Product classification
HS code for Rotary engine: 8407.90
Engines, rotary internal combustion piston engines, for other than aircraft or marine propulsion.
Classification of rotary engine under HS 8407.90
The rotary engine, most commonly recognized as the Wankel engine, is classified under HS code 8407.90 because it is a spark-ignition internal combustion engine that operates on a rotary principle rather than the reciprocating piston movement found in standard automotive engines. This specific subheading is designated for engines that are not intended for aircraft or marine propulsion. The classification is determined by the mechanical method of converting pressure into rotating motion. In a rotary engine, the four strokes of an intake, compression, ignition, and exhaust cycle happen in the space between a three-sided symmetric rotor and the inside of a housing. Because these engines are distinct from the more common reciprocating piston engines (which are classified in subheadings 8407.31 through 8407.34 based on cylinder capacity), they fall into the 'other' category of 8407.90. This code is used for engines found in certain high-performance vehicles, snowmobiles, and specialized industrial equipment where a high power-to-weight ratio is required.
- Covers
- Wankel rotary engines for passenger motor vehicles
- Spark-ignition rotary engines for snowmobiles
- Rotary engines for portable power generators
- Rotary internal combustion engines for experimental automotive use
- Gasoline-powered rotary engines for specialized lawn equipment
- Also under 8407.90
Mazda 13B-MSP Renesis engine, UAV Engines Ltd. AR801 engine, LiquidPiston X-Engine, Freedom Motors FR-80 engine, Norton NRV588 engine
Codes often confused with 8407.90
Common mistake. Rotary engines are frequently misclassified under HS code 8407.34, which is reserved for reciprocating piston engines of a cylinder capacity exceeding 1,000 cc. While both are spark-ignition engines, the mechanical architecture is the deciding factor. Additionally, if the rotary engine is designed for aircraft, it must be classified under 8407.10, and if it is an outboard marine engine, it falls under 8407.21. Importers often confuse these based on the end-use of the engine rather than its technical design.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840790 (the code used for rotary engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840790 (the code used for rotary engine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 26% of world imports. Mexico reports $451M of its heading 8407 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 840790, not only rotary engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 35% of world exports
- 2 United States $460M 13% of world exports
- 3 Finland $267M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $872M 26% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$268M 8.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $213M 6.4% of world imports
Mexico reports $451M of its heading 8407 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $3.3B 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 rotary engine
Brazil classifies rotary engine under NCM 8407.90.00: HS 8407.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rotary engine
What is the HS code for Rotary engine?
The HS code for Rotary engine is 840790 (Engines; rotary internal combustion piston engines, for other than aircraft or marine propulsion). The HS code for a rotary internal combustion spark-ignition engine (other than for aircraft or marine use) is 8407.90.
How do I classify Rotary engine for customs?
Rotary engine is classified under HS code 840790 — Engines; rotary internal combustion piston engines, for other than aircraft or marine propulsion. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include diesel rotary engines?
No, HS code 8407.90 is specifically for spark-ignition engines. Compression-ignition (diesel) engines are classified under heading 8408.
Which countries are the top exporters of rotary engine (HS 840790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840790 (the code used for rotary engine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 35% of world exports), the United States ($460M) and Finland ($267M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 rotary engine (HS 840790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840790 (the code used for rotary engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($872M, 26% of world imports), Vietnam (about $268M) and China ($213M). World imports came to about $3.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mexico reports $451M of its heading 8407 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Rotary engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840790 for Rotary engine 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 rotary engine in Brazil?
In Brazil, rotary engine (HS 840790) is classified under NCM 8407.90.00.