Shipping container Hs Code

Shipping container harmonized system code

Product Overview Shipping containers classified under HS Code 860900 are specialized freight containers primarily designed for the safe and efficient transport of goods via multimodal logistics systems. These containers are robust, standardized steel or aluminum enclosures, featuring precise dimensional specifications—typically 20 or 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.5 to 9.5 feet in height—ensuring compatibility with global shipping infrastructure. Constructed with reinforced corner castings and weatherproof seals, they provide high durability and protection against environmental factors. The classification under 860900 specifically encompasses containers equipped with mechanical handling features such as lifting, loading, or unloading apparatus integrated into the container structure. Subcategories within this HS code include containers with mechanical or electrical equipment for refrigeration, ventilation, or heating, and those fitted with special-purpose handling devices. Commercially, these containers serve critical roles in sectors like food service—facilitating temperature-controlled transport—retail logistics, and industrial processing industries where secure, standardized packaging and handling are paramount. Their value proposition lies in enhancing supply chain efficiency, reducing cargo damage, and complying with international shipping standards, thus positioning them as essential assets in global trade operations. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications HS Code 860900 is situated within Chapter 86, which covers railway or tramway locomotives, rolling stock, and parts thereof. The hierarchical breakdown is as follows: Chapter 86 (Railway or tramway locomotives, rolling stock and parts thereof), Heading 8609 (Containers for the transport of goods), and Subheading 860900 (Containers specially designed for mechanical handling, including those fitted with mechanical or electrical equipment). The classification rationale is based on the container’s design features that enable mechanical handling and integration with transportation systems, distinguishing them from standard freight containers. Trade considerations dictate that these containers comply with ISO standards for dimensions, structural integrity, and load-bearing capacity, ensuring seamless interchangeability across transport modes. Packaging typically involves securing goods inside the container using pallets, dunnage, and protective wrapping, while preservation methods may include active refrigeration or ventilation systems to maintain product integrity. Shipping requirements emphasize compliance with international maritime and customs regulations, including IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) codes when applicable. Quality standards mandate adherence to ISO 1496 for container specifications, ISO 6346 for identification and marking, and conformity with WTO agreements to facilitate smooth customs clearance and trade compliance. This classification supports accurate customs documentation, tariff application, and regulatory adherence in international commerce.

Shipping container Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Railway or tramway sleepers of wood or of concrete, or concrete guide-track sections for hovertrains (heading 44.06 or 68.10); (b) Railway or tramway track construction material of iron or steel of heading 73.02; or (c) Electrical signalling, safety or traffic control equipment of heading 85.30. 2.- Heading 86.07 applies, inter alia, to : (a) Axles, wheels, wheel sets (running gear), metal tyres, hoops and hubs and other parts of wheels; (b) Frames, underframes, bogies and bissel-bogies; (c) Axle boxes; brake gear; (d) Buffers for rolling-stock; hooks and other coupling gear and corridor connections; (e) Coachwork. 3.- Subject to the provisions of Note 1 above, heading 86.08 applies, inter alia, to : (a) Assembled track, turntables, platform buffers, loading gauges; (b) Semaphores, mechanical signal discs, level crossing control gear, signal and point controls, and other mechanical (including electro-mechanical) signalling, safety or traffic control equipment, whether or not fitted for electric lighting, for railways, tramways, roads, inland waterways, parking facilities, port installations or airfields.