Product classification
HS code for Diesel railcars: 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 railcars under HS 8603.90
HS code 860390 is used for self-propelled railway or tramway coaches, vans, and trucks that do not rely on an external source of electricity. While heading 8603 covers self-propelled rolling stock, the subheading 860390 specifically excludes those powered by external electric sources, such as overhead lines or third rails, which fall under 860310. Consequently, railcars powered by diesel engines—commonly known as Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs)—are classified here. These vehicles are designed to carry passengers or freight on rail tracks and contain their own power plant, typically a diesel engine coupled with a hydraulic or electric transmission. The classification is driven by the fact that the vehicle is self-propelled and the source of power is internal. This code excludes maintenance-of-way vehicles, which are classified under 8604, even if they are diesel-powered. Proper classification requires verifying that the railcar is intended for transport and is not a dedicated locomotive (heading 8601).
- Covers
- Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs)
- Self-propelled diesel railway coaches
- Diesel-powered tramway cars
- Self-propelled diesel rail vans for luggage or post
- 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. A frequent error is classifying these under 8601, which is for rail locomotives that pull other cars rather than carrying passengers themselves. Another misclassification is 860310, which is strictly for electric railcars powered from an external source. Furthermore, diesel-powered maintenance vehicles are often wrongly placed here instead of under 8604.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel railcars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel railcars) 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 railcars.
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 railcars
Brazil classifies diesel railcars 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 railcars
What is the HS code for Diesel railcars?
The HS code for Diesel railcars 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 self-propelled diesel railcars is 860390.
How do I classify Diesel railcars for customs?
Diesel railcars 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.
Is a diesel locomotive classified under 860390?
No, a locomotive is classified under heading 8601. 860390 is for railcars that are designed to carry passengers or goods while being self-propelled.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel railcars (HS 860390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel railcars) 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 railcars (HS 860390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860390 (the code used for diesel railcars) 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 railcars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860390 for Diesel railcars 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 railcars in Brazil?
In Brazil, diesel railcars (HS 860390) is classified under NCM 8603.90.00.