Product classification
HS code for Covered rail wagons: 8606.91
Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons, covered and closed, not self-propelled.
Classification of covered rail wagons under HS 8606.91
Covered rail wagons are classified under HS code 8606.91. This code is part of Chapter 86, which covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, and parts thereof, as well as railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings. Heading 8606 is dedicated to railway or tramway goods vans and wagons that are not self-propelled. The subheading 8606.91 specifically identifies wagons that are "covered and closed." These vehicles are designed for the transport of goods by rail and are characterized by having a roof and sides to protect the cargo from environmental elements. This classification is distinct from self-propelled units, which are classified elsewhere in the chapter, and from open-top wagons used for bulk materials. The classification depends on the physical structure of the wagon (being closed) and its intended use for freight rather than passengers.
- Covers
- Railway boxcars
- Covered hopper wagons
- Closed goods vans
- Insulated or refrigerated wagons (non-self-propelled)
- Closed livestock wagons
- 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. These wagons are often confused with HS code 8606.92, which is for open wagons with non-removable sides. They may also be misclassified under 8606.30 if they have self-discharging mechanisms. It is critical to distinguish between self-propelled freight cars (8603.90) and those that require a locomotive (8606.91).
Top exporters and importers of HS 860691 (the code used for covered rail wagons), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860691 (the code used for covered rail wagons) 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 covered rail wagons.
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 covered rail wagons
Brazil classifies covered rail wagons 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 covered rail wagons
What is the HS code for Covered rail wagons?
The HS code for Covered rail wagons is 860691 (Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; covered and closed, not self-propelled). The HS code for covered rail wagons is 8606.91.
How do I classify Covered rail wagons for customs?
Covered rail wagons 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.
Are refrigerated rail cars included in this code?
Yes, provided they are covered, closed, and not self-propelled, they fall under 8606.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of covered rail wagons (HS 860691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860691 (the code used for covered rail wagons) 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 covered rail wagons (HS 860691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860691 (the code used for covered rail wagons) 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 Covered rail wagons the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860691 for Covered rail wagons 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 covered rail wagons in Brazil?
In Brazil, covered rail wagons (HS 860691) is classified under NCM 8606.91.00.