Product classification
HS code for Train air brakes: 8607.21
Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock, parts, air brakes and parts thereof.
Classification of train air brakes under HS 8607.21
Train air brakes are classified under HS code 8607.21, which specifically covers air brakes and parts thereof for railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock. This classification is highly specific, falling under the broader heading 8607 for parts of railway locomotives and rolling stock. Air brakes are the standard safety mechanism for modern rail transport, utilizing compressed air to actuate brake shoes or pads. The classification is determined by GRI 1, as the heading and subheading text explicitly mention "air brakes." This includes the entire pneumatic system components such as the master valves, brake cylinders, and reservoirs that are dedicated to the braking function of rail vehicles. Because these parts are essential for the operation of railway rolling stock, they are grouped within Chapter 86 rather than being classified as general machinery parts in Chapter 84.
- Covers
- Triple valves for air brake systems
- Railway brake cylinders
- Compressed air reservoirs for trains
- Emergency brake valves for rail cars
- Distributor valves for pneumatic braking
- Brake pipe couplings and hoses for locomotives
- Also under 8607.21
- Knorr-Bremse air brake systems
- Wabtec brake components
- Faiveley Transport (now Wabtec) air brake parts
- Siemens Mobility brake systems
- Alstom brake components
Codes often confused with 8607.21
Common mistake. Train air brakes are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8481.20 or 8481.80, which cover valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. While air brakes contain valves, Note 2 to Section XVII states that parts of railway rolling stock are classified in Chapter 86, even if they could fall under a more general heading in Chapter 84. Another misclassification is 8607.29, which is a "basket" category for other types of brakes (such as hydraulic or mechanical brakes) that do not utilize compressed air as the primary medium.
Top exporters and importers of HS 860721 (the code used for train air brakes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 860721 (the code used for train air brakes) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 10% 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 860721, not only train air brakes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $266M 18% of world exports
- 2 Hungary $242M 17% of world exports
- 3 Austria $167M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $151M 10% of world imports
- 2 Italy $141M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 China $109M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 train air brakes
Brazil classifies train air brakes under NCM 8607.21.00: HS 8607.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about train air brakes
What is the HS code for Train air brakes?
The HS code for Train air brakes is 860721 (Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts, air brakes and parts thereof). The specific HS code for air brakes and their parts used in railway locomotives or rolling stock is 8607.21.
How do I classify Train air brakes for customs?
Train air brakes is classified under HS code 860721 — Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts, air brakes and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are brake pads for trains included in this code?
Yes, brake pads and shoes specifically designed for railway air brake systems are classified under 8607.21 as parts of those brakes.
Which countries are the top exporters of train air brakes (HS 860721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 860721 (the code used for train air brakes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($266M, 18% of world exports), Hungary ($242M) and Austria ($167M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 train air brakes (HS 860721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 860721 (the code used for train air brakes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($151M, 10% of world imports), Italy ($141M) and China ($109M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Train air brakes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 860721 for Train air 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 train air brakes in Brazil?
In Brazil, train air brakes (HS 860721) is classified under NCM 8607.21.00.