Product classification
HS code for Vapour boilers: 8402.19
Boilers, vapour generating boilers, including hybrid boilers n.e.c. in heading no. 8402.
Classification of vapour boilers under HS 8402.19
Vapour generating boilers are classified under HS code 8402.19 based on the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6. Heading 8402 covers steam or other vapour generating boilers, excluding central heating hot water boilers capable also of producing low-pressure steam. Subheading 8402.19 is a residual category for boilers that are not water-tube boilers. In a water-tube boiler (8402.11/12), water circulates inside tubes heated externally by fire or gases. Conversely, the boilers in 8402.19 often utilize a fire-tube design where hot gases pass through tubes immersed in water, or they may be hybrid systems. The classification is determined by the primary method of heat exchange and the intended industrial application, typically involving high-pressure steam generation for power or mechanical work. These units are distinct from domestic heating systems due to their construction, pressure ratings, and the volume of vapour produced.
- Covers
- Fire-tube boilers
- Locomotive type boilers (non-water tube)
- Marine boilers of the fire-tube variety
- Hybrid vapour generating boilers not elsewhere specified
- Cylindrical boilers for industrial steam generation
- Horizontal return tubular (HRT) boilers
- Also under 8402.19
- Viessmann boilers (various types)
- Buderus boilers
- Cochran boilers
- Clayton Steam Generators
Codes often confused with 8402.19
Common mistake. Vapour boilers are frequently confused with water-tube boilers classified under HS codes 8402.11 or 8402.12. The distinction lies in whether the water or the hot gas is inside the tubes. Additionally, they are often misclassified under HS code 8403.10, which is reserved for central heating boilers. Central heating boilers are generally designed for lower pressures and are used for space heating rather than industrial vapour generation. Another common error is using 8419.11 for instantaneous gas water heaters, which do not generate vapour but merely heat liquid water.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840219 (the code used for vapour boilers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840219 (the code used for vapour boilers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 8.9% 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 840219, not only vapour boilers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $230M 27% of world exports
- 2 Germany $129M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $92M 11% of world exports
World total: $840M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $84M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $50M 5.2% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $46M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $951M 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 vapour boilers
Brazil classifies vapour boilers under NCM 8402.19.00: HS 8402.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vapour boilers
What is the HS code for Vapour boilers?
The HS code for Vapour boilers is 840219 (Boilers; vapour generating boilers, including hybrid boilers n.e.c. in heading no. 8402). The HS code for vapour generating boilers (excluding water-tube boilers) is 8402.19.
How do I classify Vapour boilers for customs?
Vapour boilers is classified under HS code 840219 — Boilers; vapour generating boilers, including hybrid boilers n.e.c. in heading no. 8402. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 8402.19 differ from 8403.10?
HS code 8402.19 is for industrial-grade vapour or steam generation, whereas 8403.10 is for central heating boilers used for domestic or commercial space heating, typically operating at much lower pressures and temperatures.
Which countries are the top exporters of vapour boilers (HS 840219)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840219 (the code used for vapour boilers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($230M, 27% of world exports), Germany ($129M) and Italy ($92M). World exports came to about $840M, 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 vapour boilers (HS 840219)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840219 (the code used for vapour boilers) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($84M, 8.9% of world imports), Indonesia ($50M) and South Africa ($46M). World imports came to about $951M, 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 Vapour boilers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840219 for Vapour boilers 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 vapour boilers in Brazil?
In Brazil, vapour boilers (HS 840219) is classified under NCM 8402.19.00.