HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8601.20 – Rail locomotives; powered by electric accumulators
HS code 8601.20 is the 6-digit subheading for rail locomotives, powered by electric accumulators. It is used for battery-electric shunting locomotives, industrial battery locomotives, mine battery locomotives, hybrid battery-electric locomotives and port shunting battery locomotives.
What HS 8601.20 covers
This HS code covers rail locomotives powered by electric accumulators, commonly known as battery-electric locomotives. These specialized vehicles are increasingly gaining traction due to their zero-emission operation at the point of use, making them ideal for shunting yards, industrial sites, mines, and short-distance operations where external electrification is impractical or undesirable. Importers include industrial companies, port authorities, and railway operators investing in green technologies, while exporters are typically specialized locomotive manufacturers. The trade is fueled by environmental regulations, the drive for decarbonization, and advancements in battery technology. Key aspects include battery capacity and range limitations, charging infrastructure requirements, and their suitability for specific operational niches rather than long-haul mainline services.
- Covers
- Battery-electric shunting locomotives
- Industrial battery locomotives
- Mine battery locomotives
- Hybrid battery-electric locomotives
- Port shunting battery locomotives
- Light rail battery locomotives
- Examples
- Stadler BEMU (Battery-Electric Multiple Unit) locomotives
- CRRC battery shunting locomotives
- Toshiba HDB-800
- Progress Rail EMD Joule
Codes often confused with 8601.20
Common mistake. This code should not be confused with 8601.10 (locomotives powered from an external electric source) or 8602.10 (diesel-electric locomotives), as its power source is self-contained batteries.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 860120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 860120 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 55% 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 Spain $79M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $59M 21% of world exports
- 3 China $39M 14% of world exports
World total: $276M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Singapore $346M 55% of world imports
- 2 New Zealand $111M 18% of world imports
- 3 Australia $35M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $630M 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 8601.20
Brazil does not split HS 8601.20: its NCM code is 8601.20.00.
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 8601.20
What is HS code 860120?
HS code 860120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rail locomotives; powered by electric accumulators. This HS code covers rail locomotives powered by electric accumulators, commonly known as battery-electric locomotives. These specialized vehicles are increasingly gaining traction due to their zero-emission operation at the point of use, making them ideal for shunting yards, industrial sites, mines, and short-distance operations where external electrification is impractical or undesirable. Importers include industrial companies, port authorities, and railway operators investing in green technologies, while exporters are typically specialized locomotive manufacturers. The trade is fueled by environmental regulations, the drive for decarbonization, and advancements in battery technology. Key aspects include battery capacity and range limitations, charging infrastructure requirements, and their suitability for specific operational niches rather than long-haul mainline services.
What products fall under HS code 860120?
Battery-electric shunting locomotives, industrial battery locomotives, mine battery locomotives, hybrid battery-electric locomotives, port shunting battery locomotives, light rail battery locomotives
What are common misclassifications for HS code 860120?
This code should not be confused with 8601.10 (locomotives powered from an external electric source) or 8602.10 (diesel-electric locomotives), as its power source is self-contained batteries.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 860120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 860120 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($79M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($59M) and China ($39M). World exports came to about $276M, 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 860120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 860120 in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($346M, 55% of world imports), New Zealand ($111M) and Australia ($35M). World imports came to about $630M, 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 860120 structured?
HS code 860120 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 860120?
In Brazil, HS code 860120 is NCM 8601.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.