Product classification
HS code for Vapour turbines: 8406.82
Turbines, steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output not exceeding 40MW.
Classification of vapour turbines under HS 8406.82
Vapour turbines with an output not exceeding 40MW are classified under HS code 840682. This classification is based on the mechanical nature of the device, which converts the thermal energy of pressurized steam or other vapours into rotary motion. Heading 8406 is the specific primary heading for steam turbines and other vapour turbines. The sub-heading 840682 is selected based on two criteria: the application (non-marine propulsion) and the power output (not exceeding 40MW). These turbines are essential components in small to medium-scale power generation facilities, industrial co-generation plants, and mechanical drive systems for large pumps or compressors. The classification remains consistent whether the turbine uses water vapour (steam) or other vapours, such as mercury or organic fluids used in Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC), provided the output remains within the specified 40MW limit.
- Covers
- Industrial steam turbines for power generation
- Mercury vapour turbines
- Back-pressure steam turbines
- Condensing steam turbines for industrial drives
- Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) turbines under 40MW
- Also under 8406.82
- Siemens Energy SST-100 turbine
- GE Power small industrial steam turbines
- MAN Energy Solutions steam turbines
- Fuji Electric steam turbines
Codes often confused with 8406.82
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 840681, which is reserved for turbines with an output exceeding 40MW. Importers must verify the nameplate capacity to distinguish between these two. Additionally, turbines for marine propulsion must be classified under 840610, regardless of their power output. Some users also confuse these with gas turbines, which fall under heading 8411, but gas turbines operate on internal combustion gases rather than external vapour expansion.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840682 (the code used for vapour turbines), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840682 (the code used for vapour turbines) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 840682, not only vapour turbines.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $89M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $81M 18% of world exports
- 3 India $52M 12% of world exports
World total: $446M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $46M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $32M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 Kenya $28M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $417M 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 turbines
Brazil classifies vapour turbines under NCM 8406.82.00: HS 8406.82 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vapour turbines
What is the HS code for Vapour turbines?
The HS code for Vapour turbines is 840682 (Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output not exceeding 40MW). Vapour turbines for non-marine use with an output of 40MW or less are classified under HS code 840682.
How do I classify Vapour turbines for customs?
Vapour turbines is classified under HS code 840682 — Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, (for other than marine propulsion), of an output not exceeding 40MW. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are steam turbines and vapour turbines the same in the HS system?
Yes, the HS system groups steam turbines and other vapour turbines (like those using organic fluids) under the same heading 8406.
Which countries are the top exporters of vapour turbines (HS 840682)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840682 (the code used for vapour turbines) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($89M, 20% of world exports), China ($81M) and India ($52M). World exports came to about $446M, 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 turbines (HS 840682)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840682 (the code used for vapour turbines) in UN Comtrade data were China ($46M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($32M) and Kenya ($28M). World imports came to about $417M, 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 turbines the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840682 for Vapour turbines 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 turbines in Brazil?
In Brazil, vapour turbines (HS 840682) is classified under NCM 8406.82.00.