Product classification

HS code for Electric locomotives (battery): 8601.20

Rail locomotives, powered by electric accumulators.

Classification of electric locomotives (battery) under HS 8601.20

Electric locomotives powered by batteries (accumulators) are classified under HS code 8601.20. This classification is determined by the propulsion system and the nature of the vehicle as a rail-bound locomotive. Heading 8601 is dedicated to rail locomotives that are powered either from an external source of electricity (such as overhead lines or a third rail) or by electric accumulators. Subheading 8601.20 specifically isolates those that carry their own power source in the form of batteries. These vehicles are designed to haul or push other railway wagons or coaches and do not typically carry passengers or freight themselves. The classification applies to locomotives used in various environments, including industrial sites, mines, and shunting yards, provided they run on a fixed track. The presence of sophisticated control electronics or regenerative braking systems does not change this classification, as the primary characteristic is the battery-electric rail propulsion.

Covers
  • Battery-powered shunting locomotives
  • Underground mining locomotives (battery-electric)
  • Battery-operated rail tractors
  • Industrial battery locomotives for factory tracks
  • Narrow-gauge battery locomotives
Also under 8601.20
  • Stadler BEMU (Battery-Electric Multiple Unit) locomotives
  • CRRC battery shunting locomotives
  • Toshiba HDB-800
  • Progress Rail EMD Joule

Codes often confused with 8601.20

Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8601.10, which is reserved for locomotives powered from an external source of electricity. If a locomotive uses both a battery and an external source, it is classified based on its primary mode of operation or under the latter subheading in numerical order. Additionally, battery-powered vehicles that do not run on rails are classified in Chapter 87 (e.g., 8709), and self-propelled railway coaches that carry passengers are classified under 8603.

8601.10Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity87.09Works trucks, self-propelled, (not fitted with lifting or handling equipment), for factories, warehouses etc, for short distance transport of goods, tractors used on railway station platforms; parts thereof86.03Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled tenders, other than those of heading no. 8604

Top exporters and importers of HS 860120 (the code used for electric locomotives (battery)), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860120 (the code used for electric locomotives (battery)) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 55% 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 860120, not only electric locomotives (battery).

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Spain $79M
  2. 2 Germany $59M
  3. 3 China $39M

World total: $276M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Singapore $346M
  2. 2 New Zealand $111M
  3. 3 Australia $35M

World total: $630M 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 electric locomotives (battery)

Brazil classifies electric locomotives (battery) under NCM 8601.20.00: HS 8601.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about electric locomotives (battery)

What is the HS code for Electric locomotives (battery)?

The HS code for Electric locomotives (battery) is 860120 (Rail locomotives; powered by electric accumulators).

How do I classify Electric locomotives (battery) for customs?

Electric locomotives (battery) is classified under HS code 860120 — Rail locomotives; powered by electric accumulators. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for battery electric locomotive?

The correct HS code for rail locomotives powered by electric accumulators is 8601.20.

Does this code include hybrid diesel-electric locomotives?

No, hybrid diesel-electric locomotives, where a diesel engine drives a generator to power electric motors, are classified under HS code 8602.10.

Which countries are the top exporters of electric locomotives (battery) (HS 860120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860120 (the code used for electric locomotives (battery)) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($79M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($59M) and China ($39M). World exports came to about $276M, 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 electric locomotives (battery) (HS 860120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 860120 (the code used for electric locomotives (battery)) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($346M, 55% of world imports), New Zealand ($111M) and Australia ($35M). World imports came to about $630M, 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 Electric locomotives (battery) the same in all countries?

The base HS code 860120 for Electric locomotives (battery) 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 electric locomotives (battery) in Brazil?

In Brazil, electric locomotives (battery) (HS 860120) is classified under NCM 8601.20.00.