Product classification
HS code for Railway locomotives (electric): 8601.10
Rail locomotives, powered from an external source of electricity.
Classification of railway locomotives (electric) under HS 8601.10
Railway locomotives powered from an external source of electricity are classified under HS code 8601.10. This classification is part of Chapter 86, which covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling-stock, and parts thereof. Heading 8601 is specifically for rail locomotives that are powered either from an external source of electricity or by electric accumulators (batteries). Subheading 8601.10 is dedicated to those locomotives that receive their power from an external source, such as an overhead catenary system or a third rail. These locomotives are equipped with traction motors that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to drive the wheels. The classification is determined by the propulsion method and the source of energy. Unlike diesel-electric locomotives, which generate their own electricity on board using a diesel engine (classified under heading 8602), electric locomotives under 8601.10 are dependent on the trackside electrical infrastructure. This classification applies to the complete locomotive unit. It is essential for customs purposes to distinguish between the source of power, as the HS system separates locomotives based on whether they are electric (8601), diesel (8602), or other types (8602). The 8601.10 code is used for high-speed passenger locomotives, heavy freight electric engines, and electric shunting locomotives, provided they utilize external power.
- Covers
- Electric mainline locomotives
- Third-rail powered locomotives
- Catenary-powered rail engines
- Electric shunting locomotives (external power)
- Electric tram locomotives
- Also under 8601.10
- Siemens Vectron
- Alstom Traxx
- Bombardier ALP-46
- Stadler Eurodual (in electric mode)
- CRRC HXD1
Codes often confused with 8601.10
Common mistake. Electric locomotives are often confused with battery-powered locomotives, which fall under HS code 8601.20. They are also distinct from diesel-electric locomotives, which are classified under HS code 8602.10 because their primary energy source is a compression-ignition engine.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860110 (the code used for railway locomotives (electric)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860110 (the code used for railway locomotives (electric)) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 21% 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 860110, not only railway locomotives (electric).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $805M 72% of world exports
- 2 Japan $116M 10% of world exports
- 3 China $57M 5.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Austria $330M 21% of world imports
- 2 Czechia $269M 17% of world imports
- 3 Slovenia $169M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 locomotives (electric)
Brazil classifies railway locomotives (electric) under NCM 8601.10.00: HS 8601.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about railway locomotives (electric)
What is the HS code for Railway locomotives (electric)?
The HS code for Railway locomotives (electric) is 860110 (Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity).
How do I classify Railway locomotives (electric) for customs?
Railway locomotives (electric) is classified under HS code 860110 — Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for electric locomotives?
The HS code for locomotives powered by an external source of electricity is 8601.10.
Does this include electric multiple units (EMUs)?
No, self-propelled passenger coaches (EMUs) are generally classified under HS code 8603.10, as they carry passengers rather than just providing traction.
Which countries are the top exporters of railway locomotives (electric) (HS 860110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860110 (the code used for railway locomotives (electric)) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($805M, 72% of world exports), Japan ($116M) and China ($57M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 locomotives (electric) (HS 860110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860110 (the code used for railway locomotives (electric)) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($330M, 21% of world imports), Czechia ($269M) and Slovenia ($169M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 locomotives (electric) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860110 for Railway locomotives (electric) 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 locomotives (electric) in Brazil?
In Brazil, railway locomotives (electric) (HS 860110) is classified under NCM 8601.10.00.