HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8504.23 – Electrical transformers; liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 10,000kVA
HS code 8504.23 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical transformers, liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 10,000kVA. It is used for large power transformers, generator step-up transformers (GSU), transmission transformers, ultra-high voltage (UHV) transformers and extra-high voltage (EHV) transformers.
What HS 8504.23 covers
This category encompasses large, high-power liquid dielectric transformers, which are the backbone of national and regional electricity grids. With power handling capacities exceeding 10,000kVA, these colossal units are indispensable for power generation plants, major transmission substations, and heavy industrial complexes, enabling the efficient and reliable long-distance transmission of electricity. Their trade is highly specialized, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects and the expansion or modernization of national power grids. Key importers are countries undertaking significant energy infrastructure development, such as emerging economies in Asia and Africa, alongside developed nations upgrading their aging grids, including the USA, China, and India. Exporters are a select group of countries with highly advanced heavy electrical manufacturing capabilities, such as China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. The market demands extreme reliability, high efficiency, and compliance with rigorous international standards for safety and performance.
- Covers
- Large power transformers
- Generator step-up transformers (GSU)
- Transmission transformers
- Ultra-high voltage (UHV) transformers
- Extra-high voltage (EHV) transformers
- Autotransformers for grid interconnection
- HVDC converter transformers
- Examples
- Siemens large power transformers
- ABB EHV/UHV transformers
- GE Grid Solutions power transformers
- Mitsubishi Electric large transformers
- Hyundai Electric ultra-high voltage transformers
Codes often confused with 8504.23
Common mistake. These are distinct from smaller liquid dielectric transformers (8504.21, 8504.22) solely based on their immense kVA capacity. Confusion with dry-type transformers (8504.3x) is less common due to the scale and application differences.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850423, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850423 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% 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 $3.7B 31% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $1.3B 11% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $1.1B 9.4% of world exports
World total: $12.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.1B 36% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $910M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Germany $435M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $11.6B 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 8504.23
Brazil does not split HS 8504.23: its NCM code is 8504.23.00.
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 8504.23
What is HS code 850423?
HS code 850423 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical transformers; liquid dielectric, having a power handling capacity exceeding 10,000kVA. This category encompasses large, high-power liquid dielectric transformers, which are the backbone of national and regional electricity grids. With power handling capacities exceeding 10,000kVA, these colossal units are indispensable for power generation plants, major transmission substations, and heavy industrial complexes, enabling the efficient and reliable long-distance transmission of electricity. Their trade is highly specialized, driven by large-scale infrastructure projects and the expansion or modernization of national power grids. Key importers are countries undertaking significant energy infrastructure development, such as emerging economies in Asia and Africa, alongside developed nations upgrading their aging grids, including the USA, China, and India. Exporters are a select group of countries with highly advanced heavy electrical manufacturing capabilities, such as China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. The market demands extreme reliability, high efficiency, and compliance with rigorous international standards for safety and performance.
What products fall under HS code 850423?
Large power transformers, Generator step-up transformers (GSU), Transmission transformers, Ultra-high voltage (UHV) transformers, Extra-high voltage (EHV) transformers, Autotransformers for grid interconnection, HVDC converter transformers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850423?
These are distinct from smaller liquid dielectric transformers (8504.21, 8504.22) solely based on their immense kVA capacity. Confusion with dry-type transformers (8504.3x) is less common due to the scale and application differences.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850423?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850423 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.7B, 31% of world exports), South Korea ($1.3B) and Türkiye ($1.1B). World exports came to about $12.0B, 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 850423?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850423 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.1B, 36% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($910M) and Germany ($435M). World imports came to about $11.6B, 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 850423 structured?
HS code 850423 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 (23) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850423?
In Brazil, HS code 850423 is NCM 8504.23.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.