Product classification
HS code for Steam condensers: 8404.20
Boilers, condensers, for steam or other vapour power units.
Classification of steam condensers under HS 8404.20
Steam condensers for power units are classified under HS code 8404.20. This code is situated within Chapter 84, which encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8404 covers auxiliary plant for use with boilers of heading 8402 or 8403. Steam condensers are critical auxiliary components that convert exhaust steam from a turbine or engine back into water, thereby maintaining a vacuum and improving thermal efficiency. The classification under 8404.20 is reserved for condensers used specifically with steam or other vapor power units. This distinguishes them from general heat exchangers used in chemical processing or refrigeration. The function of these condensers is to facilitate the phase change of the working fluid within a closed-loop power cycle. They are typically large-scale industrial components found in thermal power plants, marine propulsion systems, and large industrial steam systems. The classification includes both surface condensers, where the steam and cooling water are separated by a metal wall, and jet condensers, where the steam and cooling water are mixed directly. The technical requirement for this code is the direct association with a vapor power unit, rather than general climate control or industrial cooling.
- Covers
- Surface condensers for steam turbines
- Jet condensers for steam engines
- Air-cooled steam condensers for power plants
- Auxiliary steam condensers for marine boilers
- Vacuum condensers for vapor power units
- 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. The most frequent misclassification for steam condensers is HS code 8419.50, which covers general heat exchange units. While a condenser is technically a heat exchanger, the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System specify that auxiliary plants for boilers, such as steam condensers for power units, must be classified under 8404. Another potential error is HS code 8402, which covers the boilers themselves. While condensers are part of the boiler system, they are considered auxiliary plant and are specifically broken out into 8404.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840420 (the code used for steam condensers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840420 (the code used for steam 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 steam 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 steam condensers
Brazil classifies steam 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 steam condensers
What is the HS code for Steam condensers?
The HS code for Steam condensers is 840420 (Boilers; condensers, for steam or other vapour power units). The HS code for condensers for steam or other vapor power units is 8404.20.
How do I classify Steam condensers for customs?
Steam 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 cover condensers for air conditioning?
No, condensers used in air conditioning or refrigeration systems are classified under HS code 8415 or 8418, as they are parts of specific cooling appliances rather than auxiliary plants for steam power units.
Which countries are the top exporters of steam condensers (HS 840420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840420 (the code used for steam 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 steam condensers (HS 840420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840420 (the code used for steam 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 Steam condensers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840420 for Steam 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 steam condensers in Brazil?
In Brazil, steam condensers (HS 840420) is classified under NCM 8404.20.00.