HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 86.02 – Rail locomotives; (other than those of heading no. 8601), locomotive tenders
What HS 86.02 covers
Heading 8602 encompasses all rail locomotives not classified under 8601, primarily covering those powered by internal combustion engines (diesel-electric, diesel-mechanical) and steam locomotives. It also specifically includes locomotive tenders, which are specialized wagons designed to carry fuel (coal, oil) and water for steam locomotives. The scope is broad for locomotives that generate their own power internally, distinguishing them from electric or battery-powered units. It excludes electric locomotives (8601), self-propelled passenger coaches (8603), and unpowered rolling stock. Key sub-categories include various types of diesel-electric mainline locomotives, diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotives, and historical steam locomotives. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to the high value and strategic importance of these capital goods for freight and passenger rail networks. It impacts import duties, environmental regulations concerning emissions, safety certifications, and contributes to comprehensive trade statistics. Diesel locomotives largely replaced steam engines globally due to their superior efficiency and lower operating costs, becoming the backbone of freight rail and servicing non-electrified routes. As part of Section XVII (Vehicles...) and Chapter 86 (Railway or Tramway Locomotives...), 8602 complements 8601 by classifying the non-electric motive power units, ensuring a complete framework for all primary rail traction equipment.
- Covers
- Diesel-electric freight locomotives
- Diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotives
- Mainline diesel passenger locomotives
- Steam locomotives (new or restored)
- Narrow-gauge diesel locomotives
- Industrial diesel locomotives
- Locomotive tenders for steam engines
- Diesel-mechanical locomotives
- Heavy-haul diesel locomotives
- Shunting diesel engines
- Diesel multiple unit (DMU) power cars (if standalone locomotive portion)
- Mining diesel locomotives
- Diesel yard locomotives
- Diesel-electric switchers
- Diesel-powered track inspection locomotives
- Historic steam locomotive tenders
- Modern diesel locomotive prototypes
- Diesel cargo locomotives
- Diesel passenger train engines
- Diesel freight train engines
- Diesel electric train engines
- Internal combustion engine locomotives
- Diesel locomotive parts (specifically tenders)
- Examples
A major freight rail company in Canada imports heavy-duty diesel-electric locomotives from the United States to enhance its long-haul cargo transport capabilities across vast distances. An Australian mining operation acquires specialized diesel-hydraulic locomotives from Germany for efficient movement of ore within its large open-pit facilities. A heritage railway society in the United Kingdom imports a meticulously restored steam locomotive tender from Poland to complete the restoration of a historic steam engine. Brazilian railway companies frequently purchase various diesel locomotives from both local and international manufacturers to operate their extensive non-electrified freight and passenger networks.
Subheadings under 86.02 2
Codes often confused with 86.02
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is confusing 8602 with 8601. The key differentiator is the power source: 8602 is for internal combustion (diesel, steam) locomotives, while 8601 is for electric or battery-powered ones. Another error involves self-propelled passenger coaches (Diesel Multiple Units - DMUs). While they have diesel engines, if their primary function is to carry passengers, they fall under 8603, not 8602, which is for dedicated locomotives. Lastly, individual parts of locomotives (e.g., diesel engines, bogies) when imported separately are typically classified under 8607, not 8602, unless they are complete locomotive tenders.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8602, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8602 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 15% 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 United States $653M 35% of world exports
- 2 Spain $354M 19% of world exports
- 3 China $346M 18% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kazakhstan $234M 15% of world imports
- 2 Canada $168M 11% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $157M 9.8% 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.
Questions about HS 86.02
What is HS code 8602?
HS code 8602 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Rail locomotives; (other than those of heading no. 8601), locomotive tenders. Heading 8602 encompasses all rail locomotives not classified under 8601, primarily covering those powered by internal combustion engines (diesel-electric, diesel-mechanical) and steam locomotives. It also specifically includes locomotive tenders, which are specialized wagons designed to carry fuel (coal, oil) and water for steam locomotives. The scope is broad for locomotives that generate their own power internally, distinguishing them from electric or battery-powered units. It excludes electric locomotives (8601), self-propelled passenger coaches (8603), and unpowered rolling stock. Key sub-categories include various types of diesel-electric mainline locomotives, diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotives, and historical steam locomotives. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to the high value and strategic importance of these capital goods for freight and passenger rail networks. It impacts import duties, environmental regulations concerning emissions, safety certifications, and contributes to comprehensive trade statistics. Diesel locomotives largely replaced steam engines globally due to their superior efficiency and lower operating costs, becoming the backbone of freight rail and servicing non-electrified routes. As part of Section XVII (Vehicles...) and Chapter 86 (Railway or Tramway Locomotives...), 8602 complements 8601 by classifying the non-electric motive power units, ensuring a complete framework for all primary rail traction equipment.
What products fall under HS code 8602?
Diesel-electric freight locomotives, diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotives, mainline diesel passenger locomotives, steam locomotives (new or restored), narrow-gauge diesel locomotives, industrial diesel locomotives, locomotive tenders for steam engines, diesel-mechanical locomotives, heavy-haul diesel locomotives, shunting diesel engines, diesel multiple unit (DMU) power cars (if standalone locomotive portion), mining diesel locomotives, diesel yard locomotives, diesel-electric switchers, diesel-powered track inspection locomotives, historic steam locomotive tenders, modern diesel locomotive prototypes, diesel cargo locomotives, diesel passenger train engines, diesel freight train engines, diesel electric train engines, internal combustion engine locomotives, diesel locomotive parts (specifically tenders)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8602?
The most common misclassification is confusing 8602 with 8601. The key differentiator is the power source: 8602 is for internal combustion (diesel, steam) locomotives, while 8601 is for electric or battery-powered ones. Another error involves self-propelled passenger coaches (Diesel Multiple Units - DMUs). While they have diesel engines, if their primary function is to carry passengers, they fall under 8603, not 8602, which is for dedicated locomotives. Lastly, individual parts of locomotives (e.g., diesel engines, bogies) when imported separately are typically classified under 8607, not 8602, unless they are complete locomotive tenders.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8602?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8602 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($653M, 35% of world exports), Spain ($354M) and China ($346M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 8602?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8602 in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($234M, 15% of world imports), Canada ($168M) and Indonesia ($157M). 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 8602 structured?
HS code 8602 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 86 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (86) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.