HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8401.20 – Machinery and apparatus; for isotopic separation, and parts thereof
HS code 8401.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery and apparatus, for isotopic separation, and parts thereof. It is used for gas centrifuges, laser isotope separation units, electromagnetic isotope separators, diffusion cascades and separation nozzles.
What HS 8401.20 covers
This HS code encompasses the highly specialized machinery and apparatus used for the isotopic separation of nuclear materials, primarily uranium enrichment, along with their essential parts. This trade is at the forefront of nuclear technology, involving complex processes like gas centrifugation, gaseous diffusion, or laser separation. Due to the dual-use nature of these goods – for both peaceful nuclear energy programs and potential weapons proliferation – their international trade is subject to stringent controls, non-proliferation treaties, and export licensing regimes. Key importers are countries with active or developing nuclear power programs, or those engaged in nuclear research. Exporters are a limited number of technologically advanced nations with established nuclear industries, often requiring bilateral agreements and international oversight. Understanding the specific application and end-user is critical for compliance in this high-stakes sector.
- Covers
- Gas centrifuges
- Laser isotope separation units
- Electromagnetic isotope separators
- Diffusion cascades
- Separation nozzles
- Plasma separation systems
- Vacuum pumps for enrichment
- Control systems for isotope separation
- Examples
- Urenco centrifuges
- Orano (formerly Areva) enrichment technology
- GE-Hitachi (related nuclear tech)
- Siemens (historical involvement in nuclear technology)
Codes often confused with 8401.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with general industrial machinery (8479) or specialized laboratory equipment (9027) if not clearly identified as specifically for isotopic separation, due to the highly specific nature of its function.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 840120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 840120 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 36% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $122M 55% of world exports
- 2 Germany $80M 36% of world exports
- 3 Estonia $9.2M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $221M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $77M 36% of world imports
- 2 France $66M 31% of world imports
- 3 United States $39M 18% of world imports
World total: $213M 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 8401.20
Brazil does not split HS 8401.20: its NCM code is 8401.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8401.20
What is HS code 840120?
HS code 840120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery and apparatus; for isotopic separation, and parts thereof. This HS code encompasses the highly specialized machinery and apparatus used for the isotopic separation of nuclear materials, primarily uranium enrichment, along with their essential parts. This trade is at the forefront of nuclear technology, involving complex processes like gas centrifugation, gaseous diffusion, or laser separation. Due to the dual-use nature of these goods – for both peaceful nuclear energy programs and potential weapons proliferation – their international trade is subject to stringent controls, non-proliferation treaties, and export licensing regimes. Key importers are countries with active or developing nuclear power programs, or those engaged in nuclear research. Exporters are a limited number of technologically advanced nations with established nuclear industries, often requiring bilateral agreements and international oversight. Understanding the specific application and end-user is critical for compliance in this high-stakes sector.
What products fall under HS code 840120?
Gas centrifuges, laser isotope separation units, electromagnetic isotope separators, diffusion cascades, separation nozzles, plasma separation systems, vacuum pumps for enrichment, control systems for isotope separation
What are common misclassifications for HS code 840120?
This code can be confused with general industrial machinery (8479) or specialized laboratory equipment (9027) if not clearly identified as specifically for isotopic separation, due to the highly specific nature of its function.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 840120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 840120 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($122M, 55% of world exports), Germany ($80M) and Estonia ($9.2M). World exports came to about $221M, 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 goods under HS code 840120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 840120 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($77M, 36% of world imports), France ($66M) and the United States ($39M). World imports came to about $213M, 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.
How is HS code 840120 structured?
HS code 840120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 840120?
In Brazil, HS code 840120 is NCM 8401.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.