HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8601.10 – Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity
HS code 8601.10 is the 6-digit subheading for rail locomotives, powered from an external source of electricity. It is used for electric mainline locomotives, electric shunting locomotives, high-speed electric locomotives, freight electric locomotives and passenger electric locomotives.
What HS 8601.10 covers
This HS code encompasses rail locomotives that draw their power from an external source of electricity, such as overhead lines (catenary) or a third rail. These powerful machines are central to electrified railway networks worldwide, facilitating both passenger and freight transport. Major importers and exporters include national railway operators, private freight companies, and specialized locomotive manufacturers. The trade is driven by infrastructure development, modernization of rail fleets, and the push for more environmentally friendly transport solutions, especially in densely populated areas. Key considerations include the high capital investment in electrification infrastructure, the efficiency and lower emissions of electric traction, and the long operational lifespan of these robust vehicles.
- Covers
- Electric mainline locomotives
- Electric shunting locomotives
- High-speed electric locomotives
- Freight electric locomotives
- Passenger electric locomotives
- Industrial electric locomotives
- Examples
- Siemens Vectron
- Alstom Traxx
- Bombardier ALP-46
- Stadler Eurodual (in electric mode)
- CRRC HXD1
Codes often confused with 8601.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 8601.20 (battery-powered electric locomotives) and 8602.10 (diesel-electric locomotives), as it specifically refers to locomotives drawing power from an external grid.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 860110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 860110 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 21% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $805M 72% of world exports
- 2 Japan $116M 10% of world exports
- 3 China $57M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $330M 21% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $269M 17% of world imports
- 3 Slovenia $169M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 code for 8601.10
Brazil does not split HS 8601.10: its NCM code is 8601.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 86.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8601.10
What is HS code 860110?
HS code 860110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity. This HS code encompasses rail locomotives that draw their power from an external source of electricity, such as overhead lines (catenary) or a third rail. These powerful machines are central to electrified railway networks worldwide, facilitating both passenger and freight transport. Major importers and exporters include national railway operators, private freight companies, and specialized locomotive manufacturers. The trade is driven by infrastructure development, modernization of rail fleets, and the push for more environmentally friendly transport solutions, especially in densely populated areas. Key considerations include the high capital investment in electrification infrastructure, the efficiency and lower emissions of electric traction, and the long operational lifespan of these robust vehicles.
What products fall under HS code 860110?
Electric mainline locomotives, electric shunting locomotives, high-speed electric locomotives, freight electric locomotives, passenger electric locomotives, industrial electric locomotives
What are common misclassifications for HS code 860110?
This code is distinct from 8601.20 (battery-powered electric locomotives) and 8602.10 (diesel-electric locomotives), as it specifically refers to locomotives drawing power from an external grid.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 860110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 860110 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($805M, 72% of world exports), Japan ($116M) and China ($57M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 860110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 860110 in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($330M, 21% of world imports), Czechia ($269M) and Slovenia ($169M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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.
How is HS code 860110 structured?
HS code 860110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (86) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 860110?
In Brazil, HS code 860110 is NCM 8601.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.