Railway, tramway locomotives… (chapter 86): which countries import it
Chapter 86 covers railway and tramway equipment: locomotives, coaches, wagons, track fixtures and signalling systems. Global imports exceeded USD 20…
Published on 27 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 86 covers railway and tramway equipment: locomotives, coaches, wagons, track fixtures and signalling systems. Global imports exceeded USD 20 billion in 2025. Germany, Austria and the US are the largest buyers. Exporting this capital equipment requires checking tariffs by subheading, technical standards for each destination, and any safety certifications the importer needs.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 86
- Sector
- Industry and Machinery
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 4,181,430,294 |
| Austria | 2,220,599,644 |
| United States | 1,829,452,208 |
| Canada | 1,636,878,640 |
| Switzerland | 1,442,446,410 |
| France | 1,359,130,298 |
| United Kingdom | 1,318,089,173 |
| Mexico | 1,263,200,440 |
| Kazakhstan | 1,125,746,073 |
| Italy | 1,094,986,060 |
| Spain | 1,028,561,750 |
| Czechia | 1,006,593,646 |
| Poland | 985,226,007 |
| Australia | 848,707,056 |
| India | 819,604,481 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity or by electric accumulatorsHeading 8601
- Rail locomotives; (other than those of heading no. 8601), locomotive tendersHeading 8602
- Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled tenders, other than those of heading no. 8604Heading 8603
- Railway or tramway maintenance or service vehicles; whether or not self-propelled (e.g. workshops, cranes, ballast tampers, trackliners, testing coaches and track inspection vehicles)Heading 8604
- Railway or tramway coaches; passenger coaches, luggage vans, post office coaches and other special purpose railway or tramway coaches, not self-propelled (excluding those of heading no. 8604)Heading 8605
- Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; not self-propelledHeading 8606
- Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts thereofHeading 8607
- 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 thereofHeading 8608
- Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transportHeading 8609
Trade fairs in this sector
- Advanced Factories
- bauma
- BIEMH – Bienal Internacional de Máquina‑Herramienta
- EMO (Exposition Mondiale de la Machine Outil)
- Hannover Messe
- interpack – PROCESSING & PACKAGING
What you need to know to export railway equipment
Chapter 86 is split into ten headings, each covering different equipment: electric and diesel locomotives, passenger and freight coaches, wagons, maintenance vehicles, and track infrastructure. Before you quote, identify which heading matches your product, because tariffs and regulations differ between them.
Tariffs depend on the destination country and the specific subheading within each heading. Access2Markets shows the applicable rate for each EU trading partner and the conditions that apply. For markets outside EU agreements, check the national tariff with the importer's customs broker.
Technical standards are set by each importing country and often follow international railway standards (ISO, EN or national equivalents). Germany and Austria, your two largest markets by volume, apply EU technical specifications. The United States has its own Federal Railroad Administration standards. Ask your buyer which standards they need certified before you send samples.
Safety and interoperability certificates are mandatory in Europe for most rolling stock and track equipment. Outside the EU, requirements vary: some countries adopt EU rules, others set their own. Your buyer or their customs broker will tell you what certificates are needed. Do not assume a Spanish certification is enough.
Payment terms and lead times for railway equipment are long because production is built to order and delivery crosses borders. Start the regulatory check before you commit to production timelines.
Questions about exporting railway equipment
How do I know which HS heading my product falls under?
The ten headings in chapter 86 are listed on this page. Read the description of each: locomotives go in 8601 or 8602, passenger coaches in 8605, freight wagons in 8606, and so on. If you make parts, heading 8607 covers components and spare parts for all rolling stock. Your buyer can also confirm the heading, and you can ask Customs for a binding ruling (Dictamen Vinculante en Aduanas) if the classification is not clear.
What tariff should I quote to a buyer in Germany?
Germany is in the EU, so the tariff is zero under EU origin rules. Check Access2Markets to confirm there are no anti-dumping duties or safeguards on your specific subheading. For non-EU buyers, the rate depends on their country and any trade agreement Spain has with them. Ask the buyer or their customs broker for the applicable rate.
Do I need a CE mark or safety certificate to export to Europe?
Most railway equipment sold to EU buyers needs CE marking under the Railway Equipment Directive (2014/38/EU) or the Interoperability Directive. Some components are exempt. Your buyer will tell you if CE is required. Getting CE involves technical documentation, conformity assessment, and often third-party testing. Start this process before you sign the contract, not after.
How long does it take to export railway equipment?
Lead times are long because equipment is custom-built and crosses borders with technical checks. Manufacturing can take weeks to months. Customs clearance adds days. Shipping by rail or truck can take one to three weeks depending on destination. Agree timelines with your buyer before production, and factor in buffer time for technical approvals or customs holds.
Are there export restrictions on railway equipment from Spain?
Railway equipment is not on the EU dual-use list or subject to export licenses unless it contains restricted components (rare materials, electronics with military use). Check with Customs or your trade advisor if your product contains specialized electronics or sensing systems. Most standard rolling stock and track equipment moves freely to TARIC destinations without special permits.
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