The HS code for a passenger car is 8703, broken down by fuel and engine size: 8703.80 for electric vehicles, 8703.23 for petrol engines, and 8703.32 for diesel between 1,500 and 2,500 cc. Trucks and vans fall under 8704, motorcycles under 8711, trailers under 8716, and parts and accessories under 8708. These are the first six digits set by the World Customs Organization under the current 2022 Harmonized System; each importing country then extends them to 8 to 10 digits (HTS in the US, the Combined Nomenclature in the EU). Classifying a vehicle under the wrong code maps it to the wrong duty rate and can trigger reassessment, retroactive charges, or a customs hold.
This guide covers how HS codes are structured, the exact codes for each vehicle type, how they differ by country, and how to automate classification so the declared code is right the first time.
Look up a code
Search the codes for vehicles, trailers, engines, parts, and high and heavy machinery, then jump into your destination's own tariff for the current rate. The standalone version is the HS code lookup for cars, trucks, and parts.
Type a code such as 8703, or the cargo itself such as trailer or gearbox.
216 codesClick a code to copy it.
- Heading 8701Vehicles
Tractors (other than tractors of heading 8709)
Trailing digits decided by: Wheeled versus track-laying, and engine power in kW
- Single axle tractors
- With only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)
- With both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor as motors for propulsion
- With both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor as motors for propulsion
- With only electric motor for propulsion
- Other
- Track-laying tractors
- Not exceeding 18 kw
- Exceeding 18 kw but not exceeding 37 kw
- Exceeding 37 kw but not exceeding 75 kw
- Exceeding 75 kw but not exceeding 130 kw
- Exceeding 130 kw
- Heading 8702Vehicles
Motor vehicles for the transport of ten or more persons, including the driver
Trailing digits decided by: Propulsion type and seating capacity
- With only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)
- With both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor as motors for propulsion
- With both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor as motors for propulsion
- With only electric motor for propulsion
- Other
- Heading 8703Vehicles
Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons (other than those of heading 8702), including station wagons and racing cars
Trailing digits decided by: Propulsion type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric) and engine cylinder capacity
- Vehicles specially designed for travelling on snow; golf cars and similar vehicles
- Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,000 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,000 cm³ but not exceeding 1,500 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,500 cm³ but not exceeding 3,000 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 3,000 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 1,500 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,500 cm³ but not exceeding 2,500 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 2,500 cm³
- Other vehicles, with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor as motors for propulsion, other than those capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power
- Other vehicles, with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor as motors for propulsion, other than those capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power
- Other vehicles, with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor as motors for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power
- Other vehicles, with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor as motors for propulsion, capable of being charged by plugging to external source of electric power
- Other vehicles, with only electric motor for propulsion
- Other
- Heading 8704Vehicles
Motor vehicles for the transport of goods
Trailing digits decided by: Propulsion type and gross vehicle weight
- Dumpers designed for off-highway use
- Of a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight exceeding 5 tonnes but not exceeding 20 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight exceeding 20 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight exceeding 5 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight exceeding 5 tonnes but not exceeding 20 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight exceeding 20 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5 tonnes
- Of a gross vehicle weight exceeding 5 tonnes
- Other with only electric motor for propulsion
- Other
- Heading 8705Vehicles
Special purpose motor vehicles, other than those principally designed for the transport of persons or goods (for example, breakdown lorries, crane lorries, fire fighting vehicles, concrete-mixer lorries, road sweeper lorries, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units)
Trailing digits decided by: The vehicle's built-in function rather than the chassis it uses
- Crane lorries
- Mobile drilling derricks
- Fire fighting vehicles
- Concrete-mixer lorries
- Other
- Heading 8709Vehicles
Works trucks, self-propelled, not fitted with lifting or handling equipment, of the type used in factories, warehouses, dock areas or airports for short distance transport of goods; tractors of the type used on railway station platforms; parts of the foregoing vehicles
Trailing digits decided by: Whether self-propelled and the power source
- Electrical
- Other
- Parts
- Heading 8711Vehicles
Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles fitted with an auxiliary motor, with or without side-cars; side-cars
Trailing digits decided by: Engine cylinder capacity, or electric propulsion
- With internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cm³
- With internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 50 cm³ but not exceeding 250 cm³
- With internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 250 cm³ but not exceeding 500 cm³
- With internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 500 cm³ but not exceeding 800 cm³
- With internal combustion piston engine of a cylinder capacity exceeding 800 cm³
- With electric motor for propulsion
- Other
- Heading 8713Vehicles
Carriages for disabled persons, whether or not motorised or otherwise mechanically propelled
Trailing digits decided by: Whether the carriage is mechanically propelled
- Not mechanically propelled
- Other
- Heading 8716Vehicles
Trailers and semi-trailers; other vehicles, not mechanically propelled; parts thereof
Trailing digits decided by: Trailer purpose: housing or camping, self-loading agricultural, or goods transport
- Trailers and semi-trailers of the caravan type, for housing or camping
- Self-loading or self-unloading trailers and semi-trailers for agricultural purposes
- Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailers
- Other
- Other trailers and semi-trailers
- Other vehicles
- Parts
- Heading 4011Parts & components
New pneumatic tyres, of rubber
Trailing digits decided by: The vehicle type the tyre is designed for, and tread pattern
- Of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)
- Of a kind used on buses or lorries
- Of a kind used on aircraft
- Of a kind used on motorcycles
- Of a kind used on bicycles
- Of a kind used on agricultural or forestry vehicles and machines
- Of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machines
- Other
- Heading 7007Parts & components
Safety glass, consisting of toughened (tempered) or laminated glass
Trailing digits decided by: Toughened versus laminated, and the vehicle application
- Of size and shape suitable for incorporation in vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft or vessels
- Other
- Of size and shape suitable for incorporation in vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft or vessels
- Other
- Heading 8409Parts & components
Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the engines of heading 8407 or 8408
Trailing digits decided by: Whether the engine is spark-ignition or compression-ignition
- For aircraft engines
- Suitable for use solely or principally with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines
- Other
- Heading 8507Parts & components
Electric accumulators, including separators therefor, whether or not rectangular (including square)
Trailing digits decided by: Cell chemistry (lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride)
- Lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines
- Other lead-acid accumulators
- Nickel-cadmium
- Nickel-metal hydride
- Lithium-ion
- Other accumulators
- Parts
- Heading 8544Parts & components
Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including coaxial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors
Trailing digits decided by: Conductor type, insulation and voltage rating
- Of copper
- Other
- Coaxial cable and other coaxial electric conductors
- Ignition wiring sets and other wiring sets of a kind used in vehicles, aircraft or ships
- Fitted with connectors
- Other
- Other electric conductors, for a voltage exceeding 1,000 v
- Optical fibre cables
- Heading 8706Parts & components
Chassis fitted with engines, for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705
Trailing digits decided by: The vehicle heading the chassis is destined for
- Chassis fitted with engines, for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705
- Heading 8707Parts & components
Bodies (including cabs), for the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705
Trailing digits decided by: Whether the body is for a passenger or a goods vehicle
- For the vehicles of heading 8703
- Other
- Heading 8708Parts & components
Parts and accessories of the motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705
Trailing digits decided by: The specific part or assembly, not the vehicle it fits
- Bumpers and parts thereof
- Safety seat belts
- Front windscreens (windshields), rear windows and other windows specified in subheading note 1 to this chapter
- Other
- Brakes and servo-brakes; parts thereof
- Gear boxes and parts thereof
- Drive-axles with differential, whether or not provided with other transmission components, and non-driving axles; parts thereof
- Road wheels and parts and accessories thereof
- Suspension systems and parts thereof (including shock-absorbers)
- Radiators and parts thereof
- Silencers (mufflers) and exhaust pipes; parts thereof
- Clutches and parts thereof
- Steering wheels, steering columns and steering boxes; parts thereof
- Safety airbags with inflator system; parts thereof
- Other
- Heading 8714Parts & components
Parts and accessories of vehicles of headings 8711 to 8713
Trailing digits decided by: The specific part, and whether for motorcycles or cycles
- Of motorcycles (including mopeds)
- Of carriages for disabled persons
- Frames and forks, and parts thereof
- Wheel rims and spokes
- Hubs, other than coaster braking hubs and hub brakes, and free-wheel sprocket-wheels
- Brakes, including coaster braking hubs and hub brakes, and parts thereof
- Saddles
- Pedals and crank-gear, and parts thereof
- Other
- Heading 9401Parts & components
Seats (other than those of heading 9402), whether or not convertible into beds, and parts thereof
