Product classification
HS code for Railway tank cars: 8606.10
Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons, tank wagons and the like, not self-propelled.
Classification of railway tank cars under HS 8606.10
Railway tank cars are classified under HS code 8606.10, which covers non-self-propelled railway or tramway goods vans and wagons. Specifically, this subheading is reserved for tank wagons and similar vehicles designed for the transport of liquids or gases. The classification is determined by the vehicle's lack of an onboard propulsion system and its specialized cargo containment structure (the tank). These vehicles are distinct from passenger coaches or self-propelled locomotives. Under the Harmonized System, the primary use (freight transport) and the specific design (tanker) dictate the 6-digit code. These wagons are often equipped with specialized valves, heating coils, or insulation depending on the cargo, but as long as they are designed for rail tracks and are not self-propelled, they remain in 8606.10. This classification is vital for tracking the movement of hazardous materials and bulk liquids across international borders, as it distinguishes these specialized freight vehicles from general-purpose boxcars.
- Covers
- Petroleum tank wagons
- Chemical transport rail cars
- Liquefied gas tank wagons
- Milk tank wagons
- Insulated tank cars for food products
- Pressure-discharge tank wagons
- Also under 8606.10
- GATX tank cars
- VTG tank wagons
- Greenbrier tank cars
- CRRC tank wagons
- ERMEWA tank wagons
Codes often confused with 8606.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8604.00, which covers railway maintenance or service vehicles. If a tank car is permanently equipped with equipment for track maintenance (like a water sprayer for dust control), it might be moved to 8604.00. Another error is confusing tank cars with HS code 8605.00, which is for passenger coaches; however, 8605.00 only applies if the car is for human transport. Additionally, intermodal tank containers (ISO tanks) are classified under HS code 8609.00, not 8606.10, because they are designed to be moved between different modes of transport (ship, truck, rail) rather than being a permanent part of a rail wagon chassis.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860610 (the code used for railway tank cars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860610 (the code used for railway tank cars) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 41% 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 860610, not only railway tank cars.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $621M 49% of world exports
- 2 United States $235M 19% of world exports
- 3 Bulgaria $60M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $291M 41% of world imports
- 2 Germany $136M 19% of world imports
- 3 Kazakhstan $60M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $717M 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 tank cars
Brazil classifies railway tank cars under NCM 8606.10.00: HS 8606.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about railway tank cars
What is the HS code for Railway tank cars?
The HS code for Railway tank cars is 860610 (Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; tank wagons and the like, not self-propelled). The HS code for non-self-propelled railway tank wagons and the like is 8606.10.
How do I classify Railway tank cars for customs?
Railway tank cars is classified under HS code 860610 — Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; tank wagons and the like, not self-propelled. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are self-propelled tank cars classified here?
No, self-propelled vehicles are classified under HS code 8601 or 8602 depending on their power source; 8606.10 is only for non-self-propelled wagons.
Which countries are the top exporters of railway tank cars (HS 860610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860610 (the code used for railway tank cars) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($621M, 49% of world exports), the United States ($235M) and Bulgaria ($60M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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 tank cars (HS 860610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860610 (the code used for railway tank cars) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($291M, 41% of world imports), Germany ($136M) and Kazakhstan ($60M). World imports came to about $717M, 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 tank cars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860610 for Railway tank cars 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 tank cars in Brazil?
In Brazil, railway tank cars (HS 860610) is classified under NCM 8606.10.00.