Product classification
HS code for Freight cars: 8606.91
Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons, covered and closed, not self-propelled.
Classification of freight cars under HS 8606.91
Freight cars, specifically those that are covered and closed and not self-propelled, are classified under HS code 860691. This code is part of Chapter 86, which covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; and mechanical traffic signaling equipment. Heading 8606 applies to railway or tramway goods vans and wagons, not self-propelled. The subheading 860691 specifically covers \"covered and closed\" wagons. These are typically used for transporting goods that require protection from weather or theft, such as grain, manufactured goods, or palletized cargo. The classification is determined by the vehicle's lack of an internal propulsion system and its specific structural design (being enclosed). According to GRI 1, the classification is governed by the heading text which distinguishes between self-propelled and non-self-propelled rolling stock. These cars are designed to be pulled by a locomotive and are used exclusively on rail tracks. The term \"covered and closed\" implies a permanent roof and sides, distinguishing them from open-top wagons or flatcars.
- Covers
- Railway boxcars
- Covered hopper cars for grain or minerals
- Closed goods vans for rail transport
- Insulated or refrigerated vans (non-self-propelled)
- Livestock wagons with enclosed sides
- Also under 8606.91
- DB Schenker covered wagons
- SNCF Fret boxcars
- CRRC covered freight wagons
- Greenbrier boxcars
- VTG covered wagons
Codes often confused with 8606.91
Common mistake. Freight cars are often confused with self-propelled railway wagons, which are classified under 8603. Another common error is misclassifying them under 860630 (self-discharging wagons) or 860692 (open wagons). The distinction is based on the mechanism of unloading and whether the car is enclosed. Additionally, intermodal containers are classified under 8609, not 8606, even though they carry freight on rails.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860691 (the code used for freight cars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860691 (the code used for freight cars) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 85% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 34% 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 860691, not only freight cars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $820M 85% of world exports
- 2 United States $78M 8.1% of world exports
- 3 Russia* ~$31M 3.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $961M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $72M 34% of world imports
- 2 Germany $45M 21% of world imports
- 3 Kazakhstan $33M 15% of world imports
World total: $214M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 freight cars
Brazil classifies freight cars under NCM 8606.91.00: HS 8606.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about freight cars
What is the HS code for Freight cars?
The HS code for Freight cars is 860691 (Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; covered and closed, not self-propelled). The HS code for covered and closed, non-self-propelled railway freight cars is 860691.
How do I classify Freight cars for customs?
Freight cars is classified under HS code 860691 — Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; covered and closed, not self-propelled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include flatcars?
No, flatcars (open wagons) are typically classified under 860699 or other specific subheadings depending on their features, as they are not \"covered and closed.\"
Which countries are the top exporters of freight cars (HS 860691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860691 (the code used for freight cars) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($820M, 85% of world exports), the United States ($78M) and Russia (about $31M). World exports came to about $961M, 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 freight cars (HS 860691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860691 (the code used for freight cars) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($72M, 34% of world imports), Germany ($45M) and Kazakhstan ($33M). World imports came to about $214M, 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 Freight cars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860691 for Freight cars 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 freight cars in Brazil?
In Brazil, freight cars (HS 860691) is classified under NCM 8606.91.00.