Product classification
HS code for Power generation turbines: 8406.81
Turbines, steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MW.
Classification of power generation turbines under HS 8406.81
Steam turbines used for large-scale power generation with an output exceeding 40 MW are classified under HS code 8406.81. Heading 8406 is specifically designated for steam turbines and other vapor turbines. These machines are essential components in thermal power plants, where they convert the energy of pressurized steam into rotary motion to drive electrical generators. The classification within Heading 8406 is hierarchical: first, it distinguishes between turbines for marine propulsion and "other" turbines. For non-marine applications, the subheadings are then divided by power output. Subheading 8406.81 is the specific code for turbines with an output exceeding 40 MW, reflecting the large-scale equipment used in utility-grade power stations, including coal, nuclear, and concentrated solar thermal plants.
- Covers
- High-pressure steam turbines for utility power plants
- Condensing steam turbines for electricity production
- Back-pressure steam turbines exceeding 40 MW
- Reheat steam turbines for large power stations
- Vapor turbines for geothermal power generation
- 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. The most common misclassification is using HS code 8406.82, which is for steam turbines with an output not exceeding 40 MW. Importers must verify the maximum continuous rating (MCR) of the turbine to choose the correct code. Another error is confusing steam turbines with gas turbines (8411). While both are used in power generation, steam turbines require an external boiler to produce vapor, whereas gas turbines are internal combustion engines. Finally, complete generating sets (turbine plus generator) are often incorrectly classified here instead of Heading 8502.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840681 (the code used for power generation turbines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840681 (the code used for power generation 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 power generation 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 power generation turbines
Brazil classifies power generation 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 power generation turbines
What is the HS code for Power generation turbines?
The HS code for Power generation turbines is 840681 (Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output exceeding 40MW). Large-scale steam turbines for power generation with an output exceeding 40 MW are classified under HS code 8406.81.
How do I classify Power generation turbines for customs?
Power generation 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 electrical generator?
No, HS code 8406.81 covers the turbine only. If the turbine and generator are presented together as a single functional unit, the entire assembly is typically classified under Heading 8502 as an electric generating set.
Which countries are the top exporters of power generation turbines (HS 840681)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840681 (the code used for power generation 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 power generation turbines (HS 840681)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840681 (the code used for power generation 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 Power generation turbines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840681 for Power generation 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 power generation turbines in Brazil?
In Brazil, power generation turbines (HS 840681) is classified under NCM 8406.81.00.