Product classification
HS code for Isotope separators: 8401.20
Machinery and apparatus, for isotopic separation, and parts thereof.
Classification of isotope separators under HS 8401.20
Isotope separators are complex mechanical and electrical systems designed to segregate different isotopes of the same chemical element based on their physical properties, such as mass or ionization potential. These machines are classified under HS code 8401.20. Chapter 84 generally covers machinery and mechanical appliances, but heading 8401 is specifically reserved for nuclear reactors, fuel elements, and machinery for isotopic separation. The inclusion of these separators in 8401 reflects their primary historical and industrial association with the nuclear fuel cycle, although they are also used for producing stable isotopes for medical and scientific use. The category includes various technologies such as gas centrifuges, electromagnetic separators (like calutrons), and laser-based separation units. Parts of these machines are also classified here, provided they are identifiable as being solely or principally for use with such apparatus. The classification is determined by the specific function of the machine—separating isotopes—rather than the general mechanical principles it employs.
- Covers
- Gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment
- Electromagnetic isotope separators (calutrons)
- Laser isotope separation equipment
- Thermal diffusion columns for isotopic separation
- 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 separators are sometimes misclassified under 8421, which covers general-purpose centrifuges and filtering apparatus. However, 8401.20 is the more specific code for isotopic separation. They may also be confused with 9027 if they are small-scale laboratory instruments used for analysis rather than production.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separators), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separators) 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 separators.
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 separators
Brazil classifies isotope separators 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 separators
What is the HS code for Isotope separators?
The HS code for Isotope separators is 840120 (Machinery and apparatus; for isotopic separation, and parts thereof). The HS code for isotope separators and parts thereof is 8401.20.
How do I classify Isotope separators for customs?
Isotope separators is classified under HS code 840120 — Machinery and apparatus; for isotopic separation, and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are gas centrifuges included in this code?
Yes, gas centrifuges specifically designed for isotopic separation are classified under 8401.20, whereas general industrial centrifuges fall under 8421.
Which countries are the top exporters of isotope separators (HS 840120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separators) 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 separators (HS 840120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840120 (the code used for isotope separators) 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 separators the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840120 for Isotope separators 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 separators in Brazil?
In Brazil, isotope separators (HS 840120) is classified under NCM 8401.20.00.