HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8504.22 – Electrical transformers; liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 650kVA but not exceeding 10,000kVA
HS code 8504.22 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical transformers, liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 650kVA but not exceeding 10,000kVA. It is used for medium power transformers, substation transformers, industrial liquid-filled transformers, step-up transformers for power plants and step-down transformers for distribution substations.
What HS 8504.22 covers
This HS code covers medium-sized liquid dielectric transformers, crucial for power transmission and distribution networks, as well as large industrial applications. These transformers, insulated and cooled by liquid, handle significant power loads, ranging from 650kVA up to 10,000kVA. They are integral to substations, large manufacturing facilities, and renewable energy projects, facilitating the efficient transfer of electricity across different voltage levels. International trade in these transformers is a cornerstone of global energy infrastructure development. Major importers include countries with expanding industrial sectors, growing urban populations, and significant investments in their electrical grids, such as India, Brazil, and various countries in Southeast Asia, alongside established markets like the USA and Germany. Leading exporters are nations with advanced heavy electrical equipment manufacturing capabilities, including China, South Korea, and European industrial powerhouses. Buyers focus on reliability, efficiency, and adherence to stringent international and national grid standards.
- Covers
- Medium power transformers
- Substation transformers
- Industrial liquid-filled transformers
- Step-up transformers for power plants
- Step-down transformers for distribution substations
- Arc furnace transformers
- Traction transformers
- Examples
- Siemens power transformers
- ABB liquid-immersed transformers
- GE Prolec medium power transformers
- Hyundai Electric transformers
- Toshiba medium voltage transformers
Codes often confused with 8504.22
Common mistake. The primary confusion arises with smaller (8504.21) or larger (8504.23) liquid dielectric transformers, making precise kVA capacity verification essential. Dry-type transformers (8504.3x) are also distinct due to their insulation method.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850422, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850422 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 37% 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 $1.9B 29% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $881M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $618M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $6.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 37% of world imports
- 2 Germany $430M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Spain $316M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $5.8B 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 8504.22
Brazil does not split HS 8504.22: its NCM code is 8504.22.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8504.22
What is HS code 850422?
HS code 850422 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical transformers; liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 650kVA but not exceeding 10,000kVA. This HS code covers medium-sized liquid dielectric transformers, crucial for power transmission and distribution networks, as well as large industrial applications. These transformers, insulated and cooled by liquid, handle significant power loads, ranging from 650kVA up to 10,000kVA. They are integral to substations, large manufacturing facilities, and renewable energy projects, facilitating the efficient transfer of electricity across different voltage levels. International trade in these transformers is a cornerstone of global energy infrastructure development. Major importers include countries with expanding industrial sectors, growing urban populations, and significant investments in their electrical grids, such as India, Brazil, and various countries in Southeast Asia, alongside established markets like the USA and Germany. Leading exporters are nations with advanced heavy electrical equipment manufacturing capabilities, including China, South Korea, and European industrial powerhouses. Buyers focus on reliability, efficiency, and adherence to stringent international and national grid standards.
What products fall under HS code 850422?
Medium power transformers, Substation transformers, Industrial liquid-filled transformers, Step-up transformers for power plants, Step-down transformers for distribution substations, Arc furnace transformers, Traction transformers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850422?
The primary confusion arises with smaller (8504.21) or larger (8504.23) liquid dielectric transformers, making precise kVA capacity verification essential. Dry-type transformers (8504.3x) are also distinct due to their insulation method.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850422?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850422 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 29% of world exports), Mexico ($881M) and South Korea ($618M). World exports came to about $6.5B, 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 850422?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850422 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 37% of world imports), Germany ($430M) and Spain ($316M). World imports came to about $5.8B, 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 850422 structured?
HS code 850422 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (22) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850422?
In Brazil, HS code 850422 is NCM 8504.22.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.