Product classification
HS code for Diesel genset: 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 genset under HS 8502.12
Diesel generating sets with a power output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA are classified under HS code 8502.12. This classification is part of Heading 8502, which covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. The specific subheading 8502.12 is reserved for sets powered by compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel). A generating set is defined as the combination of an internal combustion engine and an electrical generator (alternator) mounted together as a single unit. The classification is determined by the rated power output of the unit, measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). These units are typically used for industrial standby power, construction sites, or mobile power applications where a mid-range power supply is required. The integration of the engine and generator is the key factor for classification under this heading.
- Covers
- 100kVA industrial diesel generators
- 250kVA standby diesel generating sets
- Mobile diesel generators within the 75-375kVA range
- Skid-mounted diesel electric power units
- 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 gensets are often misclassified under 8502.11 (for units up to 75kVA) or 8502.13 (for units exceeding 375kVA). Another common error is attempting to classify the components separately under 8408 (engines) and 8501 (generators) when they are imported as a single functional unit.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel genset), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel genset) 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 genset.
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 genset
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 genset
What is the HS code for Diesel genset?
The HS code for Diesel genset 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). The HS code for a diesel generating set with an output between 75kVA and 375kVA is 8502.12.
How do I classify Diesel genset for customs?
Diesel genset 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.
What if the generator output is exactly 75kVA?
If the output does not exceed 75kVA, the unit should be classified under HS code 8502.11, as 8502.12 only applies to outputs exceeding 75kVA.
Which countries are the top exporters of diesel genset (HS 850212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel genset) 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 genset (HS 850212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850212 (the code used for diesel genset) 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 genset the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850212 for Diesel genset 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 genset in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850212 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for diesel genset 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).