Product classification
HS code for Battery locomotives: 8601.20
Rail locomotives, powered by electric accumulators.
Classification of battery locomotives under HS 8601.20
Battery locomotives are classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 860120. This subheading is specifically defined as "Rail locomotives; powered by electric accumulators." The classification is precise because it directly identifies locomotives that operate using onboard electric batteries as their primary power source. This distinguishes them from other types of locomotives, such as those powered by external electricity sources or internal combustion engines, by focusing on their unique propulsion system.
- Covers
- Electric battery-powered railway locomotives
- Mine locomotives powered by electric accumulators
- Shunting locomotives with battery power
- Industrial rail locomotives utilizing electric accumulators
- Traction units for rail systems that are solely battery-powered
- Also under 8601.20
- 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. Battery locomotives are commonly misclassified with other types of rail locomotives, particularly those within HS 8601 and 8602. For example, HS 860110 covers "Rail locomotives; powered by external source of electricity," which includes electric locomotives that draw power from overhead lines or third rails, rather than internal batteries. HS 860210 is for "Diesel-electric locomotives," which use a diesel engine to generate electricity for traction motors, a hybrid system distinct from pure battery power. HS 860290 is a residual category for "Other rail locomotives," but 860120 is more specific. The key differentiator for correct classification is the exclusive reliance on electric accumulators for propulsion.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860120 (the code used for battery locomotives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860120 (the code used for battery locomotives) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 860120, not only battery locomotives.
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 battery locomotives
Brazil classifies battery locomotives under NCM 8601.20.00: HS 8601.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about battery locomotives
What is the HS code for Battery locomotives?
The HS code for Battery locomotives is 860120 (Rail locomotives; powered by electric accumulators). The HS code for battery locomotives is 860120, which specifically covers rail locomotives powered by electric accumulators.
How do I classify Battery locomotives for customs?
Battery locomotives is classified under HS code 860120 — Rail locomotives; powered by electric accumulators. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are electric locomotives powered by overhead lines classified?
Electric locomotives that draw power from an external source of electricity, such as overhead lines or third rails, are classified under HS 860110. This distinguishes them from battery locomotives (860120), which rely on internal electric accumulators for their power supply.
Which countries are the top exporters of battery locomotives (HS 860120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860120 (the code used for battery locomotives) 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 battery locomotives (HS 860120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860120 (the code used for battery locomotives) 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.
Is the HS code for Battery locomotives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860120 for Battery locomotives is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for battery locomotives in Brazil?
In Brazil, battery locomotives (HS 860120) is classified under NCM 8601.20.00.