Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines — HTS 8408
Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines)
Chapter 84 › Heading 8408
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 8408 groups compression-ignition internal-combustion piston engines—commonly called diesel or semi-diesel engines. These engines ignite fuel through the heat created by compression, rather than primarily using a spark. The heading covers engines as products, whether imported separately or as part of certain equipment, subject to the applicable classification rules.
To narrow a product to a specific 8-digit HTSUS code, first confirm that the engine belongs in heading 8408, then follow the subheading structure. The subdivisions generally distinguish the engine’s use or type—such as propulsion for vessels, propulsion for vehicles, or other applications—and may further distinguish technical characteristics such as cylinder capacity or engine configuration. Material is usually not the main deciding factor for this heading; the engine’s design, intended use, and specifications are more important. The final digits are U.S. statistical subdivisions, so verify the complete current code in the official HTSUS and confirm that any applicable notes or measures are addressed.
What to check
- Confirm that the engine uses compression ignition and is a piston engine, rather than a spark-ignition engine, turbine, electric motor, or another type of power unit.
- Identify the engine’s intended application: vessel propulsion, vehicle propulsion, stationary equipment, generator use, or another purpose.
- Record key specifications from the manufacturer, including cylinder count, cylinder capacity or displacement, rated output, configuration, and whether the engine is new, rebuilt, or used.
- Read the subheading descriptions and relevant legal notes in the current HTSUS; do not choose a code based only on a product name such as “diesel engine.”
- Compare the complete 8-digit code with official customs guidance or obtain a customs broker’s classification review when the use, specifications, or kit contents create uncertainty.
HTS heading 8408 summary
Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines is a 4-digit product category containing 1 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 8408.20 | Engines of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87 |
| 8408.90 | Other engines |
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8408.10.00 👉 | Marine propulsion engines | 2.5% | Free | 35% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 8408?
Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines). To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.