Product classification
HS code for Isotope separation equipment: 8401.20
Machinery and apparatus, for isotopic separation, and parts thereof.
Classification of isotope separation equipment under HS 8401.20
Isotope separation equipment is classified under HS code 8401.20 because it belongs to the category of machinery and apparatus specifically designed for isotopic separation. This classification is part of Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. The specific subheading 8401.20 is reserved for apparatus used to separate isotopes of chemical elements, particularly those used in the nuclear fuel cycle, such as uranium enrichment. These machines operate on various physical principles, including electromagnetic, centrifugal, or gaseous diffusion methods. Because this equipment is highly specialized for nuclear or scientific research applications, it is distinguished from general-purpose laboratory equipment or industrial centrifuges. The classification depends on the primary function of the machine being the enrichment or separation of isotopes rather than general chemical processing.
- Covers
- Gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment
- Gaseous diffusion barriers and housings
- Electromagnetic isotope separators (calutrons)
- Aerodynamic separation nozzles
- Chemical exchange separation units
- Laser-based isotope separation systems
- Ion-exchange separation columns for nuclear materials
- Parts specifically designed for isotopic separation machinery
- Also under 8401.20
- Urenco centrifuges
- Orano (formerly Areva) enrichment technology
- GE-Hitachi (related nuclear tech)
- Siemens (historical involvement in nuclear technology)
Codes often confused with 8401.20
Common mistake. Isotope separation equipment is frequently misclassified under HS code 8421.11 or 8421.19, which cover general-purpose centrifuges and filtering machinery. While isotope separation often utilizes centrifugal force, the specialized nature of nuclear-grade equipment mandates the use of 8401.20. Another common error is using HS code 8419.89 for general heat treatment or chemical processing machinery. If the equipment is intended for the separation of isotopes, 8401.20 takes precedence over more general machinery codes. Additionally, parts of these machines are sometimes incorrectly filed under 8401.40 (parts of nuclear reactors), but if they are specific to the separation apparatus, they should remain within the 8401.20 framework or follow the parts rules of Chapter 84.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separation equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separation equipment) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 36% 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 840120, not only isotope separation equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $122M 55% of world exports
- 2 Germany $80M 36% of world exports
- 3 Estonia $9.2M 4.2% of world exports
World total: $221M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $77M 36% of world imports
- 2 France $66M 31% of world imports
- 3 United States $39M 18% of world imports
World total: $213M 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 isotope separation equipment
Brazil classifies isotope separation equipment under NCM 8401.20.00: HS 8401.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about isotope separation equipment
What is the HS code for Isotope separation equipment?
The HS code for Isotope separation equipment is 840120 (Machinery and apparatus; for isotopic separation, and parts thereof). The primary HS code for isotope separation equipment and its specific parts is 8401.20.
How do I classify Isotope separation equipment for customs?
Isotope separation equipment is classified under HS code 840120 — Machinery and apparatus; for isotopic separation, and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include equipment for stable isotopes?
Yes, HS code 8401.20 covers machinery for the separation of both radioactive isotopes (like Uranium-235) and stable isotopes (like Carbon-13 or Deuterium), provided the machinery is dedicated to isotopic separation.
Which countries are the top exporters of isotope separation equipment (HS 840120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separation equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($122M, 55% of world exports), Germany ($80M) and Estonia ($9.2M). World exports came to about $221M, 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 isotope separation equipment (HS 840120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separation equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($77M, 36% of world imports), France ($66M) and the United States ($39M). World imports came to about $213M, 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 Isotope separation equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840120 for Isotope separation equipment 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 isotope separation equipment in Brazil?
In Brazil, isotope separation equipment (HS 840120) is classified under NCM 8401.20.00.