HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8607.21 – Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts, air brakes and parts thereof
HS code 8607.21 is the 6-digit subheading for railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock, parts, air brakes and parts thereof. It is used for air brake valves, brake cylinders, air reservoirs, brake shoes (air brake type) and slack adjusters.
What HS 8607.21 covers
This HS code covers air brakes and their components specifically designed for railway or tramway locomotives and rolling stock. These systems are critical for the safe operation of trains and trams, enabling precise speed control and emergency stopping capabilities. The trade in these parts is essential for the maintenance, repair, and manufacturing of rail transport infrastructure globally. Importers typically include national railway operators, private freight companies, rolling stock manufacturers, and specialized maintenance workshops. Exporters are often countries with advanced heavy engineering industries and established rail equipment manufacturers. Key considerations in this trade involve adherence to stringent international railway safety standards (e.g., UIC, AAR), durability, reliability under extreme conditions, and compatibility with existing rail systems. The market is driven by investments in public transport, freight logistics expansion, and the modernization of aging rail networks worldwide.
- Covers
- Air brake valves
- Brake cylinders
- Air reservoirs
- Brake shoes (air brake type)
- Slack adjusters
- Air compressors for brakes
- Brake control units
- Emergency brake handles
- Examples
- Knorr-Bremse air brake systems
- Wabtec brake components
- Faiveley Transport (now Wabtec) air brake parts
- Siemens Mobility brake systems
- Alstom brake components
Codes often confused with 8607.21
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other railway parts under 8607 if the specific "air brakes and parts thereof" aspect is not strictly applied, or with general brake parts (e.g., 8708 for road vehicles) if the railway context is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 860721, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 860721 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 $266M 18% of world exports
- 2 Hungary $242M 17% of world exports
- 3 Austria $167M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $151M 10% of world imports
- 2 Italy $141M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 China $109M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 8607.21
Brazil does not split HS 8607.21: its NCM code is 8607.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 86.07 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8607.21
What is HS code 860721?
HS code 860721 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts, air brakes and parts thereof. This HS code covers air brakes and their components specifically designed for railway or tramway locomotives and rolling stock. These systems are critical for the safe operation of trains and trams, enabling precise speed control and emergency stopping capabilities. The trade in these parts is essential for the maintenance, repair, and manufacturing of rail transport infrastructure globally. Importers typically include national railway operators, private freight companies, rolling stock manufacturers, and specialized maintenance workshops. Exporters are often countries with advanced heavy engineering industries and established rail equipment manufacturers. Key considerations in this trade involve adherence to stringent international railway safety standards (e.g., UIC, AAR), durability, reliability under extreme conditions, and compatibility with existing rail systems. The market is driven by investments in public transport, freight logistics expansion, and the modernization of aging rail networks worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 860721?
Air brake valves, Brake cylinders, Air reservoirs, Brake shoes (air brake type), Slack adjusters, Air compressors for brakes, Brake control units, Emergency brake handles
What are common misclassifications for HS code 860721?
This code can be confused with other railway parts under 8607 if the specific "air brakes and parts thereof" aspect is not strictly applied, or with general brake parts (e.g., 8708 for road vehicles) if the railway context is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 860721?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 860721 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($266M, 18% of world exports), Hungary ($242M) and Austria ($167M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 860721?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 860721 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($151M, 10% of world imports), Italy ($141M) and China ($109M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 860721 structured?
HS code 860721 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (86) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 860721?
In Brazil, HS code 860721 is NCM 8607.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.