Product classification
HS code for Petrol generator: 8502.20
Electric generating sets, with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines.
Classification of petrol generator under HS 8502.20
Petrol generators are classified under HS code 8502.20. This code is situated within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8502 specifically addresses electric generating sets and rotary converters. A generating set is defined as the combination of an internal combustion engine and an electrical generator. Subheading 8502.20 is designated for sets powered by spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines, which typically run on petrol (gasoline) or gas. This distinguishes them from diesel-powered units. The classification is determined by the type of engine driving the generator. Even if the generator component itself is the primary value, the presence of the spark-ignition engine dictates the use of 8502.20. Portable units used for camping or home backup, as well as larger industrial spark-ignition sets, all fall under this category. Classification follows GRI 1 and 6, focusing on the mechanical nature of the prime mover (the engine) coupled with the electrical output component.
- Covers
- Portable petrol-powered camping generators
- Residential standby generators (spark-ignition)
- Inverter generators running on gasoline
- Dual-fuel generators (petrol/propane) using spark-ignition
- Open-frame industrial petrol generating sets
- Also under 8502.20
- Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator
- Generac Guardian Series (natural gas)
- Yamaha EF2000iS
- Champion Dual Fuel Generator
- Westinghouse iGen4500
Codes often confused with 8502.20
Common mistake. Petrol generators are frequently confused with diesel generators, which fall under 8502.11, 8502.12, or 8502.13 depending on their kVA rating. The key difference is the ignition type: spark-ignition (petrol) vs. compression-ignition (diesel). They are also sometimes misclassified under 8501, which covers electric motors and generators alone, without the integrated engine.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850220 (the code used for petrol generator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850220 (the code used for petrol generator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 850220, not only petrol generator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.0B 31% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.1B 18% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$914M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.7B 28% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$691M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Russia* ~$369M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $6.0B 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 codes for petrol generator
Brazil splits HS 8502.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8502.20.11AC spark-ignition generating sets up to 210 kVA
- 8502.20.19AC spark-ignition generating sets over 210 kVA
- 8502.20.90Other spark-ignition generating sets
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about petrol generator
What is the HS code for Petrol generator?
The HS code for Petrol generator is 850220 (Electric generating sets; with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines). The HS code for electric generating sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines is 8502.20.
How do I classify Petrol generator for customs?
Petrol generator is classified under HS code 850220 — Electric generating sets; with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 8501 and 8502?
Heading 8501 covers only the generator itself, while 8502 covers the generating set, which includes both the generator and the engine that drives it.
Which countries are the top exporters of petrol generator (HS 850220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850220 (the code used for petrol generator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.0B, 31% of world exports), Germany ($1.1B) and Vietnam (about $914M). World exports came to about $6.4B, 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 petrol generator (HS 850220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850220 (the code used for petrol generator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.7B, 28% of world imports), Ukraine (about $691M) and Russia (about $369M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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 Petrol generator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850220 for Petrol generator 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 petrol generator in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850220 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for petrol generator depends on the product's details: 8502.20.11 (AC spark-ignition generating sets up to 210 kVA), 8502.20.19 (AC spark-ignition generating sets over 210 kVA), 8502.20.90 (Other spark-ignition generating sets).