Product classification

HS code for Electric multiple units: 8603.10

Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks, self-propelled, powered from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604).

Classification of electric multiple units under HS 8603.10

Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) are classified under HS code 8603.10. According to the Harmonized System, heading 8603 covers railway or tramway coaches, vans, and trucks that are self-propelled. Unlike a train consisting of a separate locomotive and passive coaches, an EMU consists of one or more carriages that have integrated electric motors. Subheading 8603.10 is specific to those units that receive their power from an external source of electricity, such as an overhead catenary system or a third rail. These units are the backbone of modern suburban and intercity rail networks. The classification is based on the fact that the vehicle is both a transport carriage (for passengers or goods) and its own source of propulsion. Even if the unit consists of several permanently coupled cars, the entire set is classified here as long as the power is derived from an external electrical supply.

Covers
  • Subway and metro cars (externally powered)
  • Commuter rail electric multiple units
  • High-speed electric train sets (integrated propulsion)
  • Electric tramway coaches (self-propelled)
  • Self-propelled electric freight railcars
Also under 8603.10
  • Siemens Desiro ML
  • Alstom Coradia Stream
  • Bombardier Flexity tram
  • Kawasaki Heavy Industries Shinkansen E7
  • CRRC Metro trains

Codes often confused with 8603.10

Common mistake. EMUs are often confused with locomotives of heading 8601. The distinction lies in the ability to carry a load; 8601 is for units that only provide traction, while 8603 is for units that carry passengers or cargo. Another misclassification is 8603.90, which is for self-propelled coaches powered by other means, such as internal combustion engines (Diesel Multiple Units or DMUs). Finally, non-self-propelled coaches must be classified under 8605.

86.01Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity or by electric accumulators86.03Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled tenders, other than those of heading no. 86048603.90Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled, powered other than from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604)86.05Railway or tramway coaches; passenger coaches, luggage vans, post office coaches and other special purpose railway or tramway coaches, not self-propelled (excluding those of heading no. 8604)

Top exporters and importers of HS 860310 (the code used for electric multiple units), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860310 (the code used for electric multiple units) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 15% 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 860310, not only electric multiple units.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $1.1B
  2. 2 Germany $1.1B
  3. 3 Switzerland $883M

World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Austria $754M
  2. 2 Switzerland $538M
  3. 3 Germany $480M

World total: $5.2B 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 multiple units

Brazil classifies electric multiple units under NCM 8603.10.00: HS 8603.10 with 00 added.

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

Questions about electric multiple units

What is the HS code for Electric multiple units?

The HS code for Electric multiple units is 860310 (Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled, powered from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604)).

How do I classify Electric multiple units for customs?

Electric multiple units is classified under HS code 860310 — Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled, powered from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for EMU?

The HS code for Electric Multiple Units powered from an external source is 8603.10.

Are tram cars included in this HS code?

Yes, self-propelled tramway coaches that are powered by external electricity (overhead wires) are classified under 8603.10.

Which countries are the top exporters of electric multiple units (HS 860310)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860310 (the code used for electric multiple units) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 21% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and Switzerland ($883M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 multiple units (HS 860310)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 860310 (the code used for electric multiple units) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($754M, 15% of world imports), Switzerland ($538M) and Germany ($480M). World imports came to about $5.2B, 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 multiple units the same in all countries?

The base HS code 860310 for Electric 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 electric multiple units in Brazil?

In Brazil, electric multiple units (HS 860310) is classified under NCM 8603.10.00.