Product classification

HS code for Gasoline generator: 8502.20

Electric generating sets, with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines.

Classification of gasoline generator under HS 8502.20

A gasoline generator is classified under HS code 8502.20 because it is an electric generating set consisting of a spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine coupled with an alternator. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8502 specifically addresses generating sets, which are combinations of an engine and an electrical generator. The subheading 8502.20 is designated for sets powered by spark-ignition engines, which includes those running on gasoline (petrol), as opposed to compression-ignition engines (diesel). The classification is determined by the method of ignition and the fact that the engine and generator are mounted together as a single functional unit. This applies regardless of whether the unit is portable, stationary, or housed in a soundproof enclosure.

Covers
  • Portable gasoline-powered generators
  • Inverter generators (gasoline-fueled)
  • Standby residential generators with spark-ignition engines
  • Gasoline-driven welding generators (if the primary function is power generation)
  • Open-frame petrol generating sets
Also under 8502.20
  • Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator
  • Generac Guardian Series (natural gas)
  • Yamaha EF2000iS
  • Champion Dual Fuel Generator
  • Westinghouse iGen4500

Codes often confused with 8502.20

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is HS code 8502.11, 8502.12, or 8502.13, which are reserved for diesel (compression-ignition) generating sets. Importers often confuse these based on the power output (kVA) rather than the engine type. Another error is classifying the engine alone under 8407; however, once the engine is coupled with a generator, it must be classified under 8502. Additionally, simple electric motors without an engine are classified under 8501.

8502.11Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output not exceeding 75kVA8502.12Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 75kVA but not exceeding 375kVA8502.13Electric generating sets; with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 375kVA84.07Reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines85.02Electric generating sets and rotary converters85.01Electric motors and generators (excluding generating sets)

Top exporters and importers of HS 850220 (the code used for gasoline generator), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850220 (the code used for gasoline generator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 850220, not only gasoline generator.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.0B
  2. 2 Germany $1.1B
  3. 3 Vietnam* ~$914M

World total: $6.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.7B
  2. 2 Ukraine* ~$691M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$369M

World total: $6.0B 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 gasoline generator

Brazil splits HS 8502.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8502.20.11AC spark-ignition generating sets up to 210 kVA
  • 8502.20.19AC spark-ignition generating sets over 210 kVA
  • 8502.20.90Other spark-ignition generating sets

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about gasoline generator

What is the HS code for Gasoline generator?

The HS code for Gasoline generator is 850220 (Electric generating sets; with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines). The HS code for a gasoline-powered electric generating set is 8502.20.

How do I classify Gasoline generator for customs?

Gasoline generator is classified under HS code 850220 — Electric generating sets; with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a portable power station classified here?

No, if the power station uses a battery and an inverter without an internal combustion engine, it is typically classified under 8507 as a battery system or 8504 as a static converter.

Which countries are the top exporters of gasoline generator (HS 850220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850220 (the code used for gasoline generator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 31% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and Vietnam (about $914M). World exports came to about $6.4B, 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 gasoline generator (HS 850220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 850220 (the code used for gasoline generator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 28% of world imports), Ukraine (about $691M) and Russia (about $369M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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.

Is the HS code for Gasoline generator the same in all countries?

The base HS code 850220 for Gasoline 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 gasoline generator in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 850220 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for gasoline generator depends on the product's details: 8502.20.11 (AC spark-ignition generating sets up to 210 kVA), 8502.20.19 (AC spark-ignition generating sets over 210 kVA), 8502.20.90 (Other spark-ignition generating sets).