84069000
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Steam turbines and other vapour turbines
Parts
Classification of steam turbine parts (8406 90)
Subheading 8406 90 of the Combined Nomenclature covers parts for steam turbines of heading 8406. This subheading classifies components specifically designed for steam turbines: rotors with blades, rotor and stator blades, turbine casings, diaphragms, labyrinth and segment seals, turbine journal bearings, speed governing systems, and steam control valves. Classification is based on Note 2(b) to Section XVI. Parts must be intended solely or principally for steam turbines. General-purpose bearings are classified under 8482/8483, standard valves under 8481. Steam turbine blades are among the most technically advanced components, requiring materials resistant to high temperature and erosion.
Material and regulatory requirements for turbine parts
Parts for steam turbines under subheading 8406 90 are subject to strict material and quality requirements. Turbine blades operate at temperatures up to 600°C and are subject to fatigue loading from vibrations. Materials include martensitic stainless steels (X20CrMoV11-1), austenitic steels, and nickel-based superalloys. Material certificates per EN 10204 type 3.1 or 3.2 are required. PED 2014/68/EU applies to pressure elements of the casing. The Machinery Regulation applies to mechanical elements. Import requires an EORI number, customs declaration with code 8406 90, technical documentation, material certificates, and NDT test reports.
Customs duties and the turbine parts market (8406 90)
MFN duty rates for parts under subheading 8406 90 should be verified in TARIC. The steam turbine spare parts market is dominated by OEMs (Siemens, GE, Mitsubishi, Doosan) with a growing share of independent service providers (ISPs). Turbine blades, seals, and bearings are the most frequently replaced components. Imports from China, India, and Korea are growing. Preferential rates may be available under FTA agreements. Chapter 84 products are not subject to CBAM. Import VAT is charged. Current rates should be verified in TARIC.
Frequently asked questions
Which elements are classified as steam turbine parts under 8406 90?
Subheading 8406 90 covers: rotors, rotor and stator blades, turbine casings, diaphragms, labyrinth and segment seals, turbine journal bearings, speed governors, and steam control valves specifically designed for turbines. The condition is that they are intended solely or principally for steam turbines under heading 8406. General bearings (8482), standard valves (8481), and bolts (7318) are classified under separate headings.
What materials are used for steam turbine blades?
Steam turbine blades operating at temperatures up to 600°C under fatigue loading require high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials. These include 12% chromium martensitic steels (X20CrMoV11-1), 18/10 austenitic steels, nickel-based superalloys (Inconel, Waspaloy) for the highest temperatures, and titanium alloys for last-stage blades of condensing turbines. Materials must have certificates per EN 10204 type 3.1 or 3.2 with full traceability.
Are aftermarket turbine blades permissible?
Yes. Steam turbine blades from independent aftermarket suppliers may be used, provided they meet the turbine manufacturer's material and dimensional specifications or their approved equivalents. The supplier must present material certificates, NDT test results, and documentation confirming compliance with requirements. Responsibility for quality and safety rests with the turbine operator and parts supplier. The aftermarket is growing due to lower costs compared to OEM parts.
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