Trailing digits decided by: Seat type, frame material and whether convertible into a bed
- Seats of a kind used for aircraft
- Seats of a kind used for motor vehicles
- Of wood
- Other
- Of wood
- Other
- Of bamboo
- Of rattan
- Other
- Upholstered
- Other
- Upholstered
- Other
- Other seats
- Of wood
- Other
- Heading 8407Engines
Spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines
Trailing digits decided by: Application (marine, vehicle, aircraft) and cylinder capacity
- Aircraft engines
- Outboard motors
- Other
- Of a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 50 cm³ but not exceeding 250 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 250 cm³ but not exceeding 1,000 cm³
- Of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,000 cm³
- Other engines
- Heading 8408Engines
Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines)
Trailing digits decided by: Application, and for vehicle engines the cylinder capacity
- Marine propulsion engines
- Engines of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87
- Other engines
- Heading 8427High & heavy machinery
Fork-lift trucks; other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment
Trailing digits decided by: Power source and mast or lift configuration
- Self-propelled trucks powered by an electric motor
- Other self-propelled trucks
- Other trucks
- Heading 8429High & heavy machinery
Self-propelled bulldozers, angledozers, graders, levellers, scrapers, mechanical shovels, excavators, shovel loaders, tamping machines and roadrollers
Trailing digits decided by: Machine type: bulldozer, grader, scraper, excavator, shovel loader or roller
- Track laying
- Other
- Graders and levellers
- Scrapers
- Tamping machines and roadrollers
- Front-end shovel loaders
- Machinery with a 360° revolving superstructure
- Other
- Heading 8430High & heavy machinery
Other moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating, tamping, compacting, extracting or boring machinery, for earth, minerals or ores; piledrivers and pile extractors; snowploughs and snowblowers
Trailing digits decided by: Machine function and whether self-propelled
- Piledrivers and pile extractors
- Snowploughs and snowblowers
- Self-propelled
- Other
- Self-propelled
- Other
- Other machinery, self-propelled
- Tamping or compacting machinery
- Other
- Heading 8432High & heavy machinery
Agricultural, horticultural or forestry machinery for soil preparation or cultivation; lawn or sports-ground rollers
Trailing digits decided by: Soil-working function: ploughing, harrowing, seeding or fertiliser spreading
- Ploughs
- Disc harrows
- Other
- No-till direct seeders, planters and transplanters
- Other
- Manure spreaders
- Fertiliser distributors
- Other machinery
- Parts
- Heading 8433High & heavy machinery
Harvesting or threshing machinery, including straw or fodder balers; grass or hay mowers; machines for cleaning, sorting or grading eggs, fruit or other agricultural produce, other than machinery of heading 8437
Trailing digits decided by: Harvesting function and crop type
- Powered, with the cutting device rotating in a horizontal plane
- Other
- Other mowers, including cutter bars for tractor mounting
- Other haymaking machinery
- Straw or fodder balers, including pick-up balers
- Combine harvester-threshers
- Other threshing machinery
- Root or tuber harvesting machines
- Other
- Machines for cleaning, sorting or grading eggs, fruit or other agricultural produce
- Parts
- Heading 8436High & heavy machinery
Other agricultural, horticultural, forestry, poultry-keeping or bee-keeping machinery, including germination plant fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment; poultry incubators and brooders
Trailing digits decided by: Agricultural function: poultry, beekeeping, feed preparation or forestry
- Machinery for preparing animal feedingstuffs
- Poultry incubators and brooders
- Other
- Other machinery
- Of poultry-keeping machinery or poultry incubators and brooders
- Other
- Heading 8474High & heavy machinery
Machinery for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, grinding, mixing or kneading earth, stone, ores or other mineral substances, in solid (including powder or paste) form; machinery for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid mineral fuels, ceramic paste, unhardened cements, plastering materials or other mineral products in powder or paste form; machines for forming foundry moulds of sand
Trailing digits decided by: Processing function: sorting, crushing, mixing or moulding
- Sorting, screening, separating or washing machines
- Crushing or grinding machines
- Concrete or mortar mixers
- Machines for mixing mineral substances with bitumen
- Other
- Other machinery
- Parts
- Heading 8903Boats & vessels
Yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports; rowing boats and canoes
Trailing digits decided by: Propulsion (sail or motor), hull type and length
- Fitted or designed to be fitted with a motor, unladen (net) weight (excluding the motor) not exceeding 100 kg
- Not designed for use with a motor and unladen (net) weight not exceeding 100 kg
- Other
- Of a length not exceeding 7,5 m
- Of a length exceeding 7,5 m but not exceeding 24 m
- Of a length exceeding 24 m
- Of a length not exceeding 7,5 m
- Of a length exceeding 7,5 m but not exceeding 24 m
- Of a length exceeding 24 m
- Of a length not exceeding 7,5 m
- Other
Where to check the duty rate
Six digits is the internationally shared part. Every destination extends it with its own digits, and that extension is where the rate is set. Copy a code above, then open the schedule you are filing into.
