Product classification
HS code for Signalling equipment: 8608.00
Railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings, mechanical (including electro-mechanical) signalling, safety or traffic control equipment for railways, tramways, roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields, parts thereof.
Classification of signalling equipment under HS 8608.00
HS code 8608.00 is designated for railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings, including mechanical or electro-mechanical signalling, safety, or traffic control equipment. This classification is unique because it resides in Chapter 86, which focuses on railway locomotives and rolling stock. The equipment classified here must be mechanical or electro-mechanical in nature. This means it involves physical movement or mechanical linkages, even if actuated electrically. It covers a wide range of infrastructure components used not only for railways but also for roads, inland waterways, and airfields. The classification depends on the functional application of the equipment in controlling traffic flow and ensuring safety through mechanical means. This heading is specific to the hardware installed on the track or infrastructure rather than the equipment installed inside the vehicles themselves.
- Covers
- Mechanical semaphore signals
- Level crossing gates and barriers
- Point control mechanisms (switch heaters)
- Mechanical track brakes
- Electro-mechanical signal boxes
- Also under 8608.00
- Siemens Mobility signalling systems
- Alstom track solutions
- Thales Group traffic control systems
- Vossloh rail fastening systems
Codes often confused with 8608.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8530.10, which covers purely electrical signalling, safety, or traffic control equipment for railways or tramways. The distinction lies in the mechanism: 8608.00 is for mechanical or electro-mechanical systems, whereas 8530 is for electronic or purely electrical systems without significant mechanical components. Additionally, general traffic lights for roads are often incorrectly placed here but should be under 8530.80 if they are purely electrical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860800 (the code used for signalling equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860800 (the code used for signalling equipment) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 5.9% 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 860800, not only signalling equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $192M 15% of world exports
- 2 Germany $138M 11% of world exports
- 3 Austria $121M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kazakhstan $69M 5.9% of world imports
- 2 Canada $63M 5.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $54M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 codes for signalling equipment
Brazil splits HS 8608.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8608.00.11Mechanical traffic signalling equipment
- 8608.00.12Electro-mechanical traffic signalling equipment
- 8608.00.90Track fixtures, fittings and signalling parts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about signalling equipment
What is the HS code for Signalling equipment?
The HS code for Signalling equipment is 860800 (Railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) signalling, safety or traffic control equipment for railways, tramways, roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields; parts thereof). The HS code for mechanical or electro-mechanical signalling equipment for railways or traffic control is 8608.00.
How do I classify Signalling equipment for customs?
Signalling equipment is classified under HS code 860800 — Railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) signalling, safety or traffic control equipment for railways, tramways, roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields; parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8608.00 include airport runway equipment?
Yes, it includes mechanical or electro-mechanical traffic control equipment for airfields, such as certain types of mechanical markers or barriers.
Which countries are the top exporters of signalling equipment (HS 860800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860800 (the code used for signalling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were China ($192M, 15% of world exports), Germany ($138M) and Austria ($121M). 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 signalling equipment (HS 860800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860800 (the code used for signalling equipment) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($69M, 5.9% of world imports), Canada ($63M) and Germany ($54M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Signalling equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860800 for Signalling equipment 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 signalling equipment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 860800 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for signalling equipment depends on the product's details: 8608.00.11 (Mechanical traffic signalling equipment), 8608.00.12 (Electro-mechanical traffic signalling equipment), 8608.00.90 (Track fixtures, fittings and signalling parts).