including torque converters84.83Transmission shafts (including cam and crank) and cranks; bearing housings and plain shaft bearings; gears and gearing; ball or roller screws; gear boxes and other speed changers; flywheels and pulleys; clutches and shaft couplings8708.50Vehicle parts; drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles; parts thereof

Top exporters and importers of HS 870840 (the code used for vehicle transmission), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870840 (the code used for vehicle transmission) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 870840, not only vehicle transmission.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $16.2B
  2. 2 Japan $11.4B
  3. 3 United States $7.9B

World total: $67.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $10.9B
  2. 2 Mexico $6.8B
  3. 3 Germany $6.7B

World total: $69.4B 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 transmission

Brazil splits HS 8708.40 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8708.40.11Tractor/dumper servo gearboxes, 750 Nm or more
  • 8708.40.19Other gearboxes for tractors and dumpers
  • 8708.40.80Gearboxes for cars, trucks and other vehicles
  • 8708.40.90Parts of motor vehicle gearboxes

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

Questions about vehicle transmission

What is the HS code for Vehicle transmission?

The HS code for Vehicle transmission is 870840 (Vehicle parts; gear boxes and parts thereof). The HS code for vehicle gear boxes and their parts is 8708.40.

How do I classify Vehicle transmission for customs?

Vehicle transmission is classified under HS code 870840 — Vehicle parts; gear boxes and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include transmission fluid?

No, transmission fluid is a chemical preparation and is typically classified under HS code 2710.19 (lubricating oils) or 3819.00 (hydraulic brake fluids and other prepared liquids for hydraulic transmission).

Which countries are the top exporters of vehicle transmission (HS 870840)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870840 (the code used for vehicle transmission) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($16.2B, 24% of world exports), Japan ($11.4B) and the United States ($7.9B). World exports came to about $67.6B, 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 vehicle transmission (HS 870840)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 870840 (the code used for vehicle transmission) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10.9B, 16% of world imports), Mexico ($6.8B) and Germany ($6.7B). World imports came to about $69.4B, 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.

Is the HS code for Vehicle transmission the same in all countries?

The base HS code 870840 for Vehicle transmission 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 transmission in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 870840 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for vehicle transmission depends on the product's details: 8708.40.11 (Tractor/dumper servo gearboxes, 750 Nm or more), 8708.40.19 (Other gearboxes for tractors and dumpers), 8708.40.80 (Gearboxes for cars, trucks and other vehicles), 8708.40.90 (Parts of motor vehicle gearboxes).