Product classification
HS code for Nuclear reactors: 8401.10
Nuclear reactors.
Classification of nuclear reactors under HS 8401.10
The classification of nuclear reactors under HS code 8401.10 is governed by the specific technical definitions provided in the Harmonized System's Chapter 84. This chapter generally encompasses machinery and mechanical appliances. Heading 8401 is dedicated to nuclear reactors, fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated, for nuclear reactors, and apparatus for isotopic separation. Within this heading, subheading 8401.10 specifically isolates the nuclear reactor itself. A nuclear reactor, for the purposes of this classification, includes the entire assembly of components within the biological shield, including the core, the moderator, the control rods, and the reactor vessel. The classification logic follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since 8401.10 explicitly names "Nuclear reactors," it takes precedence over more general machinery codes. It is important to note that this code covers the reactor as a functional unit designed to initiate and control a self-sustained nuclear chain reaction, regardless of its intended use for power generation, research, or isotope production.
- Covers
- Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR)
- Boiling Water Reactors (BWR)
- Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR)
- High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGR)
- Research and training reactors
- Small Modular Reactors (SMR)
- Also under 8401.10
- Westinghouse AP1000
- Areva (now Framatome/EDF) EPR
- Rosatom VVER
- GE Hitachi ABWR
- CANDU reactors
Codes often confused with 8401.10
Common mistake. Nuclear reactors are frequently confused with other components in heading 8401. Specifically, non-irradiated fuel elements (cartridges) are classified under 8401.30, while general parts of nuclear reactors fall under 8401.40. Furthermore, steam-generating boilers used in nuclear power plants are often incorrectly classified here; however, they belong under heading 8402. Electric generating sets powered by nuclear energy are classified under heading 8502. The distinction lies in whether the item is the reactor core assembly itself or an auxiliary piece of equipment used in the broader power cycle.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840110 (the code used for nuclear reactors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840110 (the code used for nuclear reactors) in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 90% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 59% 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 840110, not only nuclear reactors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Russia* ~$90M 90% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $8.1M 8.1% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $659K 0.7% of world exports
World total: $100M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $145M 59% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $76M 31% of world imports
- 3 Bolivia $14M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $247M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 nuclear reactors
Brazil classifies nuclear reactors under NCM 8401.10.00: HS 8401.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about nuclear reactors
What is the HS code for Nuclear reactors?
The HS code for Nuclear reactors is 840110 (Nuclear reactors). The primary HS code for nuclear reactors is 8401.10, which covers the reactor assembly designed for controlled nuclear fission.
How do I classify Nuclear reactors for customs?
Nuclear reactors is classified under HS code 840110 — Nuclear reactors. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are nuclear fuel rods included in this code?
No, non-irradiated fuel elements or cartridges are classified under HS code 8401.30, while irradiated (spent) fuel elements are classified under 2844.50.
Which countries are the top exporters of nuclear reactors (HS 840110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840110 (the code used for nuclear reactors) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $90M, 90% of world exports), the United States ($8.1M) and the United Kingdom ($659K). World exports came to about $100M, 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 nuclear reactors (HS 840110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840110 (the code used for nuclear reactors) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($145M, 59% of world imports), Türkiye ($76M) and Bolivia ($14M). World imports came to about $247M, 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 Nuclear reactors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840110 for Nuclear reactors 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 nuclear reactors in Brazil?
In Brazil, nuclear reactors (HS 840110) is classified under NCM 8401.10.00.