HS Code 8609Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport
1 six-digit code · Heading 9 of 9 in Chapter 86 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 8609 covers containers made to carry goods by one or more modes of transport, including containers for fluids. This page explains what fits, how to tell it from nearby headings, and where to find the trade records.
Heading 8609does not subdivide further in the WCO nomenclature: goods answering to “Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport” classify at the single six-digit code 860900. The heading is number 9 of 9 in Chapter 86, Railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds, which runs to 23 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 8609
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 860900 | Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport |
What HS code 8609 covers
In plain terms, it is a box built to travel by different routes without unpacking the cargo inside. The wording also names containers for the transport of fluids, so tank containers belong here too.
The Harmonized System is the WCO's shared naming list for traded goods. Customs offices use it for tariff classification, and the same number lets you compare records across countries. Some traders write it as HSN code 8609.
The heading sits in Chapter 86 beside the railway goods. That is why people often look for it next to wagons and rolling stock.
Which HS code for shipping containers? Use 860900
There is no split by size, material or use at the six-digit level. Every container that fits the wording goes to this one subheading.
Many countries add extra digits for their own tariff lines. Those national lines extend 860900, so check the exact line used by the country you ship to or from. Duty rates depend on that country and are not shown on this page. The HS code classifier can help you test a product description.
How to classify tank containers and other containers under 8609
Ask three questions. Is the item a container? If all three answers are yes, heading 8609 is the likely fit. Containers for fluids pass the same test.
Then rule out the nearby headings:
- Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons that are not self-propelled go to 8606. A wagon is a rail vehicle. A container is the box that can travel on different transport modes.
- Track fixtures and fittings, and mechanical signalling, safety or traffic control equipment, go to 8608.
Other headings in Chapter 86
Use this short guide if your product is not a container. Each link opens the full heading page.
- 8601: rail locomotives powered from an external source of electricity or by electric accumulators.
- 8602: other rail locomotives, and locomotive tenders.
- 8604: maintenance or service vehicles, such as workshops, cranes and track inspection vehicles.
Who imports containers under HS 8609
Customs shipment records show who buys and sells under a code. For importers and exporters of 860900, these records are the place to look.
EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Related
Nearby headings in Chapter 86
- 8601Rail locomotives; powered from an external source of electricity or by…2 codes
- 8602Rail locomotives; (other than those of heading no. 8601), locomotive tenders2 codes
- 8603Railway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks; self-propelled tenders, other…2 codes
- 8604Railway or tramway maintenance or service vehicles; whether or not…1 code
- 8605Railway or tramway coaches; passenger coaches, luggage vans, post office…1 code
- 8606Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; not self-propelled5 codes
- 8607Railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock; parts thereof8 codes
- 8608Railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings; mechanical (including…1 code
Who ships under 8609?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the code beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section XVII: Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Transport Equipment, chapters 86–89.
HS Code 8609: common questions
What is HS code 8609?
It includes containers for the transport of fluids and sits in Chapter 86.
What is the six-digit HS code for containers under 8609?
Countries may add digits for their own national tariff lines.
Are tank containers classified under 8609?
Yes, if they are specially designed and equipped for carriage.
Where are parts of railway rolling stock classified?
They go to heading 8607, which covers parts of railway or tramway locomotives or rolling stock.
How can I find importers and exporters of HS 8609 containers?
Open the live records for code 860900 through the import data and export data pages. Buyer data and supplier data pages show the named companies where the market allows it.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.