Product classification
HS code for Electric locomotives: 8601.10
Rail locomotives, powered from an external source of electricity.
Classification of electric locomotives under HS 8601.10
Electric locomotives are classified under HS code 860110 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Chapter 86 of the Harmonized System covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, and parts thereof. Heading 8601 specifically applies to rail locomotives powered from an external source of electricity or by electric accumulators. Subheading 860110 is reserved for those units that derive their motive power from an external source, such as overhead catenary lines or a third rail system. This classification is determined by the primary propulsion mechanism and the source of energy. Unlike diesel-electric locomotives, which generate their own electricity on board using an internal combustion engine, these units are purely dependent on the external electrical infrastructure of the rail network. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the locomotive is intended for high-speed passenger transport, heavy freight haulage, or shunting operations within a rail yard, provided the external power source requirement is met. The technical distinction lies in the traction motors and the pantograph or collector shoe systems that facilitate the transfer of energy from the grid to the locomotive's drivetrain.
- Covers
- Mainline electric locomotives for passenger rail
- Heavy-duty electric freight locomotives
- Electric shunting locomotives powered by overhead lines
- Electric mining locomotives using third-rail systems
- High-speed rail power units (locomotive type)
- Also under 8601.10
- Siemens Vectron
- Alstom Traxx
- Bombardier ALP-46
- Stadler Eurodual (in electric mode)
- CRRC HXD1
Codes often confused with 8601.10
Common mistake. Electric locomotives are frequently confused with those under HS code 860120, which covers locomotives powered by electric accumulators (batteries) rather than external sources. Another common error is classifying them under HS code 860210, which is designated for diesel-electric locomotives. While diesel-electric units use electric traction motors, their primary energy source is an internal combustion engine, placing them in a different category. Additionally, self-propelled passenger coaches are often incorrectly placed here but should be under heading 8603.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860110 (the code used for electric locomotives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860110 (the code used for electric locomotives) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 21% 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 860110, not only electric locomotives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $805M 72% of world exports
- 2 Japan $116M 10% of world exports
- 3 China $57M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $330M 21% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $269M 17% of world imports
- 3 Slovenia $169M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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
Brazil classifies electric locomotives under NCM 8601.10.00: HS 8601.10 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
What is the HS code for Electric locomotives?
The HS code for Electric locomotives is 860110 (Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity). The HS code for rail locomotives powered from an external source of electricity is 860110.
How do I classify Electric locomotives for customs?
Electric locomotives is classified under HS code 860110 — Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include battery-powered locomotives?
No, locomotives powered by electric accumulators (batteries) are classified under HS code 860120.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric locomotives (HS 860110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860110 (the code used for electric locomotives) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($805M, 72% of world exports), Japan ($116M) and China ($57M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 (HS 860110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860110 (the code used for electric locomotives) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($330M, 21% of world imports), Czechia ($269M) and Slovenia ($169M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860110 for 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 electric locomotives in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric locomotives (HS 860110) is classified under NCM 8601.10.00.