Product classification
HS code for Vapour condensers: 8404.20
Boilers, condensers, for steam or other vapour power units.
Classification of vapour condensers under HS 8404.20
Vapour condensers are classified under HS code 840420 because they are specifically identified as auxiliary plant for use with boilers of heading 8402 or 8403, or with steam and other vapour power units of heading 8406. According to the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8404 specifically includes auxiliary plant for boilers, and sub-heading 840420 is dedicated to condensers for steam or other vapour power units. These devices function by removing heat from the exhaust vapour, typically steam, causing it to transition back into a liquid state. This phase change is critical in a closed-loop power cycle, as it allows the working fluid to be pumped back into the boiler and creates a low-pressure environment at the turbine exit, significantly increasing the thermal efficiency of the entire system. The classification applies regardless of whether the condenser is a surface type, where the cooling medium and vapour are separated by a wall, or a jet type, where they come into direct contact.
- Covers
- Surface condensers for steam turbines
- Jet condensers for industrial steam systems
- Air-cooled vapour condensers for power plants
- Mixing condensers for vapour power units
- Auxiliary condensing units for steam engines
- 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. Vapour condensers are frequently misclassified under HS code 841950, which covers general-purpose heat exchangers. While a condenser is technically a heat exchanger, the specific function as an auxiliary plant for a power unit dictates classification in 840420. Another common error is using HS code 841899, which is reserved for condensers used in refrigeration or air conditioning equipment. If the condenser is not part of a steam or vapour power cycle, it should not be in 840420.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840420 (the code used for vapour condensers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840420 (the code used for vapour 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 vapour 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 vapour condensers
Brazil classifies vapour 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 vapour condensers
What is the HS code for Vapour condensers?
The HS code for Vapour condensers is 840420 (Boilers; condensers, for steam or other vapour power units). The HS code for vapour condensers used with steam or other vapour power units is 840420.
How do I classify Vapour condensers for customs?
Vapour 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 condensers for air conditioning?
No, condensers for air conditioning or refrigeration systems are classified under heading 8415 or 8418, depending on the specific application and system type.
Which countries are the top exporters of vapour condensers (HS 840420)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840420 (the code used for vapour 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 vapour condensers (HS 840420)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840420 (the code used for vapour 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 Vapour condensers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840420 for Vapour 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 vapour condensers in Brazil?
In Brazil, vapour condensers (HS 840420) is classified under NCM 8404.20.00.