Product classification
HS code for Diesel-electric locomotives: 8602.10
Rail locomotives, diesel-electric powered.
Classification of diesel-electric locomotives under HS 8602.10
Diesel-electric locomotives are classified under HS code 8602.10. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 86 covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, and parts thereof. Heading 8602 specifically addresses "Other rail locomotives; locomotive tenders," distinguishing them from those in heading 8601, which are powered by an external source of electricity such as overhead lines or a third rail. The subheading 8602.10 is dedicated to diesel-electric locomotives. These units function by using a diesel internal combustion engine to drive an electrical generator or alternator, which in turn supplies electricity to traction motors that drive the wheels. This specific mechanical configuration—using diesel as the primary energy source to generate electricity for propulsion—is the key factor for classification under 8602.10. Even if the locomotive has small auxiliary batteries or secondary systems, the primary diesel-electric drive defines its place here. This code applies to locomotives used for various purposes, including long-haul freight, passenger services, and heavy-duty shunting in rail yards. The classification remains the same regardless of the gauge of the track or the specific horsepower of the engine, provided the diesel-electric transmission system is present. The Harmonized System Explanatory Notes for heading 8602 clarify that this heading includes locomotives where the energy source is carried on the vehicle itself. For 8602.10, the diesel engine is the prime mover. It is important to note that the classification is not affected by the type of diesel engine or the type of current generated (AC or DC). Furthermore, parts of these locomotives are generally classified under heading 8607, rather than with the locomotives themselves, unless they are specifically excluded by the section notes. Proper documentation must specify the transmission type to ensure the 8602.10 code is applied correctly over the 8602.90 alternative.
- Covers
- Mainline diesel-electric freight locomotives
- Diesel-electric passenger locomotives
- Diesel-electric shunting locomotives (switchers)
- Industrial diesel-electric rail units
- Road-switchers with diesel-electric transmission
- Also under 8602.10
- GE Evolution Series (e.g., ES44AC)
- EMD SD70 series
- Siemens Charger
- Alstom Prima H3
- CRRC HXN5
Codes often confused with 8602.10
Common mistake. Confusions often arise with HS code 8601.10 and 8601.20, which cover locomotives powered from an external source of electricity. While diesel-electric locomotives use electricity, they generate it on-board, whereas 8601 units require external infrastructure. Another common error is 8602.90, which covers "other" locomotives, such as diesel-hydraulic or diesel-mechanical locomotives. In these cases, the diesel engine drives the wheels through a hydraulic transmission or a gearbox rather than an electric generator, which excludes them from 8602.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860210 (the code used for diesel-electric locomotives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860210 (the code used for diesel-electric locomotives) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 17% 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 860210, not only diesel-electric locomotives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $650M 37% of world exports
- 2 Spain $354M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $334M 19% of world exports
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kazakhstan $232M 17% of world imports
- 2 Canada $167M 12% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $157M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 diesel-electric locomotives
Brazil classifies diesel-electric locomotives under NCM 8602.10.00: HS 8602.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel-electric locomotives
What is the HS code for Diesel-electric locomotives?
The HS code for Diesel-electric locomotives is 860210 (Rail locomotives; diesel-electric powered). The HS code for diesel-electric locomotives is 8602.10.
How do I classify Diesel-electric locomotives for customs?
Diesel-electric locomotives is classified under HS code 860210 — Rail locomotives; diesel-electric powered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 8602.10 differ from 8602.90?
8602.10 is strictly for diesel-electric transmission systems, while 8602.90 covers other diesel types like diesel-hydraulic or diesel-mechanical.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel-electric locomotives (HS 860210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860210 (the code used for diesel-electric locomotives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($650M, 37% of world exports), Spain ($354M) and China ($334M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 diesel-electric locomotives (HS 860210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860210 (the code used for diesel-electric locomotives) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($232M, 17% of world imports), Canada ($167M) and Indonesia ($157M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Diesel-electric locomotives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860210 for Diesel-electric 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 diesel-electric locomotives in Brazil?
In Brazil, diesel-electric locomotives (HS 860210) is classified under NCM 8602.10.00.