Product classification
HS code for Industrial steam boilers: 8402.11
Boilers, watertube boilers with a steam production exceeding 45t per hour.
Classification of industrial steam boilers under HS 8402.11
Industrial steam boilers are classified under HS code 8402.11 based on their specific engineering design and output capacity. This code is situated within Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8402 covers steam or other vapor generating boilers. The subheading 8402.11 is reserved for watertube boilers where the steam production exceeds 45 metric tons per hour. Watertube boilers are characterized by a design where water circulates in tubes heated externally by fire or hot gases, making them suitable for high-pressure applications in utility plants and heavy manufacturing. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is governed by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Because these units are primary steam generators, they are distinguished from auxiliary plants or central heating systems by their scale and functional intent.
- Covers
- High-pressure watertube utility boilers
- Large-scale industrial steam generators
- Superheated steam boilers for power generation
- Watertube boilers with capacity over 45t/h
- Also under 8402.11
- GE Power HRSG
- Siemens Energy steam generators
- Babcock & Wilcox utility boilers
- Doosan Lentjes CFB boilers
Codes often confused with 8402.11
Common mistake. Industrial steam boilers are frequently confused with HS code 8402.12, which covers watertube boilers with a capacity not exceeding 45 metric tons per hour. Another common error is using 8402.19, which is the residual category for other vapor generating boilers, including firetube boilers. Furthermore, central heating boilers that are not capable of producing high-pressure steam for industrial processes should be classified under 8403.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840211 (the code used for industrial steam boilers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840211 (the code used for industrial steam boilers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 35% 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 840211, not only industrial steam boilers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $88M 29% of world exports
- 2 India $85M 29% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $36M 12% of world exports
World total: $299M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $181M 35% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $55M 11% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $36M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $516M 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 industrial steam boilers
Brazil classifies industrial steam boilers under NCM 8402.11.00: HS 8402.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about industrial steam boilers
What is the HS code for Industrial steam boilers?
The HS code for Industrial steam boilers is 840211 (Boilers; watertube boilers with a steam production exceeding 45t per hour). The HS code for industrial watertube steam boilers with a production capacity exceeding 45 tons per hour is 8402.11.
How do I classify Industrial steam boilers for customs?
Industrial steam boilers is classified under HS code 840211 — Boilers; watertube boilers with a steam production exceeding 45t per hour. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does capacity affect the classification of a steam boiler?
Capacity is a primary determinant in the 8402 heading; systems producing over 45t/h fall under 8402.11, while those at or below that threshold are classified under 8402.12.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial steam boilers (HS 840211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840211 (the code used for industrial steam boilers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($88M, 29% of world exports), India ($85M) and Brazil ($36M). World exports came to about $299M, 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 industrial steam boilers (HS 840211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840211 (the code used for industrial steam boilers) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($181M, 35% of world imports), Indonesia ($55M) and Saudi Arabia ($36M). World imports came to about $516M, 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 Industrial steam boilers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840211 for Industrial steam boilers 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 industrial steam boilers in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial steam boilers (HS 840211) is classified under NCM 8402.11.00.