Product classification
HS code for Vapour turbines (marine): 8406.10
Turbines, steam and other vapour turbines, for marine propulsion.
Classification of vapour turbines (marine) under HS 8406.10
Vapour turbines designed for marine propulsion are classified under HS code 840610. This classification is driven by the specific application of the machinery rather than its technical specifications or power output. Heading 8406 covers steam and other vapour turbines, and the first sub-heading, 840610, is dedicated exclusively to those used for propelling vessels. These turbines are typically high-capacity units found in large commercial ships, tankers, and naval vessels. They operate by expanding high-pressure steam across sets of blades to drive a propeller shaft, often through a reduction gearbox. The classification is determined by the design intent and the presence of features specific to maritime environments, such as specialized mounting frames, corrosion resistance for salt-air exposure, and integration with marine control systems.
- Covers
- Main propulsion steam turbines for ships
- Marine vapour turbines for tankers
- Steam turbines for naval vessel propulsion
- Vapour turbines for large passenger liners
- Geared marine steam turbine sets
- Also under 8406.10
- GE Marine steam turbines
- Siemens Energy marine turbines
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries marine propulsion systems
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries marine turbines
Codes often confused with 8406.10
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 840682 or 840681, which are for stationary industrial turbines. While the internal mechanics may be similar, the marine application takes precedence for 840610. Another error involves marine diesel engines, which are classified under heading 8408. If the propulsion system is a gas turbine rather than a steam/vapour turbine, it must be classified under 8411.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840610 (the code used for vapour turbines (marine)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840610 (the code used for vapour turbines (marine)) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 45% 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 840610, not only vapour turbines (marine).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $8.5M 69% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $851K 6.9% of world exports
- 3 Faroe Islands* ~$818K 6.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $12M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Finland $9.7M 45% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $4.4M 21% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $1.9M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $21M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 (marine)
Brazil classifies vapour turbines (marine) under NCM 8406.10.00: HS 8406.10 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 (marine)
What is the HS code for Vapour turbines (marine)?
The HS code for Vapour turbines (marine) is 840610 (Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, for marine propulsion). The HS code for steam or other vapour turbines used for marine propulsion is 840610.
How do I classify Vapour turbines (marine) for customs?
Vapour turbines (marine) is classified under HS code 840610 — Turbines; steam and other vapour turbines, for marine propulsion. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 840610 include the reduction gears?
If the gears are presented as an integral part of the turbine unit, they may be classified together; however, separate gearboxes are typically classified under heading 8483.
Which countries are the top exporters of vapour turbines (marine) (HS 840610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840610 (the code used for vapour turbines (marine)) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($8.5M, 69% of world exports), Singapore ($851K) and the Faroe Islands (about $818K). World exports came to about $12M, 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 (marine) (HS 840610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840610 (the code used for vapour turbines (marine)) in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($9.7M, 45% of world imports), Singapore ($4.4M) and Malaysia ($1.9M). World imports came to about $21M, 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 (marine) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840610 for Vapour turbines (marine) 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 (marine) in Brazil?
In Brazil, vapour turbines (marine) (HS 840610) is classified under NCM 8406.10.00.