- United States →
USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule · 10 digits
- European Union →
Access2Markets · 10 digits
Access2Markets needs your origin country as well as the destination, so enter both there. The Combined Nomenclature runs to 8 digits and TARIC extends it to 10.
- United Kingdom →
UK Integrated Trade Tariff · 10 digits
- Canada →
Canada Tariff Finder
- China →
General Administration of Customs
- Australia →
Australian Border Force current tariff
Published as a schedule per chapter. Chapter 87 covers vehicles, chapter 84 covers machinery.
- Malaysia →
Royal Malaysian Customs Department
- United Arab Emirates →
Dubai Customs
Applies the GCC Common Customs Tariff, shared with Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Arabia →
GCC Common Customs Tariff
Saudi Arabia applies the GCC Common Customs Tariff, shared with the UAE.
No duty rates are shown here. Rates depend on the origin and destination pair and change with trade measures, so the only correct rate is the one in your destination's own schedule.
Codes verified against UK Trade Tariff (WCO Harmonized System nomenclature) on 2026-07-26.
1. What is an HS Code?
Definition and Purpose
- The Harmonized System (HS) Code is a globally recognized classification system for traded products, developed and maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO).
- It consists of a six-digit universal code, which is further extended by individual countries to 8, 10, or more digits to meet national trade requirements.
- HS codes are structured into 21 sections and 97 chapters, providing increasing levels of detail.
- The hierarchical structure ensures consistency across international markets while allowing flexibility for national trade policies.
Why Are HS Codes Important?
- Customs Clearance: Ensures compliance with local import/export regulations.
- Duty and Tax Calculation: Determines applicable tariffs and VAT.
- Trade Statistics: Helps governments monitor trade volumes and trends.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to environmental, safety, and trade laws.
2. HS Code Structure: How Are Goods Classified?
An HS code is read left to right, from broad to specific. The first two digits name the chapter (87 for vehicles), the next two the heading (03 for passenger cars), and the next two the subheading (80 for electric vehicles), giving the six-digit code 8703.80 that is recognized worldwide. Countries then add their own digits on the end for tariff and statistical detail.
| Digits | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| First 2 digits | HS Chapter (Product Category) | 87 - Vehicles |
| Next 2 digits | HS Heading (Sub-category) | 03 - Passenger Cars |
| Next 2 digits | HS Subheading (More specific) | 80 - Electric Vehicles |
| Additional digits | Country-specific classification | 8703.80.00.00 (U.S. HTS Code) |
Each country extends the six-digit HS code to comply with its own trade policies, tariffs, and regulations.
3. Differences Between HS, HTS, TARIC, and Other Codes
While HS codes remain consistent globally at the six-digit level, countries implement their own variations:
| Country/Region | Import Classification System | Export Classification System |
|---|---|---|
| United States | HTS Code (10-digit) | Schedule B Code (10-digit) |
| Canada | HS Code (8-digit) | Same as Import HS Code |
| European Union | TARIC Code (10-digit) | CN Code (8-digit) |
| United Kingdom | UKGT (10-digit) | Uses HS Code for exports |
| China | China Customs Tariff (10-digit) | Uses separate export control regulations |
4. How HS Codes Apply to Vehicles and Wheeled Equipment
The heading depends on what the vehicle is for, and the subheading depends on its technical specs. Passenger cars sit under 8703, with the last digits set by fuel type and engine size. Cargo trucks and vans use 8704, split by gross weight and axle count. Motorcycles are 8711 (by engine displacement), trailers and semi-trailers are 8716, and special-purpose vehicles such as fire trucks and mobile cranes fall under 8705. The table below maps each type to its chapter and the factors that decide the final code.
