Product classification
HS code for Electric railcars: 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 railcars under HS 8603.10
Electric railcars are classified under HS code 860310. According to the Chapter 86 notes and the General Rules of Interpretation, heading 8603 is dedicated to self-propelled railway or tramway coaches, vans, and trucks. The critical distinction between a locomotive (heading 8601) and a railcar (heading 8603) is that a railcar is designed to carry passengers, luggage, or freight within the same unit that contains the propulsion system. In contrast, a locomotive is designed solely to pull or push other vehicles. Subheading 860310 specifically covers those railcars that are powered from an external source of electricity, such as an overhead catenary wire or a conductor (third) rail. This includes modern Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) used extensively in commuter rail, light rail, and subway systems. The classification is based on the dual function of the vehicle as both a power unit and a transport carriage, and its reliance on external electrical infrastructure for energy. This code ensures that integrated transport units are distinguished from separate locomotive-and-carriage configurations.
- Covers
- Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) passenger cars
- Self-propelled electric subway/metro cars
- Electric tramway cars (self-propelled)
- Self-propelled electric rail maintenance vans
- Electric railcars for underground mining transport
- 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. Electric railcars are often misclassified under HS code 860110, which is for electric locomotives. The error stems from both being electrically powered, but 8601 is only for units that do not carry a payload. Another common mistake is using HS code 860390, which is for self-propelled railcars powered by other means, such as diesel engines. Additionally, non-self-propelled passenger coaches (trailers) must be classified under HS code 860500.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860310 (the code used for electric railcars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860310 (the code used for electric railcars) 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 railcars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 21% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 21% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $883M 17% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $754M 15% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $538M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $480M 9.3% of world imports
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 railcars
Brazil classifies electric railcars 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 railcars
What is the HS code for Electric railcars?
The HS code for Electric railcars is 860310 (Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled, powered from an external source of electricity (excluding those of heading no. 8604)). The HS code for self-propelled railway or tramway coaches powered from an external source of electricity is 860310.
How do I classify Electric railcars for customs?
Electric railcars 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.
How does a railcar differ from a locomotive in HS coding?
A railcar (8603) is a self-propelled unit that carries passengers or cargo, while a locomotive (8601) is a power unit designed only to pull or push other rail vehicles.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric railcars (HS 860310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860310 (the code used for electric railcars) 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 railcars (HS 860310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860310 (the code used for electric railcars) 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 railcars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860310 for Electric 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 electric railcars in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric railcars (HS 860310) is classified under NCM 8603.10.00.