Product classification
HS code for Generator diesel engine: 8408.90
Engines, compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of chapter 87.
Classification of generator diesel engine under HS 8408.90
A generator diesel engine, when imported as a standalone component, is classified under HS code 8408.90. This heading covers compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines). The sub-heading 8408.90 is reserved for engines that are not intended for marine propulsion (8408.10) or for the propulsion of vehicles of Chapter 87 (8408.20). Since engines used to drive electrical generators are typically stationary or part of a non-propulsion industrial assembly, they fall into this "other" category. The classification is based on the engine's mechanical nature and its ignition system (compression-ignition), rather than the electrical output of the generator it will eventually power. It is important to note that this code applies only to the engine itself, not the complete generator set.
- Covers
- Stationary diesel engines for power generation
- Industrial compression-ignition engines
- Diesel engines for portable generator units (engine only)
- Semi-diesel engines for industrial use
- Water-cooled or air-cooled industrial diesel engines
- Replacement diesel engines for gensets
- Also under 8408.90
- Cummins QSB Series Engines
- Caterpillar C Series Engines
- John Deere PowerTech Engines
- Perkins 400 Series Engines
- Yanmar TNV Series Engines
Codes often confused with 8408.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is under HS code 8502, which covers electric generating sets. If the engine is already coupled with an alternator (the electrical component), the entire unit must be classified under 8502. However, if the engine is shipped alone, it must be classified under 8408.90. Another error is using 8408.20, which is for engines used in vehicles; even if a generator is mounted on a trailer, the engine itself is usually considered an industrial engine under 8408.90 unless it actually propels the vehicle. Finally, spark-ignition engines (gasoline) are classified under 8407, not 8408.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840890 (the code used for generator diesel engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840890 (the code used for generator diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 840890, not only generator diesel engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United Kingdom $2.4B 16% of world exports
- 2 China $2.2B 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $2.2B 14% of world exports
World total: $15.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.0B 20% of world imports
- 2 China $2.1B 14% of world imports
- 3 Germany $678M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $14.8B 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 codes for generator diesel engine
Brazil splits HS 8408.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8408.90.10Stationary diesel engines over 497.5 kW
- 8408.90.90Other diesel engines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about generator diesel engine
What is the HS code for Generator diesel engine?
The HS code for Generator diesel engine is 840890 (Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of chapter 87). The HS code for a standalone diesel engine used for a generator is 8408.90.
How do I classify Generator diesel engine for customs?
Generator diesel engine is classified under HS code 840890 — Engines; compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of chapter 87. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the alternator?
No, HS code 8408.90 only covers the engine. If the alternator is included and attached, the product is classified as a generating set under 8502.
Which countries are the top exporters of generator diesel engine (HS 840890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840890 (the code used for generator diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($2.4B, 16% of world exports), China ($2.2B) and Japan ($2.2B). World exports came to about $15.6B, 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 generator diesel engine (HS 840890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840890 (the code used for generator diesel engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.0B, 20% of world imports), China ($2.1B) and Germany ($678M). World imports came to about $14.8B, 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 Generator diesel engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840890 for Generator diesel engine 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 generator diesel engine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 840890 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for generator diesel engine depends on the product's details: 8408.90.10 (Stationary diesel engines over 497.5 kW), 8408.90.90 (Other diesel engines).