HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8609.00 – Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport
HS code 8609.00 is the 6-digit subheading for containers, (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. It is used for standard dry cargo containers, refrigerated containers (reefers), tank containers, open-top containers and flat rack containers.
What HS 8609.00 covers
This HS code covers containers, including those for the transport of fluids, specifically designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. These intermodal containers are the cornerstone of globalized trade, enabling seamless transfer of goods between ships, trains, and trucks. Their standardized dimensions and robust construction facilitate efficient logistics and supply chain management worldwide. International trade involves the manufacturing of new containers, their leasing, and the repositioning of empty containers across continents. Major shipping lines, logistics companies, and specialized container manufacturers are key players, with demand driven by global trade volumes and the need for efficient, secure cargo transport.
- Covers
- Standard dry cargo containers
- Refrigerated containers (reefers)
- Tank containers
- Open-top containers
- Flat rack containers
- Bulk containers
- Swap bodies
- Examples
- Maersk Line containers
- Evergreen Marine containers
- CIMC containers
- Textainer containers
Codes often confused with 8609.00
Common mistake. Can be confused with general storage tanks (e.g., Chapter 73 for iron/steel) or packaging materials (e.g., Chapter 39 for plastics) if not specifically designed for intermodal transport. The key differentiator is their design for seamless transfer across multiple transport modes.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 860900, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 860900 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.
Brazil NCM code for 8609.00
Brazil does not split HS 8609.00: its NCM code is 8609.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 86.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8609.00
What is HS code 860900?
HS code 860900 is a 6-digit subheading 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. This HS code covers containers, including those for the transport of fluids, specifically designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. These intermodal containers are the cornerstone of globalized trade, enabling seamless transfer of goods between ships, trains, and trucks. Their standardized dimensions and robust construction facilitate efficient logistics and supply chain management worldwide. International trade involves the manufacturing of new containers, their leasing, and the repositioning of empty containers across continents. Major shipping lines, logistics companies, and specialized container manufacturers are key players, with demand driven by global trade volumes and the need for efficient, secure cargo transport.
What products fall under HS code 860900?
Standard dry cargo containers, refrigerated containers (reefers), tank containers, open-top containers, flat rack containers, bulk containers, swap bodies
What are common misclassifications for HS code 860900?
Can be confused with general storage tanks (e.g., Chapter 73 for iron/steel) or packaging materials (e.g., Chapter 39 for plastics) if not specifically designed for intermodal transport. The key differentiator is their design for seamless transfer across multiple transport modes.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 860900?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 860900 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 860900?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 860900 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 860900 structured?
HS code 860900 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (86) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 860900?
In Brazil, HS code 860900 is NCM 8609.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.