Product classification
HS code for Hydro generator: 8502.39
Electric generating sets, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines), other than wind powered.
Classification of hydro generator under HS 8502.39
Hydro generators, or hydroelectric generating sets, are classified under HS code 8502.39. This classification is applied to electric generating sets that do not use internal combustion piston engines and are not wind-powered. A generating set is defined as a combination of an electric generator and a prime mover. In the case of a hydro generator, the prime mover is a hydraulic turbine. The classification follows the rules of Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Specifically, heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. Subheading 8502.39 is a residual category for "other" generating sets, which includes those powered by water (hydroelectric), steam, or solar energy. The classification remains 8502.39 regardless of whether the turbine and generator are mounted together on a single base or are imported together as a functional unit intended to be coupled at the site of installation.
- Covers
- Hydroelectric turbine-generator sets
- Micro-hydro generating units
- Francis turbine generating sets
- Kaplan turbine generating sets
- Pelton wheel generating sets
- Also under 8502.39
- Small-scale Pelton turbine generator
- Ormat Geothermal Power Plant (the generating set component)
- Ocean Power Technologies PowerBuoy (wave energy)
- Capstone MicroTurbine (if not spark-ignition)
- Archimedes screw generator
Codes often confused with 8502.39
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs when the generator and the hydraulic turbine are classified separately. The turbine alone falls under HS code 8410, and the generator alone falls under HS code 8501. However, when presented together as a set, they must be classified under 8502. Additionally, they should not be confused with wind-powered generating sets, which are specifically classified under 8502.31.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850239 (the code used for hydro generator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850239 (the code used for hydro generator) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 21% 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 850239, not only hydro generator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $419M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $416M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $386M 16% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kazakhstan $789M 21% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $357M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 United States $267M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 code for hydro generator
Brazil classifies hydro generator under NCM 8502.39.00: HS 8502.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydro generator
What is the HS code for Hydro generator?
The HS code for Hydro generator is 850239 (Electric generating sets; (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines), other than wind powered). The HS code for a hydroelectric generating set is 8502.39.
How do I classify Hydro generator for customs?
Hydro generator is classified under HS code 850239 — Electric generating sets; (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines), other than wind powered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to portable water-powered chargers?
Yes, if the device functions as a generating set using water as the prime mover, it generally falls under this classification, though size and output may affect specific duty rates.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydro generator (HS 850239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850239 (the code used for hydro generator) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($419M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($416M) and China ($386M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 hydro generator (HS 850239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850239 (the code used for hydro generator) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($789M, 21% of world imports), Brazil ($357M) and the United States ($267M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 Hydro generator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850239 for Hydro 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 hydro generator in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydro generator (HS 850239) is classified under NCM 8502.39.00.