Product classification
HS code for Large steam turbines: 8406.81
Turbines, steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MW.
Classification of large steam turbines under HS 8406.81
Large steam turbines are classified under HS code 8406.81. This classification is situated within Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Heading 8406 specifically covers steam turbines and other vapor turbines. The sub-classification 8406.81 is determined by two primary technical parameters: the intended application and the power output. This code is reserved for turbines that are not used for marine propulsion. The power threshold is the critical differentiator; the turbine must have an output exceeding 40 megawatts (MW). These machines are complex mechanical devices that convert the thermal energy of pressurized steam into rotary motion to drive electrical generators or other heavy machinery. The classification logic follows the principle that machinery should be categorized by its functional output and technical capacity, ensuring that massive utility-scale turbines are distinguished from smaller industrial units.
- Covers
- Utility-scale steam turbines for power plants
- Industrial steam turbines exceeding 40MW output
- Vapor turbines for geothermal power generation (> 40MW)
- High-capacity steam-driven prime movers
- 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. Large steam turbines are often confused with HS code 8406.82, which covers turbines with an output of 40MW or less. Another common error is 8406.10, which is specifically for turbines used in marine propulsion. Additionally, gas turbines (which operate on combustion gases rather than steam) must be classified under heading 84.11, specifically 8411.82 for large units.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840681 (the code used for large steam turbines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840681 (the code used for large 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 large 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 large steam turbines
Brazil classifies large 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 large steam turbines
What is the HS code for Large steam turbines?
The HS code for Large steam turbines is 840681 (Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MW). The HS code for steam turbines (non-marine) with an output exceeding 40MW is 8406.81.
How do I classify Large steam turbines for customs?
Large 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 attached to the turbine?
No, the electric generator is classified separately under heading 85.01. HS code 8406.81 refers specifically to the turbine unit itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of large steam turbines (HS 840681)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840681 (the code used for large 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 large steam turbines (HS 840681)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840681 (the code used for large 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 Large steam turbines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840681 for Large 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 large steam turbines in Brazil?
In Brazil, large steam turbines (HS 840681) is classified under NCM 8406.81.00.