HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8502.40 – Electric rotary converters
HS code 8502.40 is the 6-digit subheading for electric rotary converters. It is used for motor-generator sets, rotary phase converters, frequency converters (rotary type), DC to AC rotary converters and AC to DC rotary converters.
What HS 8502.40 covers
Rotary converters are electromechanical devices that convert AC to DC or vice versa, or change the voltage/frequency of AC power. In international trade, these are crucial for industrial applications requiring stable power conversion, such as in manufacturing plants, data centers, and specialized machinery. Key importers include countries with robust industrial bases and significant infrastructure development, like Germany, China, and the United States, as they integrate these converters into their power systems and machinery. Exporters often come from nations with strong electrical engineering and manufacturing capabilities, such as Japan, South Korea, and European countries. The trade in these converters is driven by the need for efficient and reliable power management, especially in sectors where power quality is paramount. Buyers look for efficiency, reliability, and specific power handling capacities. The market is influenced by advancements in power electronics, though rotary converters maintain a niche for high-power, high-reliability applications where solid-state alternatives might not be suitable or cost-effective. Their robust nature makes them a staple in heavy industry.
- Covers
- Motor-generator sets
- Rotary phase converters
- Frequency converters (rotary type)
- DC to AC rotary converters
- AC to DC rotary converters
- Synchronous converters
- Rotary frequency changers
- Examples
- Siemens motor-generator sets
- GE rotary converters
- ABB frequency changers
- Kato Engineering rotary converters
- Marathon Electric motor-generator
Codes often confused with 8502.40
Common mistake. These can be confused with static converters (8504.40) which perform similar functions but use solid-state components, or even electric motors (8501) if their primary function as a converter is overlooked. The key distinction lies in their electromechanical conversion process versus purely electronic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850240, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850240 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 14% 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 Germany $74M 42% of world exports
- 2 United States $25M 14% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $17M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $177M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $24M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $21M 12% of world imports
- 3 United States $21M 12% of world imports
World total: $174M 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 codes for 8502.40 2
Brazil splits HS 8502.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 8502.40
What is HS code 850240?
HS code 850240 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electric rotary converters. Rotary converters are electromechanical devices that convert AC to DC or vice versa, or change the voltage/frequency of AC power. In international trade, these are crucial for industrial applications requiring stable power conversion, such as in manufacturing plants, data centers, and specialized machinery. Key importers include countries with robust industrial bases and significant infrastructure development, like Germany, China, and the United States, as they integrate these converters into their power systems and machinery. Exporters often come from nations with strong electrical engineering and manufacturing capabilities, such as Japan, South Korea, and European countries. The trade in these converters is driven by the need for efficient and reliable power management, especially in sectors where power quality is paramount. Buyers look for efficiency, reliability, and specific power handling capacities. The market is influenced by advancements in power electronics, though rotary converters maintain a niche for high-power, high-reliability applications where solid-state alternatives might not be suitable or cost-effective. Their robust nature makes them a staple in heavy industry.
What products fall under HS code 850240?
Motor-generator sets, Rotary phase converters, Frequency converters (rotary type), DC to AC rotary converters, AC to DC rotary converters, Synchronous converters, Rotary frequency changers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850240?
These can be confused with static converters (8504.40) which perform similar functions but use solid-state components, or even electric motors (8501) if their primary function as a converter is overlooked. The key distinction lies in their electromechanical conversion process versus purely electronic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850240?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850240 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($74M, 42% of world exports), the United States ($25M) and the United Kingdom ($17M). World exports came to about $177M, 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 850240?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850240 in UN Comtrade data were India ($24M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($21M) and the United States ($21M). World imports came to about $174M, 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 850240 structured?
HS code 850240 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850240?
Brazil splits HS code 850240 into 2 NCM codes: 8502.40.10 (Rotary frequency converters), 8502.40.90 (Other rotary converters). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.