HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8502.20 – Electric generating sets; with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines

HS code 8502.20 is the 6-digit subheading for electric generating sets, with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines. It is used for portable gasoline generators, home standby natural gas generators, RV generators, inverter generators and LPG-powered generators.

What HS 8502.20 covers

This HS code covers electric generating sets powered by spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines, typically running on gasoline, LPG, or natural gas. These generators are popular for residential backup, recreational vehicles (RVs), camping, and light commercial applications due to their relatively quieter operation, lower initial cost, and readily available fuel. Importers include homeowners, RV enthusiasts, small businesses, outdoor event organizers, and hardware retailers. Exporters are often manufacturers specializing in consumer and light commercial power equipment. Key trade factors include fuel type flexibility (e.g., dual-fuel options), noise levels (especially for inverter generators), portability, ease of starting, and emissions compliance. They offer convenient and accessible power solutions for a variety of needs.

Covers
  • Portable gasoline generators
  • Home standby natural gas generators
  • RV generators
  • Inverter generators
  • LPG-powered generators
  • Dual-fuel generators
  • Camping generators
Examples
  • Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator
  • Generac Guardian Series (natural gas)
  • Yamaha EF2000iS
  • Champion Dual Fuel Generator
  • Westinghouse iGen4500

Codes often confused with 8502.20

Common mistake. Can be confused with 85021x (diesel gensets) if the engine type (spark-ignition vs. compression-ignition) is not clearly specified, as both are internal combustion engines.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 850220, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850220 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 China $2.0B
  2. 2 Germany $1.1B
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$914M

World total: $6.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.7B
  2. 2 Ukraine* ~$691M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$369M

World total: $6.0B 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 codes for 8502.20 3

Brazil splits HS 8502.20 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 8502.20.1 Alternating currentDe corrente alternada Group
  2. 8502.20.11 AC spark-ignition generating sets up to 210 kVADe potência não superior a 210 kVA
  3. 8502.20.19 AC spark-ignition generating sets over 210 kVAOutros
  4. 8502.20.90 Other spark-ignition generating setsOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.02 →

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

Questions about HS 8502.20

What is HS code 850220?

HS code 850220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electric generating sets; with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines. This HS code covers electric generating sets powered by spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines, typically running on gasoline, LPG, or natural gas. These generators are popular for residential backup, recreational vehicles (RVs), camping, and light commercial applications due to their relatively quieter operation, lower initial cost, and readily available fuel. Importers include homeowners, RV enthusiasts, small businesses, outdoor event organizers, and hardware retailers. Exporters are often manufacturers specializing in consumer and light commercial power equipment. Key trade factors include fuel type flexibility (e.g., dual-fuel options), noise levels (especially for inverter generators), portability, ease of starting, and emissions compliance. They offer convenient and accessible power solutions for a variety of needs.

What products fall under HS code 850220?

Portable gasoline generators, home standby natural gas generators, RV generators, inverter generators, LPG-powered generators, dual-fuel generators, camping generators

What are common misclassifications for HS code 850220?

Can be confused with 85021x (diesel gensets) if the engine type (spark-ignition vs. compression-ignition) is not clearly specified, as both are internal combustion engines.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850220?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 31% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and Vietnam (about $914M). World exports came to about $6.4B, 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 850220?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 28% of world imports), Ukraine (about $691M) and Russia (about $369M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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.

How is HS code 850220 structured?

HS code 850220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) 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 850220?

Brazil splits HS code 850220 into 3 NCM codes: 8502.20.11 (AC spark-ignition generating sets up to 210 kVA), 8502.20.19 (AC spark-ignition generating sets over 210 kVA), 8502.20.90 (Other spark-ignition generating sets). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.