HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8404.20 – Boilers; condensers, for steam or other vapour power units
HS code 8404.20 is the 6-digit subheading for boilers, condensers, for steam or other vapour power units. It is used for surface condensers, jet condensers, air-cooled condensers (for power units), shell-and-tube condensers (power unit type) and plate condensers (power unit type).
What HS 8404.20 covers
This category covers condensers specifically designed for use with steam or other vapor power units, playing a critical role in the thermodynamic cycle of power generation. These large-scale industrial components are essential for converting exhaust steam back into water, maximizing the efficiency of steam turbines in thermal, nuclear, and concentrated solar power plants. The global trade in these condensers is substantial, with major power-generating nations being the primary importers, seeking to build new plants or upgrade existing infrastructure. Exporters are typically global leaders in heavy industrial equipment manufacturing, offering highly engineered and often custom-built solutions for large-scale energy projects.
- Covers
- Surface condensers
- Jet condensers
- Air-cooled condensers (for power units)
- Shell-and-tube condensers (power unit type)
- Plate condensers (power unit type)
- Vacuum condensers
- Examples
- GE Power surface condensers
- Siemens Energy steam condensers
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries condensers
- SPX Cooling Technologies condensers
Codes often confused with 8404.20
Common mistake. Often confused with general heat exchangers (8419) or parts of steam turbines (840690) if their specific function for steam or other vapor power units isn't clearly established. The 'for steam or other vapour power units' is the key differentiator.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 840420, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 840420 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 33% 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 China $79M 58% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $14M 10% of world exports
- 3 Japan $9.4M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $138M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kenya $86M 33% of world imports
- 2 Kazakhstan $23M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $18M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $263M 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 8404.20
Brazil does not split HS 8404.20: its NCM code is 8404.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8404.20
What is HS code 840420?
HS code 840420 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Boilers; condensers, for steam or other vapour power units. This category covers condensers specifically designed for use with steam or other vapor power units, playing a critical role in the thermodynamic cycle of power generation. These large-scale industrial components are essential for converting exhaust steam back into water, maximizing the efficiency of steam turbines in thermal, nuclear, and concentrated solar power plants. The global trade in these condensers is substantial, with major power-generating nations being the primary importers, seeking to build new plants or upgrade existing infrastructure. Exporters are typically global leaders in heavy industrial equipment manufacturing, offering highly engineered and often custom-built solutions for large-scale energy projects.
What products fall under HS code 840420?
Surface condensers, jet condensers, air-cooled condensers (for power units), shell-and-tube condensers (power unit type), plate condensers (power unit type), vacuum condensers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 840420?
Often confused with general heat exchangers (8419) or parts of steam turbines (840690) if their specific function for steam or other vapor power units isn't clearly established. The 'for steam or other vapour power units' is the key differentiator.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 840420?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 840420 in UN Comtrade data were China ($79M, 58% of world exports), South Korea ($14M) and Japan ($9.4M). World exports came to about $138M, 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 840420?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 840420 in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($86M, 33% of world imports), Kazakhstan ($23M) and the United States ($18M). World imports came to about $263M, 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 840420 structured?
HS code 840420 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) 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 840420?
In Brazil, HS code 840420 is NCM 8404.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.