Product classification

HS code for Water wheel: 8410.11

Turbines, hydraulic turbines and water wheels, of a power not exceeding 1000kW.

Classification of water wheel under HS 8410.11

The classification of a water wheel under HS code 8410.11 is determined by its primary function as a hydraulic power engine and its specific power output capacity. Heading 8410 encompasses hydraulic turbines and water wheels, which are mechanical devices that transform the energy of moving or falling liquids into mechanical energy. The subheading 8410.11 is specifically reserved for units with a power output not exceeding 1,000 kW. This classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. In this context, the water wheel must be a primary mover where the water acts on the paddles, buckets, or vanes of a wheel mounted on a horizontal or vertical shaft. Unlike modern high-speed turbines, traditional water wheels operate at lower speeds but fall under the same heading because they utilize the same physical principles of hydraulic energy conversion. The power rating is the primary differentiator between 8410.11 and its sister subheadings (8410.12 and 8410.13). If the device is used for generating electricity or driving machinery and stays within the 1,000 kW limit, it remains strictly within this code. This includes both historical reproductions and modern small-scale hydroelectric wheels used in micro-generation projects.

Covers
  • Overshot water wheels
  • Undershot water wheels
  • Breastshot water wheels
  • Poncelet wheels
  • Small-scale hydroelectric water wheels (under 1000kW)
  • Sagebien wheels
Also under 8410.11
  • Ossberger cross-flow turbines (small models)
  • Voith Hydro (small systems)
  • GE Renewable Energy (small hydro solutions)

Codes often confused with 8410.11

Common mistake. Water wheels are frequently misclassified under HS code 8410.12 or 8410.13, which are reserved for hydraulic turbines with power outputs exceeding 1,000 kW and 10,000 kW respectively. Another common error is classifying them under 8412.80 as "other engines and motors," but since 8410 specifically mentions water wheels, it takes precedence according to GRI 3(a). Additionally, decorative garden water wheels that do not produce power should be classified under 3926 or 4421 depending on the material.

8410.12Turbines; hydraulic turbines and water wheels, of a power exceeding 1000kW but not exceeding 10000kW8410.13Turbines; hydraulic turbines and water wheels, of a power exceeding 10000kW8412.80Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 841284.10Turbines; hydraulic water wheels and regulators therefor39.26Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading no. 3901 to 3914, n.e.c. in chapter 3944.21Wooden articles n.e.c. in heading no. 4414 to 4420

Top exporters and importers of HS 841011 (the code used for water wheel), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841011 (the code used for water wheel) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 18% 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 841011, not only water wheel.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $12M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $10M
  3. 3 Italy $5.6M

World total: $59M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United Kingdom $14M
  2. 2 Qatar* ~$9.6M
  3. 3 Slovakia $7.7M

World total: $76M 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 water wheel

Brazil classifies water wheel under NCM 8410.11.00: HS 8410.11 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about water wheel

What is the HS code for Water wheel?

The HS code for Water wheel is 841011 (Turbines; hydraulic turbines and water wheels, of a power not exceeding 1000kW). The HS code for a water wheel with a power output not exceeding 1,000 kW is 8410.11.

How do I classify Water wheel for customs?

Water wheel is classified under HS code 841011 — Turbines; hydraulic turbines and water wheels, of a power not exceeding 1000kW. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the generator attached to the wheel?

No, if the wheel is imported as a combined unit with an electric generator, it may be classified as an electric generating set under heading 8502.

Which countries are the top exporters of water wheel (HS 841011)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841011 (the code used for water wheel) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 20% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($10M) and Italy ($5.6M). World exports came to about $59M, 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 water wheel (HS 841011)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 841011 (the code used for water wheel) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($14M, 18% of world imports), Qatar (about $9.6M) and Slovakia ($7.7M). World imports came to about $76M, 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 Water wheel the same in all countries?

The base HS code 841011 for Water wheel 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 water wheel in Brazil?

In Brazil, water wheel (HS 841011) is classified under NCM 8410.11.00.