HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8501.61 – Generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output not exceeding 75kVA

HS code 8501.61 is the 6-digit subheading for generators, AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output not exceeding 75kVA. It is used for portable gasoline generators, small diesel generators, standby home generators, RV generators and marine auxiliary generators.

What HS 8501.61 covers

This code covers small AC generators, commonly known as alternators, with an output not exceeding 75kVA, excluding photovoltaic types. These units are widely used for backup power in homes and small businesses, portable power for construction sites, recreational vehicles, and as components in small power generation units. International trade is robust, driven by global demand for reliable, portable, and emergency power solutions. Importers include countries with less stable electrical grids or high demand for mobile power, while exporters are nations with strong manufacturing capabilities for electrical machinery and engines. Key factors in trade are fuel efficiency, noise levels, and compliance with various emission and safety standards.

Covers
  • Portable gasoline generators
  • Small diesel generators
  • Standby home generators
  • RV generators
  • Marine auxiliary generators
  • Construction site generators
  • Small industrial alternators
Examples
  • Honda EU2200i
  • Generac Guardian Series (smaller models)
  • Yamaha EF2000iS
  • Cummins Onan RV Generators
  • Kohler Small Standby Generators

Codes often confused with 8501.61

Common mistake. Often confused with 850162 (higher output AC generators) due to the kVA threshold, or with 850211 (generating sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines).

8501.62Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA8502.11Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output not exceeding 75kVA

Top exporters and importers of HS code 850161, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850161 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% 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 France $583M
  2. 2 Germany $404M
  3. 3 United States $303M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $276M
  2. 2 Germany $198M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $116M

World total: $1.3B 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 8501.61

Brazil does not split HS 8501.61: its NCM code is 8501.61.00.

  1. 8501.61.00 AC generators (alternators) up to 75 kVADe potência não superior a 75 kVA

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.01 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8501.61

What is HS code 850161?

HS code 850161 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output not exceeding 75kVA. This code covers small AC generators, commonly known as alternators, with an output not exceeding 75kVA, excluding photovoltaic types. These units are widely used for backup power in homes and small businesses, portable power for construction sites, recreational vehicles, and as components in small power generation units. International trade is robust, driven by global demand for reliable, portable, and emergency power solutions. Importers include countries with less stable electrical grids or high demand for mobile power, while exporters are nations with strong manufacturing capabilities for electrical machinery and engines. Key factors in trade are fuel efficiency, noise levels, and compliance with various emission and safety standards.

What products fall under HS code 850161?

Portable gasoline generators, Small diesel generators, Standby home generators, RV generators, Marine auxiliary generators, Construction site generators, Small industrial alternators

What are common misclassifications for HS code 850161?

Often confused with 850162 (higher output AC generators) due to the kVA threshold, or with 850211 (generating sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines).

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850161?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850161 in UN Comtrade data were France ($583M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($404M) and the United States ($303M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 850161?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850161 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($276M, 21% of world imports), Germany ($198M) and the United Kingdom ($116M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 850161 structured?

HS code 850161 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (61) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850161?

In Brazil, HS code 850161 is NCM 8501.61.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.