Product classification
HS code for Railway brakes: 8607.29
Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock, parts, brakes (other than air brakes) and parts thereof.
Classification of railway brakes under HS 8607.29
Railway brakes are classified under HS code 860729 because they are identified as specific parts of railway or tramway locomotives and rolling stock. Chapter 86 of the Harmonized System covers railway equipment, and heading 8607 is dedicated to parts of these vehicles. Subheading 860729 specifically captures brakes and their parts, excluding air brakes and their parts, which are categorized elsewhere. This classification is determined by the function of the component as a dedicated part of a rail vehicle's braking system. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that parts suitable for use solely or principally with railway locomotives or rolling stock must be classified under heading 8607. Since these brakes are engineered for the unique mechanical requirements of rail transport, they fall under this specific code rather than general mechanical parts.
- Covers
- Mechanical brake assemblies for locomotives
- Brake shoes and blocks for rail cars
- Brake discs for high-speed trains
- Brake levers and linkages for tramways
- Hydraulic brake components for rolling stock
- Also under 8607.29
- Knorr-Bremse mechanical brakes
- Faiveley Transport (Wabtec) hydraulic brake systems
- CRRC brake components
- Siemens Mobility brake parts
Codes often confused with 8607.29
Common mistake. A frequent error involves confusing mechanical brakes under 860729 with air brakes classified under 860721. Air brakes utilize compressed air systems to actuate the braking mechanism, whereas 860729 covers other types such as hydraulic or purely mechanical systems. Additionally, importers often mistakenly use 870830, which is reserved for brakes and servo-brakes of motor vehicles. It is essential to distinguish between parts for rail-bound rolling stock and those for road vehicles, as the technical specifications and safety standards differ significantly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860729 (the code used for railway brakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860729 (the code used for railway brakes) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 22% 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 860729, not only railway brakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $83M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $52M 17% of world exports
- 3 United States $30M 10% of world exports
World total: $299M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $85M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $36M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $28M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $387M 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 railway brakes
Brazil classifies railway brakes under NCM 8607.29.00: HS 8607.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about railway brakes
What is the HS code for Railway brakes?
The HS code for Railway brakes is 860729 (Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts, brakes (other than air brakes) and parts thereof). The HS code for railway brakes (other than air brakes) and their parts is 860729.
How do I classify Railway brakes for customs?
Railway brakes is classified under HS code 860729 — Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts, brakes (other than air brakes) and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are air brakes for trains classified here?
No, air brakes and their parts for railway or tramway locomotives are specifically classified under HS code 860721.
Which countries are the top exporters of railway brakes (HS 860729)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860729 (the code used for railway brakes) in UN Comtrade data were France ($83M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($52M) and the United States ($30M). World exports came to about $299M, 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 railway brakes (HS 860729)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860729 (the code used for railway brakes) in UN Comtrade data were France ($85M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($36M) and Czechia ($28M). World imports came to about $387M, 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 Railway brakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860729 for Railway brakes 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 railway brakes in Brazil?
In Brazil, railway brakes (HS 860729) is classified under NCM 8607.29.00.