Product classification
HS code for Diesel generator: 8502.12
Electric generating sets, with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA.
Classification of diesel generator under HS 8502.12
The classification of a diesel generating set under HS code 8502.12 is based on both the type of engine and the electrical output capacity. Heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. A generating set consists of an internal combustion engine (the prime mover) and an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) generator mounted together as a single unit. Subheadings 8502.11 through 8502.13 are specifically for sets with compression-ignition engines (diesel or semi-diesel). The specific code 8502.12 is applied when the electrical output of the set exceeds 75 kVA but does not exceed 375 kVA. This classification follows GRI 1 and 6, ensuring that the combined mechanical and electrical unit is classified by its primary function of generating electricity. The power rating is the critical factor; if the output is 75 kVA or less, it falls under 8502.11, and if it exceeds 375 kVA, it falls under 8502.13. This code is used for medium-capacity generators typically found in commercial buildings or small industrial sites.
- Covers
- 100 kVA diesel generating sets
- 250 kVA standby diesel generators
- 300 kVA mobile diesel power units
- Diesel gensets with output of 200 kW (approx. 250 kVA)
- Enclosed silent diesel generators within the 75-375 kVA range
- Also under 8502.12
- Perkins 200kVA Generator
- Volvo Penta D13 Genset
- John Deere 6068HFG82 Genset
- FG Wilson P250-3
- Cummins QSB7-G5
Codes often confused with 8502.12
Common mistake. Diesel generators are often misclassified under 8501, which covers electric motors and generators as individual components. However, when the generator is coupled with an engine, it must be classified as a "generating set" under 8502. Another error is using 8408, which is for the engine alone. Finally, choosing the wrong subheading (8502.11 or 8502.13) due to a misunderstanding of the kVA power rating is a frequent compliance issue.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel generator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel generator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 45% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 4.9% 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 850212, not only diesel generator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $942M 45% of world exports
- 2 Italy $133M 6.4% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $127M 6.1% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $102M 4.9% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$100M 4.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Kingdom $77M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 diesel generator
Brazil splits HS 8502.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8502.12.10AC diesel generating sets over 75 to 375 kVA
- 8502.12.90Other diesel generating sets over 75 to 375 kVA
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about diesel generator
What is the HS code for Diesel generator?
The HS code for Diesel generator is 850212 (Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA). For a diesel generator with an output between 75 kVA and 375 kVA, the HS code is 8502.12.
How do I classify Diesel generator for customs?
Diesel generator is classified under HS code 850212 — Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I classify a generator with a 500 kVA output?
A diesel generating set with an output exceeding 375 kVA is classified under HS code 8502.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel generator (HS 850212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel generator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($942M, 45% of world exports), Italy ($133M) and Türkiye ($127M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 diesel generator (HS 850212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel generator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($102M, 4.9% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $100M) and the United Kingdom ($77M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Diesel generator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850212 for Diesel generator 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 diesel generator in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850212 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for diesel generator depends on the product's details: 8502.12.10 (AC diesel generating sets over 75 to 375 kVA), 8502.12.90 (Other diesel generating sets over 75 to 375 kVA).