Product classification
HS code for Boxcars: 8606.91
Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons, covered and closed, not self-propelled.
Classification of boxcars under HS 8606.91
The classification of boxcars under HS code 8606.91 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8606 encompasses railway or tramway goods vans and wagons that are not self-propelled. Within this heading, the code 8606.91 is reserved for \"covered and closed\" units. These are distinct from open-top wagons or specialized self-discharging units. The technical definition of a boxcar in this context refers to a rail vehicle with a permanent roof and enclosed sides, typically accessed via sliding or plug doors. This design is intended to protect cargo from environmental elements such as rain, snow, and wind, as well as to provide security for high-value or palletized goods. The construction must meet the standards for railway rolling stock, excluding those designed for passenger transport (Chapter 87) or those with integrated propulsion systems (8601-8602). Furthermore, the classification remains consistent regardless of whether the boxcar is intended for standard gauge, narrow gauge, or broad gauge tracks, provided it is not self-propelled and is intended for the transport of goods.
- Covers
- Standard fully enclosed railway boxcars
- Insulated boxcars without active refrigeration units
- Ventilated boxcars for agricultural transport
- Sliding-wall railway wagons for palletized cargo
- Closed vans for railway goods transport
- Also under 8606.91
- DB Schenker covered wagons
- SNCF Fret boxcars
- CRRC covered freight wagons
- Greenbrier boxcars
- VTG covered wagons
Codes often confused with 8606.91
Common mistake. Boxcars are frequently confused with other railway wagons under heading 8606. For instance, self-discharging wagons are classified under 8606.30, while open wagons with non-removable sides are placed under 8606.92. A common error involves classifying refrigerated boxcars under 8606.91; however, if they possess an active thermal unit, they should be classified under 8606.10 (tank wagons) or 8606.91 depending on the specific regional tariff interpretation, though 8606.91 is strictly for non-self-propelled closed vans. Additionally, motorized rail cars must be classified under 8604.00 or 8603.00, as 8606 is reserved for non-self-propelled rolling stock.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860691 (the code used for boxcars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860691 (the code used for boxcars) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 34% 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 860691, not only boxcars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $820M 85% of world exports
- 2 United States $78M 8.1% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$31M 3.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $961M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $72M 34% of world imports
- 2 Germany $45M 21% of world imports
- 3 Kazakhstan $33M 15% of world imports
World total: $214M 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. 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 boxcars
Brazil classifies boxcars under NCM 8606.91.00: HS 8606.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about boxcars
What is the HS code for Boxcars?
The HS code for Boxcars is 860691 (Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; covered and closed, not self-propelled). The primary HS code for covered and closed railway goods wagons, commonly known as boxcars, is 8606.91.
How do I classify Boxcars for customs?
Boxcars is classified under HS code 860691 — Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; covered and closed, not self-propelled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include refrigerated rail cars?
No, refrigerated or insulated wagons that are equipped with active cooling equipment are typically classified under 8606.10 or other specific subheadings depending on the mechanism, whereas 8606.91 is for standard closed vans.
Which countries are the top exporters of boxcars (HS 860691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860691 (the code used for boxcars) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($820M, 85% of world exports), the United States ($78M) and Russia (about $31M). World exports came to about $961M, 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 boxcars (HS 860691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860691 (the code used for boxcars) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($72M, 34% of world imports), Germany ($45M) and Kazakhstan ($33M). World imports came to about $214M, 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 Boxcars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860691 for Boxcars 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 boxcars in Brazil?
In Brazil, boxcars (HS 860691) is classified under NCM 8606.91.00.