Product classification

HS code for Intermodal 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 intermodal containers under HS 8609.00

Intermodal containers are classified under HS code 8609.00. This classification is determined by the specific design and function of the article: it must be a container specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport, such as rail, road, sea, or air. To fall under this heading, the container must be of a permanent character, strong enough for repeated use, and fitted with devices (like corner castings) that facilitate its handling and securing during transfer between different transport modes. This code is unique because it covers the container as a transport unit rather than a simple storage vessel or a vehicle component.

Covers
  • Standard ISO shipping containers (20ft, 40ft)
  • Refrigerated containers (reefers) for temperature-sensitive cargo
  • Tank containers for the transport of liquids or gases
  • Open-top and flat-rack containers
  • Swap bodies used in road and rail transport
Also under 8609.00
  • Maersk Line containers
  • Evergreen Marine containers
  • CIMC containers
  • Textainer containers

Codes often confused with 8609.00

Common mistake. Intermodal containers are sometimes misclassified under 7311.00 if they are used for compressed or liquefied gas; however, if they are designed for intermodal transport, 8609.00 takes precedence. Another common error is using 8716.39, which covers trailers and semi-trailers. While a container may be mounted on a trailer, the container itself remains under 8609.00, while the wheeled chassis is classified separately under Chapter 87.

7311.00Containers for compressed or liquefied gas, of iron or steel8716.39Trailers and semi-trailers; (other than tanker type)

Top exporters and importers of HS 860900 (the code used for intermodal containers), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860900 (the code used for intermodal 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 intermodal containers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $13.6B
  2. 2 United States $571M
  3. 3 Netherlands $336M

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. 1 United States $554M
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$457M
  3. 3 Germany $405M

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 intermodal containers

Brazil classifies intermodal 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 intermodal containers

What is the HS code for Intermodal containers?

The HS code for Intermodal containers is 860900 (Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport). The international HS code for intermodal containers specially designed for carriage by one or more modes of transport is 8609.00.

How do I classify Intermodal containers for customs?

Intermodal 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.

Does this code include the trailer used to move the container?

No, the trailer or chassis is classified under heading 8716, as 8609.00 only covers the container unit itself.

Which countries are the top exporters of intermodal containers (HS 860900)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860900 (the code used for intermodal 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 intermodal containers (HS 860900)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 860900 (the code used for intermodal 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 Intermodal containers the same in all countries?

The base HS code 860900 for Intermodal 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 intermodal containers in Brazil?

In Brazil, intermodal containers (HS 860900) is classified under NCM 8609.00.00.