HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8401.40 – Nuclear reactors; parts thereof

HS code 8401.40 is the 6-digit subheading for nuclear reactors, parts thereof. It is used for reactor pressure vessels, control rod drive mechanisms, reactor internals, steam generators for nuclear use and primary coolant pumps.

What HS 8401.40 covers

This HS code covers complete nuclear reactors and their essential parts, encompassing the core components of both power-generating and research reactors. The trade in these items represents some of the most complex and high-value transactions in international commerce, often involving multi-year projects, extensive engineering, and significant geopolitical considerations. Importers are typically nations embarking on new nuclear power programs, expanding existing capacity, or replacing major reactor components. Exporters are a select group of countries with advanced heavy manufacturing capabilities and established nuclear industries, often engaging in international consortia for large-scale projects. Due to the strategic nature of nuclear technology, trade is heavily regulated by international treaties and national export controls to ensure safety and non-proliferation.

Covers
  • Reactor pressure vessels
  • Control rod drive mechanisms
  • Reactor internals
  • Steam generators for nuclear use
  • Primary coolant pumps
  • Core support structures
  • Neutron reflectors
  • Reactor vessel heads
Examples
  • Westinghouse AP1000 reactor components
  • Framatome EPR reactor parts
  • Rosatom VVER reactor components
  • GE-Hitachi ABWR parts

Codes often confused with 8401.40

Common mistake. Can be confused with general power generation equipment (8402 for boilers, 8406 for turbines) or other heavy machinery (8479), but 840140 is specific to the unique components of a nuclear reactor.

84.02Boilers; steam or other vapour generating (other than central heating hot water boilers, capable also of producing low pressure steam), super heated water boilers84.06Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines84.79Machinery and mechanical appliances; having individual functions, n.e.c. in this chapter

Top exporters and importers of HS code 840140, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 840140 in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% 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. 1 Russia* ~$224M
  2. 2 France $141M
  3. 3 Germany $100M

World total: $627M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $349M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $158M
  3. 3 France $87M

World total: $802M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8401.40

Brazil does not split HS 8401.40: its NCM code is 8401.40.00.

  1. 8401.40.00 Parts of nuclear reactorsPartes de reatores nucleares

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 8401.40

What is HS code 840140?

HS code 840140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Nuclear reactors; parts thereof. This HS code covers complete nuclear reactors and their essential parts, encompassing the core components of both power-generating and research reactors. The trade in these items represents some of the most complex and high-value transactions in international commerce, often involving multi-year projects, extensive engineering, and significant geopolitical considerations. Importers are typically nations embarking on new nuclear power programs, expanding existing capacity, or replacing major reactor components. Exporters are a select group of countries with advanced heavy manufacturing capabilities and established nuclear industries, often engaging in international consortia for large-scale projects. Due to the strategic nature of nuclear technology, trade is heavily regulated by international treaties and national export controls to ensure safety and non-proliferation.

What products fall under HS code 840140?

Reactor pressure vessels, control rod drive mechanisms, reactor internals, steam generators for nuclear use, primary coolant pumps, core support structures, neutron reflectors, reactor vessel heads

What are common misclassifications for HS code 840140?

Can be confused with general power generation equipment (8402 for boilers, 8406 for turbines) or other heavy machinery (8479), but 840140 is specific to the unique components of a nuclear reactor.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 840140?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 840140 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $224M, 36% of world exports), France ($141M) and Germany ($100M). World exports came to about $627M, 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 840140?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 840140 in UN Comtrade data were China ($349M, 43% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($158M) and France ($87M). World imports came to about $802M, 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 840140 structured?

HS code 840140 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 840140?

In Brazil, HS code 840140 is NCM 8401.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.