Product classification
HS code for Electric tramcars: 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 tramcars under HS 8603.10
Electric tramcars are classified under HS code 8603.10. This code belongs to Chapter 86, which deals with railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, and parts thereof. Heading 8603 specifically covers self-propelled railway or tramway coaches, vans, and trucks, excluding those of heading 8604, which covers maintenance or service vehicles. The subheading 8603.10 is designated for vehicles powered from an external source of electricity. This typically refers to tramcars that receive power via overhead lines (catenary systems), a third rail, or an underground conduit. The classification is based on the propulsion method and the infrastructure the vehicle operates on. Since tramcars run on fixed rails and are designed for public transport, they are distinct from road-going electric buses. The external source requirement is the primary differentiator from battery-operated rail vehicles. This classification includes the entire self-propelled unit used for passenger or freight transport on tramway tracks. It is important to note that the vehicle must be self-propelled; non-powered coaches hauled by a locomotive fall under heading 8605.
- Covers
- Electric streetcars
- Light rail vehicles (LRVs) powered by overhead lines
- Electric trolley cars operating on rails
- Self-propelled electric tramway coaches
- 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 tramcars are often confused with electric buses, which are classified under 8702.40. The key difference is that tramcars operate on fixed rails. Another common error is misclassifying them under 8603.90, which is for other self-propelled coaches, such as those powered by onboard batteries or internal combustion engines. Maintenance-of-way vehicles that look like tramcars but are used for track repair belong in 8604.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860310 (the code used for electric tramcars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860310 (the code used for electric tramcars) 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 tramcars.
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 tramcars
Brazil classifies electric tramcars 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 tramcars
What is the HS code for Electric tramcars?
The HS code for Electric tramcars 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 electric tramcars powered from an external source of electricity is 8603.10.
How do I classify Electric tramcars for customs?
Electric tramcars 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.
Does this code include battery-powered trams?
No, if the tram is powered solely by onboard batteries without an external connection, it is classified under HS code 8603.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric tramcars (HS 860310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860310 (the code used for electric tramcars) 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 tramcars (HS 860310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860310 (the code used for electric tramcars) 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 tramcars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860310 for Electric tramcars 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 tramcars in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric tramcars (HS 860310) is classified under NCM 8603.10.00.