Product classification
HS code for Turbine generator: 8502.39
Electric generating sets, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines), other than wind powered.
Classification of turbine generator under HS 8502.39
The classification of turbine generators under HS code 8502.39 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the specific notes of Section XVI of the Harmonized System. Heading 8502 is dedicated to electric generating sets and rotary converters. A generating set is defined as a combination of an electrical generator and a prime mover. The classification within 8502 is primarily determined by the type of prime mover used to drive the generator. Subheadings 8502.11 through 8502.20 are strictly reserved for sets powered by internal combustion piston engines, such as diesel or petrol engines. Since turbine generators utilize steam turbines, gas turbines, or hydraulic turbines—which are rotary engines rather than reciprocating piston engines—they are excluded from those specific subheadings. Furthermore, wind-powered generating sets are specifically carved out into 8502.31. Consequently, turbine-driven sets fall into the residual category 8502.39, which covers \"other\" generating sets. This classification applies whether the units are imported as a single integrated machine or as a functional unit where the components are intended to be connected by pipes or cables. The essential character of the product is the generation of electricity through non-piston mechanical energy. According to GRI 1, the terms of the heading and the section notes are paramount, and since 8502.39 is the most specific description for non-piston, non-wind sets, it is the correct legal classification for these industrial power systems.
- Covers
- Steam turbine generating sets
- Gas turbine generating sets (excluding aircraft engines)
- Hydraulic turbine generating sets
- Geothermal turbine generators
- Combined cycle power plant generating units
- Also under 8502.39
- Small-scale Pelton turbine generator
- Ormat Geothermal Power Plant (the generating set component)
- Ocean Power Technologies PowerBuoy (wave energy)
- Capstone MicroTurbine (if not spark-ignition)
- Archimedes screw generator
Codes often confused with 8502.39
Common mistake. Turbine generators are frequently confused with the turbines themselves. A steam turbine without a generator is classified under 8406, while a gas turbine alone falls under 8411. Additionally, wind-powered sets must be classified under 8502.31, and any set using a reciprocating piston engine must be placed in 8502.11 through 8502.20 depending on the power output.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850239 (the code used for turbine generator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850239 (the code used for turbine generator) in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kazakhstan, with 21% 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 850239, not only turbine generator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Sweden $419M 17% of world exports
- 2 United States $416M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $386M 16% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Kazakhstan $789M 21% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $357M 9.5% of world imports
- 3 United States $267M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 turbine generator
Brazil classifies turbine generator under NCM 8502.39.00: HS 8502.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about turbine generator
What is the HS code for Turbine generator?
The HS code for Turbine generator is 850239 (Electric generating sets; (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines), other than wind powered). The HS code for a turbine generator set (other than wind-powered) is 8502.39.
How do I classify Turbine generator for customs?
Turbine generator is classified under HS code 850239 — Electric generating sets; (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines), other than wind powered. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the turbine and the generator if shipped separately?
If the turbine and generator are imported together as a functional unit to be connected on-site, they are classified together under 8502.39. If imported separately without the other component, they are classified under their respective headings (8406/8411 for turbines or 8501 for generators).
Which countries are the top exporters of turbine generator (HS 850239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850239 (the code used for turbine generator) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($419M, 17% of world exports), the United States ($416M) and China ($386M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 turbine generator (HS 850239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850239 (the code used for turbine generator) in UN Comtrade data were Kazakhstan ($789M, 21% of world imports), Brazil ($357M) and the United States ($267M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 Turbine generator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850239 for Turbine 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 turbine generator in Brazil?
In Brazil, turbine generator (HS 850239) is classified under NCM 8502.39.00.