Product classification
HS code for Watertube boilers: 8402.12
Boilers, watertube boilers with a steam production not exceeding 45t per hour.
Classification of watertube boilers under HS 8402.12
Watertube boilers with a steam production capacity not exceeding 45 tonnes per hour are classified under HS code 8402.12. Heading 8402 covers steam or other vapor generating boilers (other than central heating hot water boilers capable also of producing low pressure steam). The classification within this heading is divided based on the technology used to generate steam and the output capacity. A watertube boiler is defined by its design where water circulates in tubes heated externally by fire or hot gases. This is distinct from fire-tube boilers where hot gases pass through tubes submerged in water. Subheading 8402.12 is specifically reserved for these watertube designs when their output is relatively low to medium scale (under 45t/h). This classification is critical for industrial machinery trade, as it distinguishes smaller industrial units from massive utility-scale boilers used in power plants. The technical specifications, including the steam output rate and the internal tube configuration, are the primary determinants for this code.
- Covers
- Small-scale industrial watertube steam boilers
- Package watertube boilers for manufacturing plants
- Watertube boilers with 20t/h steam capacity
- Biomass-fired watertube boilers under 45t/h
- Gas-fired watertube boilers for industrial processing
- Also under 8402.12
- Cleaver-Brooks watertube boilers
- Miura boilers
- Fulton Boilers
- Bosch Industriekessel
Codes often confused with 8402.12
Common mistake. Watertube boilers are often confused with fire-tube boilers, which are classified under 8402.19. The internal flow of the medium (water in tubes vs. gas in tubes) is the deciding factor. Another common error is misclassifying based on capacity; if a watertube boiler exceeds 45 tonnes of steam production per hour, it must be moved to HS code 8402.11. Additionally, central heating boilers that do not generate high-pressure steam are excluded from this heading and are instead classified under heading 8403. Super-heated water boilers are also distinct and fall under 8402.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 840212 (the code used for watertube boilers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 840212 (the code used for watertube boilers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 12% 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 840212, not only watertube boilers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $158M 37% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $36M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 India $32M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $425M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $44M 12% of world imports
- 2 Austria $25M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $23M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $376M 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 watertube boilers
Brazil classifies watertube boilers under NCM 8402.12.00: HS 8402.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about watertube boilers
What is the HS code for Watertube boilers?
The HS code for Watertube boilers is 840212 (Boilers; watertube boilers with a steam production not exceeding 45t per hour). For watertube boilers with a capacity not exceeding 45 tonnes per hour, the HS code is 8402.12.
How do I classify Watertube boilers for customs?
Watertube boilers is classified under HS code 840212 — Boilers; watertube boilers with a steam production not exceeding 45t per hour. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is steam production capacity measured for this code?
Capacity is measured in tonnes of steam produced per hour (t/h) at the boiler's maximum continuous rating (MCR).
Which countries are the top exporters of watertube boilers (HS 840212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 840212 (the code used for watertube boilers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($158M, 37% of world exports), Malaysia ($36M) and India ($32M). World exports came to about $425M, 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 watertube boilers (HS 840212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 840212 (the code used for watertube boilers) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($44M, 12% of world imports), Austria ($25M) and the United States ($23M). World imports came to about $376M, 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 Watertube boilers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 840212 for Watertube 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 watertube boilers in Brazil?
In Brazil, watertube boilers (HS 840212) is classified under NCM 8402.12.00.