Product classification
HS code for Locomotives: 8602.90
Rail locomotives and locomotive tenders, other than diesel-electric powered.
Classification of locomotives under HS 8602.90
Rail locomotives classified under HS code 8602.90 fall within Chapter 86, which covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, and parts thereof. Heading 8602 is reserved for other rail locomotives and locomotive tenders, excluding those powered by external electricity (which fall under 8601). Subheading 8602.90 specifically captures locomotives that are not diesel-electric powered. This includes steam locomotives, battery-powered locomotives, and those powered by internal combustion engines that do not use an electric transmission system, such as diesel-hydraulic or diesel-mechanical locomotives. The classification is determined by the primary propulsion method and the absence of the specific diesel-electric configuration defined in 8602.10. Under the General Interpretative Rules, specifically GIR 1 and 6, the technical specifications of the engine and the transmission system are the primary factors in distinguishing between the subheadings of 8602. This code also includes locomotive tenders, which are vehicles coupled to a locomotive for carrying fuel and water. The professional classification of these units requires a thorough review of the mechanical drive system to ensure they do not meet the criteria for diesel-electric propulsion.
- Covers
- Steam locomotives and their tenders
- Battery-operated rail locomotives
- Diesel-hydraulic locomotives
- Diesel-mechanical locomotives
- Gas turbine locomotives
- Compressed air locomotives used in mines
- 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. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 8602.10, which is specifically for diesel-electric locomotives. Many importers assume all diesel locomotives belong there, but if the transmission is hydraulic or mechanical, 8602.90 is correct. Another error involves 8601.10 or 8601.20, which are for locomotives powered from an external source of electricity (like overhead lines or a third rail). Finally, small motorized rail maintenance vehicles might be confused with locomotives but are often better suited for 8604.00.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotives) 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 locomotives.
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 locomotives
Brazil classifies locomotives 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 locomotives
What is the HS code for Locomotives?
The HS code for Locomotives is 860290 (Rail locomotives and locomotive tenders; other than diesel-electric powered). The HS code for locomotives depends on the power source; however, for those that are not diesel-electric or externally powered by electricity, the code is 8602.90.
How do I classify Locomotives for customs?
Locomotives 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 steam locomotives still classified under this code?
Yes, steam locomotives and their tenders are explicitly included under the 8602.90 classification as they are rail locomotives other than diesel-electric or externally electric powered.
Which countries are the top exporters of locomotives (HS 860290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotives) 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 locomotives (HS 860290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860290 (the code used for locomotives) 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 Locomotives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860290 for Locomotives 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 locomotives in Brazil?
In Brazil, locomotives (HS 860290) is classified under NCM 8602.90.00.