Product classification
HS code for Freight containers: 8609.00
Containers, (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport.
Classification of freight containers under HS 8609.00
Freight containers are classified under HS code 860900. This code is located in Chapter 86, which deals with railway and transport equipment. Heading 8609 is unique as it covers containers (including containers for the transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. These are often referred to as intermodal containers or ISO containers. The primary characteristic that defines classification under 860900 is the presence of fittings, such as corner castings, that allow for easy handling and securing onto different types of transport, such as ships, rail wagons, and semi-trailer trucks. Unlike standard packing boxes or tanks used for static storage, these containers are considered \"transport equipment\" rather than \"packaging.\" The classification is straightforward under GRI 1 because the heading text explicitly describes the multi-modal nature and the specific design for carriage. This code covers a wide range of specialized containers, including those for dry cargo, refrigerated goods, or liquids, provided they meet the criteria of being \"specially designed and equipped\" for transport across different modes without intermediate reloading of the contents.
- Covers
- ISO standard shipping containers (20ft, 40ft, etc.)
- Refrigerated (reefer) intermodal containers
- Tank containers for bulk liquids
- Open-top intermodal containers
- Flat-rack containers for oversized cargo
- Also under 8609.00
- Maersk Line containers
- Evergreen Marine containers
- CIMC containers
- Textainer containers
Codes often confused with 8609.00
Common mistake. Freight containers are sometimes misclassified under 7309 or 7310 if they are made of steel and used for storage. However, if they have the structural fittings for intermodal transport, 860900 is mandatory. They are also occasionally confused with the vehicles that carry them, such as railway wagons (8606) or semi-trailers (8716), but the container itself is a distinct article of transport equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860900 (the code used for freight containers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860900 (the code used for freight containers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.3% of world imports. Mexico reports $1.9B of its chapter 86 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 860900, not only freight containers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $13.6B 77% of world exports
- 2 United States $571M 3.3% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $336M 1.9% of world exports
Mexico reports $1.9B of its chapter 86 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $17.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $554M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$457M 7.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $405M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $6.0B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 containers
Brazil classifies freight containers under NCM 8609.00.00: HS 8609.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about freight containers
What is the HS code for Freight containers?
The HS code for Freight containers is 860900 (Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport). The HS code for intermodal freight containers is 860900.
How do I classify Freight containers for customs?
Freight containers is classified under HS code 860900 — Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are air freight containers (ULDs) included here?
Yes, if the containers are specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport (such as air and road), they fall under 860900.
Which countries are the top exporters of freight containers (HS 860900)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860900 (the code used for freight containers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($13.6B, 77% of world exports), the United States ($571M) and the Netherlands ($336M). World exports came to about $17.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $1.9B of its chapter 86 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of freight containers (HS 860900)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860900 (the code used for freight containers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($554M, 9.3% of world imports), Taiwan (about $457M) and Germany ($405M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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 containers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860900 for Freight containers 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 containers in Brazil?
In Brazil, freight containers (HS 860900) is classified under NCM 8609.00.00.