Product classification
HS code for Locomotive tenders: 8602.90
Rail locomotives and locomotive tenders, other than diesel-electric powered.
Classification of locomotive tenders under HS 8602.90
Locomotive tenders are classified under HS code 8602.90. These are specialized vehicles pulled by a steam locomotive (or occasionally other types) to carry its fuel, such as wood, coal, or oil, and water. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 86 covers railway equipment. Heading 8602 is for other rail locomotives and locomotive tenders. While 8602.10 covers diesel-electric locomotives, the sub-heading 8602.90 acts as the category for other locomotives and specifically includes locomotive tenders. The classification is straightforward because the tender is considered an integral part of the locomotive's operation, even though it is a separate vehicle coupled to the engine. It is not classified as a standard freight wagon because its sole purpose is to service the locomotive it accompanies. The classification follows GIR 1, as the heading text explicitly mentions locomotive tenders. Even if imported separately from the locomotive, the tender retains its identity as a locomotive-specific support vehicle, distinguishing it from general-purpose rolling stock used for transporting commercial cargo.
- Covers
- Steam locomotive coal tenders
- Oil-fuel tenders for rail locomotives
- Water tenders specifically designed for steam locomotives
- Wood-carrying tenders for vintage rail engines
- Also under 8602.90
- Union Pacific Big Boy (steam)
- British Rail APT-E (gas turbine)
- various industrial shunting locomotives
- tenders for preserved steam engines
Codes often confused with 8602.90
Common mistake. Locomotive tenders are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8606, which covers railway or tramway goods vans and wagons. However, because tenders are specifically mentioned in heading 8602, that heading takes precedence. They may also be confused with 8602.10 if the user assumes all locomotive-related equipment falls under the diesel-electric category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotive tenders), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotive tenders) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 19% 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 860290, not only locomotive tenders.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $63M 43% of world exports
- 2 India $20M 14% of world exports
- 3 Italy $14M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $147M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $24M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $14M 12% of world imports
- 3 United States $9.9M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $126M 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 locomotive tenders
Brazil classifies locomotive tenders under NCM 8602.90.00: HS 8602.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about locomotive tenders
What is the HS code for Locomotive tenders?
The HS code for Locomotive tenders is 860290 (Rail locomotives and locomotive tenders; other than diesel-electric powered). Locomotive tenders are classified under HS code 8602.90.
How do I classify Locomotive tenders for customs?
Locomotive tenders is classified under HS code 860290 — Rail locomotives and locomotive tenders; other than diesel-electric powered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are tenders classified as freight wagons?
No, tenders are classified under 8602.90 because they are specifically designed to carry fuel and water for a locomotive, not for general freight transport (8606).
Which countries are the top exporters of locomotive tenders (HS 860290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotive tenders) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($63M, 43% of world exports), India ($20M) and Italy ($14M). World exports came to about $147M, 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 locomotive tenders (HS 860290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotive tenders) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($24M, 19% of world imports), France ($14M) and the United States ($9.9M). World imports came to about $126M, 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 Locomotive tenders the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860290 for Locomotive tenders 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 locomotive tenders in Brazil?
In Brazil, locomotive tenders (HS 860290) is classified under NCM 8602.90.00.