Product classification
HS code for Industrial steam turbines: 8406.81
Turbines, steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MW.
Classification of industrial steam turbines under HS 8406.81
Industrial steam turbines with a power output exceeding 40MW are classified under HS code 8406.81. This classification is part of the broader heading 8406, which covers steam turbines and other vapor turbines. The Harmonized System distinguishes turbines based on two primary criteria: their application (marine propulsion versus stationary use) and their power output capacity. Subheading 8406.81 is specifically designated for turbines that are not used for marine propulsion and have a rated output exceeding 40 megawatts. These machines are critical components in large-scale power generation and heavy industrial applications, where they convert thermal energy from pressurized steam into mechanical work. The classification process requires technical documentation verifying the turbine's maximum continuous rating (MCR). Because these units are often shipped in a disassembled state due to their immense size, General Interpretative Rule 2(a) is frequently applied, allowing the components to be classified as the complete turbine if they provide the essential character of the finished machine.
- Covers
- High-capacity steam turbines for utility power plants
- Industrial back-pressure turbines for large factories
- Condensing steam turbines for electricity generation
- Combined cycle steam turbines exceeding 40MW
- Large-scale vapor turbines for geothermal energy
- Also under 8406.81
- Siemens Energy SGT5-8000H steam turbine
- GE Power H-Class steam turbine
- Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) J-Series steam turbine
- Toshiba steam turbines
Codes often confused with 8406.81
Common mistake. Industrial steam turbines are often confused with marine turbines classified under 8406.10. Even if the technical specifications are similar, the intended use on a vessel dictates the 8406.10 code. Another frequent error is misclassifying based on output; turbines with an output of 40MW or less must be classified under 8406.82. Additionally, gas turbines are classified under a completely different heading, 8411, and should never be confused with the steam-driven units of 8406.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840681 (the code used for industrial steam turbines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840681 (the code used for industrial steam turbines) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 30% 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 840681, not only industrial steam turbines.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $68M 20% of world exports
- 2 Germany $66M 19% of world exports
- 3 China $59M 17% of world exports
World total: $342M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $155M 30% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $78M 15% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $31M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $517M 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 turbines
Brazil classifies industrial steam turbines under NCM 8406.81.00: HS 8406.81 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 turbines
What is the HS code for Industrial steam turbines?
The HS code for Industrial steam turbines is 840681 (Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MW). For industrial steam turbines with an output exceeding 40MW, the HS code is 8406.81.
How do I classify Industrial steam turbines for customs?
Industrial steam turbines is classified under HS code 840681 — Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MW. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the generator?
No, if the turbine is imported coupled with an electrical generator, the entire assembly is classified as a "generating set" under heading 8502.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial steam turbines (HS 840681)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840681 (the code used for industrial steam turbines) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($68M, 20% of world exports), Germany ($66M) and China ($59M). World exports came to about $342M, 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 turbines (HS 840681)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840681 (the code used for industrial steam turbines) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($155M, 30% of world imports), Indonesia ($78M) and Belgium ($31M). World imports came to about $517M, 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 turbines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840681 for Industrial steam turbines 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 turbines in Brazil?
In Brazil, industrial steam turbines (HS 840681) is classified under NCM 8406.81.00.