Product classification
HS code for Commercial steam boilers: 8402.12
Boilers, watertube boilers with a steam production not exceeding 45t per hour.
Classification of commercial steam boilers under HS 8402.12
Commercial steam boilers are classified under HS code 8402.12 based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Heading 8402 specifically covers steam or other vapor generating boilers, excluding central heating hot water boilers capable also of producing low pressure steam. The subheading 8402.12 is reserved for watertube boilers where the steam production does not exceed 45 tonnes per hour. This classification is determined by the functional design of the unit, where water circulates inside tubes heated externally by fire or hot gases. The technical distinction is critical because the tariff structure differentiates between watertube and firetube designs, as well as the volume of output. For a product to fall under 8402.12, it must primarily function to generate steam for power, heating, or industrial processes through a watertube mechanism, maintaining a capacity below the 45t/hr threshold. Customs authorities require technical specifications, including maximum evaporation rates and tube configurations, to verify this classification. The materials used, typically heavy-gauge steel or alloys capable of withstanding high pressure, further support its placement in Chapter 84, which deals with nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances.
- Covers
- High-pressure watertube steam boilers for industrial laundries
- Small-scale power generation watertube boilers
- Package watertube boilers for food processing plants
- Modular watertube steam generators for hospitals
- Vertical and horizontal watertube boilers under 45t/hr capacity
- Also under 8402.12
- Cleaver-Brooks watertube boilers
- Miura boilers
- Fulton Boilers
- Bosch Industriekessel
Codes often confused with 8402.12
Common mistake. Commercial steam boilers are frequently confused with HS code 8402.11, which applies to watertube boilers with a steam production exceeding 45 tonnes per hour. Another common error is classifying them under 8402.19, which is the residual category for other vapor generating boilers, including firetube boilers. Additionally, installers often mistakenly use 8403.10, which is strictly for central heating boilers that do not generate high-pressure steam for industrial use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840212 (the code used for commercial steam boilers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840212 (the code used for commercial steam boilers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, 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 840212, not only commercial steam boilers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $158M 37% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $36M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 India $32M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $425M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $44M 12% of world imports
- 2 Austria $25M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $23M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $376M 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 commercial steam boilers
Brazil classifies commercial steam boilers under NCM 8402.12.00: HS 8402.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about commercial steam boilers
What is the HS code for Commercial steam boilers?
The HS code for Commercial steam boilers is 840212 (Boilers; watertube boilers with a steam production not exceeding 45t per hour). The specific HS code for watertube commercial steam boilers with a production capacity not exceeding 45 tonnes per hour is 8402.12.
How do I classify Commercial steam boilers for customs?
Commercial steam boilers is classified under HS code 840212 — Boilers; watertube boilers with a steam production not exceeding 45t per hour. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the capacity measured for this HS code?
Capacity is measured by the maximum continuous rating (MCR) of steam production, expressed in tonnes of steam per hour, as specified in the manufacturer's technical documentation.
Which countries are the top exporters of commercial steam boilers (HS 840212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840212 (the code used for commercial steam boilers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($158M, 37% of world exports), Malaysia ($36M) and India ($32M). World exports came to about $425M, 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 commercial steam boilers (HS 840212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840212 (the code used for commercial steam boilers) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($44M, 12% of world imports), Austria ($25M) and the United States ($23M). World imports came to about $376M, 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 Commercial steam boilers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840212 for Commercial steam boilers 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 commercial steam boilers in Brazil?
In Brazil, commercial steam boilers (HS 840212) is classified under NCM 8402.12.00.