Product classification
HS code for Acetylene generators: 8405.10
Generators, producer gas, water gas, acetylene gas and similar water process gas generators, with or without their purifiers.
Classification of acetylene generators under HS 8405.10
Acetylene generators are classified under HS code 8405.10. This code falls under Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8405 specifically includes producer gas or water gas generators, with or without their purifiers, as well as acetylene gas generators. The classification 8405.10 is applied to the generators themselves. These machines produce acetylene gas through the chemical reaction between calcium carbide and water. The classification includes the complete unit, even if it incorporates purifiers designed to remove impurities from the generated gas. It is the functional nature of the machine—generating gas through a water process—that dictates its placement in this specific HS code. This heading does not include machines that produce gas by other methods, such as electrolytic or thermal processes, which are classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Calcium carbide acetylene generators
- Water-process gas generators
- Acetylene generators with integrated purifiers
- Industrial gas production units (water process)
- Also under 8405.10
- Messer Group acetylene generators
- Air Products syngas generators
- Linde gasification plants
- Praxair industrial gas generators
Codes often confused with 8405.10
Common mistake. Acetylene generators are sometimes misclassified under 8419.89 if they are viewed as general chemical treatment equipment. However, 8405 is more specific for gas generation. Another common error is classifying the gas purifiers separately under 8421.39; if the purifier is presented with the generator as a functional unit, the entire system stays in 8405.10. Additionally, simple gas storage cylinders without generating mechanisms are classified by their constituent material, such as 7311.00 for steel cylinders.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840510 (the code used for acetylene generators), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840510 (the code used for acetylene generators) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 840510, not only acetylene generators.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $79M 12% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $73M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $53M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $637M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $83M 12% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $53M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Ireland $41M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $720M 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 acetylene generators
Brazil classifies acetylene generators under NCM 8405.10.00: HS 8405.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acetylene generators
What is the HS code for Acetylene generators?
The HS code for Acetylene generators is 840510 (Generators; producer gas, water gas, acetylene gas and similar water process gas generators, with or without their purifiers). The HS code for acetylene gas generators and similar water process gas generators is 8405.10.
How do I classify Acetylene generators for customs?
Acetylene generators is classified under HS code 840510 — Generators; producer gas, water gas, acetylene gas and similar water process gas generators, with or without their purifiers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the calcium carbide used in the generator?
No, calcium carbide is a chemical product classified under HS code 2849.10; only the machinery that uses it to generate gas is in 8405.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of acetylene generators (HS 840510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840510 (the code used for acetylene generators) in UN Comtrade data were China ($79M, 12% of world exports), Belgium ($73M) and Italy ($53M). World exports came to about $637M, 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 acetylene generators (HS 840510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840510 (the code used for acetylene generators) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($83M, 12% of world imports), Belgium ($53M) and Ireland ($41M). World imports came to about $720M, 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.
Is the HS code for Acetylene generators the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840510 for Acetylene generators is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for acetylene generators in Brazil?
In Brazil, acetylene generators (HS 840510) is classified under NCM 8405.10.00.