HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 86.09 – Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport
What HS 86.09 covers
Heading 8609 specifically covers containers, including those for the transport of fluids, that are specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. This classification is fundamental to modern global logistics and intermodal transport, encompassing the standardized units that facilitate seamless movement of goods across ships, rail, and trucks. The scope includes a wide variety of container types, such as standard dry cargo containers (e.g., 20-foot and 40-foot), refrigerated containers (reefers), tank containers for liquids and gases, open-top containers, flat rack containers for oversized cargo, and bulk containers. The defining characteristic is their design for easy transfer and stacking between different modes of transport, enabling efficient and cost-effective global supply chains. Proper classification under 8609 is essential for customs clearance, duty assessment, and adherence to international shipping and safety standards (e.g., ISO standards for containers). These containers are the unsung heroes of global trade, making them a crucial component of transport equipment within Section XVII.
- Covers
- 20-foot standard dry cargo containers
- 40-foot high cube containers
- 40-foot standard dry cargo containers
- Refrigerated (reefer) containers
- Tank containers for chemicals
- Tank containers for food liquids
- Open-top containers
- Flat rack containers
- Platform containers
- Dry bulk containers
- Swap bodies
- Insulated containers
- Ventilated containers
- Specialized offshore containers
- Half-height containers
- Garment on hanger (GOH) containers
- Collapsible containers
- Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) containers
- Military logistics containers
- Side-door containers
- Bitumen tank containers
- Flexitank containers (when part of a container structure).
- Examples
A major shipping line based in Denmark, Maersk, procures thousands of 40-foot high cube containers from Chinese manufacturers, which are then deployed globally across various maritime routes, often shipped as deck cargo on container vessels. Simultaneously, a German chemical company imports specialized tank containers from a manufacturer in South Africa, designed for specific hazardous liquids, transported by sea to European ports and then by rail or road. In North America, a perishable goods distributor leases refrigerated (reefer) containers from an international leasing company, utilizing them to transport fresh produce from Mexico to the United States via truck and rail networks.
Subheadings under 86.09 1
Codes often confused with 86.09
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing intermodal containers (8609) with general storage boxes, crates, or industrial tanks that are not specifically designed for multi-modal transport. For example, a simple steel storage box (Chapter 73) or a fixed industrial tank (also Chapter 73) would not fall under 8609. Another error is classifying packaging materials (e.g., cartons, pallets) that go inside containers, instead of the container itself. The key differentiator is the 'specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport' criterion, implying features like corner castings, stacking capability, and robust construction for repeated handling.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 8609, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8609 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.3% of world imports. Mexico reports $1.9B of its chapter 86 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $13.6B 77% of world exports
- 2 United States $571M 3.3% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $336M 1.9% of world exports
Mexico reports $1.9B of its chapter 86 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $17.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $554M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$457M 7.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $405M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $6.0B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 86.09
What is HS code 8609?
HS code 8609 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. Heading 8609 specifically covers containers, including those for the transport of fluids, that are specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. This classification is fundamental to modern global logistics and intermodal transport, encompassing the standardized units that facilitate seamless movement of goods across ships, rail, and trucks. The scope includes a wide variety of container types, such as standard dry cargo containers (e.g., 20-foot and 40-foot), refrigerated containers (reefers), tank containers for liquids and gases, open-top containers, flat rack containers for oversized cargo, and bulk containers. The defining characteristic is their design for easy transfer and stacking between different modes of transport, enabling efficient and cost-effective global supply chains. Proper classification under 8609 is essential for customs clearance, duty assessment, and adherence to international shipping and safety standards (e.g., ISO standards for containers). These containers are the unsung heroes of global trade, making them a crucial component of transport equipment within Section XVII.
What products fall under HS code 8609?
20-foot standard dry cargo containers, 40-foot high cube containers, 40-foot standard dry cargo containers, refrigerated (reefer) containers, tank containers for chemicals, tank containers for food liquids, open-top containers, flat rack containers, platform containers, dry bulk containers, swap bodies, insulated containers, ventilated containers, specialized offshore containers, half-height containers, garment on hanger (GOH) containers, collapsible containers, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) containers, military logistics containers, side-door containers, bitumen tank containers, flexitank containers (when part of a container structure).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 8609?
A common misclassification involves confusing intermodal containers (8609) with general storage boxes, crates, or industrial tanks that are not specifically designed for multi-modal transport. For example, a simple steel storage box (Chapter 73) or a fixed industrial tank (also Chapter 73) would not fall under 8609. Another error is classifying packaging materials (e.g., cartons, pallets) that go inside containers, instead of the container itself. The key differentiator is the 'specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport' criterion, implying features like corner castings, stacking capability, and robust construction for repeated handling.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8609?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8609 in UN Comtrade data were China ($13.6B, 77% of world exports), the United States ($571M) and the Netherlands ($336M). World exports came to about $17.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $1.9B of its chapter 86 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 8609?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8609 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($554M, 9.3% of world imports), Taiwan (about $457M) and Germany ($405M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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 8609 structured?
HS code 8609 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 86 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (86) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (09) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.