HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8501.63 – Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA
HS code 8501.63 is the 6-digit subheading for electric generators, AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA. It is used for large industrial standby generators, utility peaking plant generators, mining site prime power generators, large data center generators and hospital campus generators.
What HS 8501.63 covers
This code covers large AC generators (alternators), excluding photovoltaic types, with an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA. These powerful units are vital for substantial industrial backup power, grid support, and prime power in large-scale operations such as mining sites, large manufacturing facilities, and utility peaking plants. They play a critical role in ensuring continuous operation and energy resilience for major economic activities. International trade involves specialized engineering and logistics, with demand coming from countries investing heavily in industrial infrastructure or facing significant power grid challenges. Exporters are typically global leaders in heavy electrical machinery. Customization, efficiency, and long-term reliability are paramount in this segment.
- Covers
- Large industrial standby generators
- Utility peaking plant generators
- Mining site prime power generators
- Large data center generators
- Hospital campus generators
- Marine main auxiliary generators
- Power plant emergency generators
- Examples
- Caterpillar C15/C18/C27 Generators
- Cummins Power Generation QSK Series
- MTU Onsite Energy Generators
- Volvo Penta Gensets (larger models)
- Perkins 4000 Series
Codes often confused with 8501.63
Common mistake. Often confused with 850162 (lower output AC generators) or 850164 (even higher output AC generators) if the kVA range is not precisely identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850163, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850163 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 $80M 25% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $43M 13% of world exports
- 3 France $32M 10% of world exports
World total: $321M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $100M 27% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $25M 6.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $22M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $373M 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 8501.63
Brazil does not split HS 8501.63: its NCM code is 8501.63.00.
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 8501.63
What is HS code 850163?
HS code 850163 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electric generators; AC generators, (alternators), other than photovoltaic generators, of an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA. This code covers large AC generators (alternators), excluding photovoltaic types, with an output exceeding 375kVA but not exceeding 750kVA. These powerful units are vital for substantial industrial backup power, grid support, and prime power in large-scale operations such as mining sites, large manufacturing facilities, and utility peaking plants. They play a critical role in ensuring continuous operation and energy resilience for major economic activities. International trade involves specialized engineering and logistics, with demand coming from countries investing heavily in industrial infrastructure or facing significant power grid challenges. Exporters are typically global leaders in heavy electrical machinery. Customization, efficiency, and long-term reliability are paramount in this segment.
What products fall under HS code 850163?
Large industrial standby generators, Utility peaking plant generators, Mining site prime power generators, Large data center generators, Hospital campus generators, Marine main auxiliary generators, Power plant emergency generators
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850163?
Often confused with 850162 (lower output AC generators) or 850164 (even higher output AC generators) if the kVA range is not precisely identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850163?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850163 in UN Comtrade data were China ($80M, 25% of world exports), the Netherlands ($43M) and France ($32M). World exports came to about $321M, 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 850163?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850163 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($100M, 27% of world imports), Türkiye ($25M) and the United Kingdom ($22M). World imports came to about $373M, 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 850163 structured?
HS code 850163 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 (63) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850163?
In Brazil, HS code 850163 is NCM 8501.63.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.