Product classification
HS code for Wind turbine: 8502.31
Electric generating sets, wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines).
Classification of wind turbine under HS 8502.31
Wind turbines are classified under HS code 8502.31, which pertains to electric generating sets that are wind-powered. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, a \"generating set\" is defined as a combination of an electrical generator and any prime mover other than an electric motor. In the context of wind energy, the \"prime mover\" is the rotor assembly, consisting of the blades and the hub, which captures kinetic energy from the wind and converts it into mechanical energy to drive the generator. This classification is specific to the integrated system designed to produce electricity. Under General Interpretative Rules (GRI) 1 and 6, the primary function of the apparatus—generating electricity—defines its position in Chapter 85. It is important to note that this code excludes generating sets with internal combustion engines, which are classified elsewhere in heading 8502. The classification remains 8502.31 even if the turbine is imported in a \"knocked down\" or unassembled state, provided it has the essential character of a complete generating set as per GRI 2(a). This code is vital for trade statistics and the application of green energy incentives or environmental tariffs. The technical complexity of wind turbines, including the nacelle, gearbox, and control systems, are all considered part of the generating set when imported together. If components like the tower are imported separately, they may fall under different headings such as 7308.20 for iron or steel towers.
- Covers
- Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT)
- Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT)
- Offshore wind power generating sets
- Small-scale residential wind turbines
- Unassembled wind turbine kits with generators
- 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 turbines are often confused with 8412.80, which covers wind engines or wind motors. The distinction lies in the output; 8412.80 is for machines that produce mechanical power but do not include an electric generator. Another common misclassification is 8501, which covers electric motors and generators separately. If the generator is imported without the wind-specific prime mover (the blades/rotor), it must be classified under 8501.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850231 (the code used for wind turbine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850231 (the code used for wind turbine) 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 turbine.
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 turbine
Brazil classifies wind turbine 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 turbine
What is the HS code for Wind turbine?
The HS code for Wind turbine is 850231 (Electric generating sets; wind-powered, (excluding those with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines)). The HS code for wind-powered electric generating sets is 8502.31.
How do I classify Wind turbine for customs?
Wind turbine 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.
Are wind turbine blades classified under 8502.31?
No, if blades are imported separately as parts, they are typically classified under 8503.00, which covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with the machines of heading 8501 or 8502.
Which countries are the top exporters of wind turbine (HS 850231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850231 (the code used for wind turbine) 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 turbine (HS 850231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850231 (the code used for wind turbine) 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 turbine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850231 for Wind turbine 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 turbine in Brazil?
In Brazil, wind turbine (HS 850231) is classified under NCM 8502.31.00.