| Vehicle Type | HS Code Chapter | Classification Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | 8703 | Fuel type, engine size, seating capacity |
| Cargo Trucks | 8704 | Load capacity, number of axles |
| Motorcycles | 8711 | Engine displacement (CC), power output |
| Trailers and Semi-Trailers | 8716 | Number of axles, weight capacity |
| Construction Vehicles | 8704.10 | Purpose (construction vs. transport) |
| Special-Purpose Vehicles | 8705 | Fire trucks, ambulances, mobile cranes |
5. Factors Affecting HS Code Classification for Automotive Cargo
Accurate HS code classification is crucial for determining the correct tariffs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and avoiding delays at customs. Several key properties affect HS code classification for vehicles:
1. Engine Type and Fuel
- Gasoline vs. Diesel vs. Hybrid vs. Electric (EVs have a separate subheading under 8703.80).
- Emission Standards (some countries impose different tariffs for eco-friendly vehicles).
2. Vehicle Weight and Axles
- Light trucks vs. heavy-duty cargo trucks fall under different 8704 subcategories.
- Trailers and semi-trailers have unique classifications under 8716.
3. Usage (Passenger vs. Cargo vs. Special-Purpose)
- Passenger vehicles (8703) vs. Cargo trucks (8704) vs. Fire trucks (8705).
- Agricultural tractors vs. construction vehicles have different classifications.
4. Country-Specific Trade Agreements and Tariffs
- Vehicles imported under Free Trade Agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU FTA) may be duty-free.
- Some regions impose extra luxury or environmental taxes.
6. HS Code Lookup Resources by Country
To find the correct HS Code for automotive cargo, businesses can use official lookup tools:
- United States: HTS Code Lookup - USITC
- Canada: Canadian HS Code Finder - CBSA
- European Union: TARIC Code Lookup - EU Customs
- United Kingdom: UK Tariff Code Lookup
- China: China Customs Tariff Search
Using these resources helps businesses ensure compliance, reduce customs delays, and avoid incorrect duty calculations.
7. Automating HS Code Selection and Customs Documentation
How Automated Systems Improve HS Code Classification
- Input Cargo Details (e.g., origin, destination, vehicle type, fuel type, weight).
- Rule-Based Matching (e.g., check HS 8704 for trucks, 8703.80 for EVs).
- Cross-Check with HS Code Database (ensuring correct classification and compliance).
Example: A hybrid cargo truck shipped from Germany to the U.S.
- The shipper enters the details of the shipment, including truck specifications such as fuel type, model, engine size, size of the truck, origin, and destination.
- The system automatically matches the corresponding rule and selects the appropriate HS code based on this criteria.
- The system selects HTS 8704.40.00.00 for hybrid cargo trucks.
- The classification process involves verifying engine specifications, weight capacity, and intended use.
- Customs documentation is prepared, ensuring compliance with U.S. import regulations and applicable tariffs.
- Businesses leverage automated classification systems to reduce errors, ensure accurate duty calculation, and streamline import processing.
8. Final Insights and Recommendations
Understanding HS codes is critical for efficient international trade. Accurate classification avoids customs delays, penalties, and unnecessary duties. For RoRo and finished-vehicle shipments, our white paper on customs compliance for RoRo and finished-vehicle forwarding shows how the HS code feeds the ENS and the export declaration.
Looking for an automated way to classify HS codes?
Benefits of automation:
- Reduces Errors: Ensures accurate classification and minimizes human mistakes.
- Saves Time: Quickly assigns the correct HS code based on predefined rules.
- Improves Compliance: Keeps up with regulatory changes and tariff updates.
- Enhances Efficiency: Streamlines customs documentation and duty calculations.
- Optimizes Costs: Prevents unnecessary fees due to incorrect classifications.
Discover how Logisoft TMS improves HS code classification with structured data, predefined rules, and real-time regulatory updates -- streamlining customs documentation, minimizing errors, and optimizing tariff calculations.
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