Product classification
HS code for Wind generator: 8502.31
Electric generating sets, wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines).
Classification of wind generator under HS 8502.31
A wind generator, technically referred to as a wind-powered generating set, is classified under HS code 8502.31. Heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. A generating set is defined as a combination of an electric generator and any prime mover other than an electric motor. In the case of a wind generator, the wind turbine acts as the prime mover, converting kinetic wind energy into mechanical energy, which the generator then converts into electricity. Subheading 8502.31 is specifically reserved for these sets when powered by wind. This classification follows GIR 1 and the specific subheading structure of 8502. Even if the turbine and generator are imported as a functional unit or in a knocked-down state, they remain under this code as they constitute a complete power-generating system.
- Covers
- Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) with integrated generators
- Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT) with integrated generators
- Small-scale wind chargers for battery systems
- Offshore wind turbine generating units
- Nacelles containing the generator and gearbox assembly
- Also under 8502.31
- Vestas V150-4.2 MW
- Siemens Gamesa SG 14-222 DD
- GE Haliade-X
- Bergey Excel 10
- Northern Power Systems NPS 100C
Codes often confused with 8502.31
Common mistake. Wind generators are often confused with HS code 8412, which covers wind engines or wind turbines. The distinction lies in the presence of an electric generator; if the import is only the turbine (the blades and the hub) without the electrical generation component, 8412 is correct. If the generator is imported separately without the turbine blades or tower, it should be classified under 8501. Misclassification also occurs with 8502.39, which is for other generating sets, but 8502.31 is the specific provision for wind power and must be used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850231 (the code used for wind generator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850231 (the code used for wind generator) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 17% 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 850231, not only wind generator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.2B 32% of world exports
- 2 China $1.8B 26% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $1.6B 24% of world exports
World total: $6.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $1.1B 17% of world imports
- 2 South Africa $649M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $603M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $6.6B 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 wind generator
Brazil classifies wind generator under NCM 8502.31.00: HS 8502.31 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wind generator
What is the HS code for Wind generator?
The HS code for Wind generator is 850231 (Electric generating sets; wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines)). The specific HS code for wind-powered electric generating sets is 8502.31.
How do I classify Wind generator for customs?
Wind generator is classified under HS code 850231 — Electric generating sets; wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the tower for the wind turbine?
Generally, if the tower is imported with the generating set as a complete unit, it may be included; however, steel towers imported separately are often classified under 7308 as structures of iron or steel.
Which countries are the top exporters of wind generator (HS 850231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850231 (the code used for wind generator) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.2B, 32% of world exports), China ($1.8B) and Denmark ($1.6B). World exports came to about $6.7B, 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 wind generator (HS 850231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850231 (the code used for wind generator) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($1.1B, 17% of world imports), South Africa ($649M) and Türkiye ($603M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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 Wind generator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850231 for Wind generator 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 wind generator in Brazil?
In Brazil, wind generator (HS 850231) is classified under NCM 8502.31.00.