Product classification
HS code for Diesel multiple units: 8603.90
Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks, self-propelled, powered other than from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604).
Classification of diesel multiple units under HS 8603.90
Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) are classified under HS code 8603.90. This heading covers self-propelled railway or tramway coaches, vans, and trucks. DMUs are distinct from traditional trains because the propulsion system (the diesel engine) is integrated into one or more of the passenger or freight carriages rather than being housed in a separate locomotive. Subheading 8603.90 is specifically for self-propelled rolling stock that is powered by means other than an external source of electricity. Since DMUs generate their own power using onboard diesel engines, they fall into this residual category. This classification is essential for railway operators and manufacturers to distinguish integrated railcars from separate locomotives (8602) and non-self-propelled coaches (8605). The classification follows the rules for Chapter 86, focusing on the self-propelled nature and the internal power source.
- Covers
- Self-propelled diesel passenger railcars
- Diesel multiple unit (DMU) train sets
- Self-propelled diesel railway freight vans
- Diesel-powered tramway coaches
- Also under 8603.90
- Alstom Coradia iLint (hydrogen)
- Siemens Mireo Plus B (battery-hybrid)
- Bombardier Talent 2 (DMU variant)
- Pesa Link (DMU)
- Stadler FLIRT (DMU variant)
Codes often confused with 8603.90
Common mistake. DMUs are often misclassified under HS code 8602.10 (diesel-electric locomotives), but locomotives are designed to pull other cars and do not carry passengers themselves. They are also sometimes confused with 8603.10, which is strictly for electric railcars powered by external sources like overhead lines.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel multiple units), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel multiple units) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 28% 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 860390, not only diesel multiple units.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $351M 58% of world exports
- 2 China $75M 12% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $46M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $601M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Czechia $119M 28% of world imports
- 2 Australia $85M 20% of world imports
- 3 Austria $43M 10% of world imports
World total: $423M 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 multiple units
Brazil classifies diesel multiple units under NCM 8603.90.00: HS 8603.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel multiple units
What is the HS code for Diesel multiple units?
The HS code for Diesel multiple units is 860390 (Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled, powered other than from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604)). The HS code for Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) is 8603.90.
How do I classify Diesel multiple units for customs?
Diesel multiple units is classified under HS code 860390 — Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled, powered other than from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 8603.90 differ from 8602.10?
HS code 8603.90 is for self-propelled coaches that carry passengers or goods, while 8602.10 is for locomotives that only provide traction to pull other non-powered vehicles.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel multiple units (HS 860390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel multiple units) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($351M, 58% of world exports), China ($75M) and Switzerland ($46M). World exports came to about $601M, 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 multiple units (HS 860390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel multiple units) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($119M, 28% of world imports), Australia ($85M) and Austria ($43M). World imports came to about $423M, 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 multiple units the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860390 for Diesel multiple units 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 multiple units in Brazil?
In Brazil, diesel multiple units (HS 860390) is classified under NCM 8603.90.00.