Product classification
HS code for Power plant condensers: 8404.20
Boilers, condensers, for steam or other vapour power units.
Classification of power plant condensers under HS 8404.20
Power plant condensers are classified under HS code 8404.20 as auxiliary plant for use with boilers of heading 8402. The Harmonized System defines auxiliary plants as equipment that performs a supplementary function to the main boiler unit, such as improving efficiency or recovering working fluids. Condensers specifically serve to condense exhaust steam from turbines back into liquid water, creating a vacuum that improves turbine efficiency and allowing the water to be recycled into the boiler. Heading 8404 is the correct location because these condensers are specifically designed for steam or other vapor power units. This classification is distinct from general-purpose heat exchangers found in heading 8419. The primary factor for classification under 8404.20 is the condenser's integration into a steam power cycle. Whether the condenser is a surface type (where steam and cooling water are separated by a wall) or a direct-contact type, it remains within this code. The classification remains consistent regardless of the cooling medium used, provided the unit is dedicated to a vapor power system. These units are critical for the Rankine cycle used in thermal power plants. The legal notes to Chapter 84 emphasize that auxiliary plants for boilers are to be classified in 8404 even if they could also fall under a more general heading like 8419, following the principle of specificity in GRI 3(a).
- Covers
- Surface condensers for steam turbines
- Jet condensers for power units
- Air-cooled condensers (ACC) for power plants
- Vacuum condensers for steam power cycles
- Main condensers for thermal power stations
- Also under 8404.20
- GE Power surface condensers
- Siemens Energy steam condensers
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries condensers
- SPX Cooling Technologies condensers
Codes often confused with 8404.20
Common mistake. Condensers are frequently misclassified under 8419.50, which covers general heat exchangers. However, Note 2 to Chapter 84 and the specific wording of 8404.20 dictate that condensers for steam power units must stay in 8404. Another error is classifying them as parts of turbines (8406.90), but since they are auxiliary to the boiler system, 8404 is the legally required heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840420 (the code used for power plant condensers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840420 (the code used for power plant condensers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kenya, with 33% 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 840420, not only power plant condensers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $79M 58% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $14M 10% of world exports
- 3 Japan $9.4M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $138M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kenya $86M 33% of world imports
- 2 Kazakhstan $23M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $18M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $263M 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 plant condensers
Brazil classifies power plant condensers under NCM 8404.20.00: HS 8404.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about power plant condensers
What is the HS code for Power plant condensers?
The HS code for Power plant condensers is 840420 (Boilers; condensers, for steam or other vapour power units). The specific HS code for condensers used for steam or other vapor power units is 8404.20.
How do I classify Power plant condensers for customs?
Power plant condensers is classified under HS code 840420 — Boilers; condensers, for steam or other vapour power units. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include cooling towers?
No, cooling towers are generally classified under HS code 8419.50 or 8419.89, as they are not condensers themselves but rather heat dissipation systems for the cooling water.
Which countries are the top exporters of power plant condensers (HS 840420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840420 (the code used for power plant condensers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($79M, 58% of world exports), South Korea ($14M) and Japan ($9.4M). World exports came to about $138M, 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 plant condensers (HS 840420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840420 (the code used for power plant condensers) in UN Comtrade data were Kenya ($86M, 33% of world imports), Kazakhstan ($23M) and the United States ($18M). World imports came to about $263M, 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 plant condensers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840420 for Power plant condensers 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 plant condensers in Brazil?
In Brazil, power plant condensers (HS 840420) is classified under NCM 8404.20.00.