Marine diesel engines – CN code 840810

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84081000

NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines)

Marine propulsion engines

Subcodes (18)

84081011Duty: 0%

Used - For seagoing vessels of headings8901to 8906, tugs of subheading89040010and warships of subheading89061000

84081019Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081023Duty: 0%

New, of a power - Not exceeding 50kW - For seagoing vessels of headings8901to 8906, tugs of subheading89040010and warships of subheading89061000

84081027Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081031Duty: 0%

Exceeding 50 kW but not exceeding 100 kW - For seagoing vessels of headings 8901 to 8906, tugs of subheading 8904 00 10 and warships of subheading 8906 10 00

84081039Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081041Duty: 0%

Exceeding 100 kW but not exceeding 200 kW - For seagoing vessels of headings 8901 to 8906, tugs of subheading 8904 00 10 and warships of subheading 8906 10 00

84081049Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081051Duty: 0%

Exceeding 200 kW but not exceeding 300 kW - For seagoing vessels of headings 8901 to 8906, tugs of subheading 8904 00 10 and warships of subheading 8906 10 00

84081059Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081061Duty: 0%

Exceeding 300 kW but not exceeding 500 kW - For seagoing vessels of headings 8901 to 8906, tugs of subheading 8904 00 10 and warships of subheading 8906 10 00

84081069Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081071Duty: 0%

Exceeding 500 kW but not exceeding 1 000 kW - For seagoing vessels of headings 8901 to 8906, tugs of subheading 8904 00 10 and warships of subheading 8906 10 00

84081079Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081081Duty: 0%

Exceeding 1 000 kW but not exceeding 5 000 kW - For seagoing vessels of headings 8901 to 8906, tugs of subheading 8904 00 10 and warships of subheading 8906 10 00

84081089Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

84081091Duty: 0%

Exceeding 5 000 kW - For seagoing vessels of headings 8901 to 8906, tugs of subheading 8904 00 10 and warships of subheading 8906 10 00

84081099Duty: 0-2,7%

Other

Classification scope of marine diesel engines (840810)

CN code 840810 covers compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel engines) designed for the propulsion of ships and watercraft. This subheading includes main propulsion engines for merchant vessels, tankers, container ships, bulk carriers, fishing vessels, tugboats, ferries and other seagoing and inland waterway craft. Marine engines may be slow-speed (below 300 rpm), medium-speed (300-1000 rpm) or high-speed (above 1000 rpm). Classification is based on the engine's intended use for watercraft propulsion, distinguishing this subheading from diesel engines for vehicles (840820) and other applications (840890). Cylinder capacity is not a subdivision criterion within heading 8408 — the intended application is determinative. These engines may range from a few tens of kilowatts (fishing boats) to over 80,000 kW (large container ships). Classification follows the General Rules for the Interpretation of the CN. For engines that could serve both marine and stationary applications, the manufacturer's declared intended use determines classification.

Import requirements and regulations for marine engines (840810)

Importing marine engines under subheading 840810 into the EU is governed by the Union Customs Code and comprehensive maritime sector regulations. Engines must comply with MARPOL Convention, Annex VI, regarding emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx). IMO Tier III standards apply in Emission Control Areas (ECAs), including the Baltic Sea and North Sea. Engines for recreational craft are subject to Directive 2013/53/EU. Classification societies (Lloyd's Register, DNV, Bureau Veritas) issue type certificates for marine engines. Importers must hold an EORI number and submit a customs declaration with CN code 840810. Documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document, classification society certificate, EIAPP certificate (Engine International Air Pollution Prevention) and engine technical specification. Marine engines may be subject to export controls under dual-use technology regulations if intended for military vessels. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC. Preferential rates under EU FTAs may apply subject to rules of origin.

Technologies and market for marine diesel engines (840810)

The marine engine market covered by subheading 840810 is dominated by a handful of global manufacturers, including MAN Energy Solutions, Wärtsilä, Caterpillar and Rolls-Royce. Slow-speed two-stroke engines with power outputs exceeding 80 MW propel the world's largest container ships and tankers. Medium-speed four-stroke engines are used in ferries, ro-ro vessels and offshore units. Modern marine engines can operate on conventional fuel (HFO, MGO), liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol or ammonia as part of maritime transport decarbonisation efforts. IMO regulations on greenhouse gas emission reduction (IMO Strategy 2023) are driving the transition to low-emission fuels. Exhaust aftertreatment technologies include SCR (selective catalytic reduction) systems for NOx reduction and scrubbers for SOx reduction. Imports of high-power marine engines represent a significant trade category, with unit values potentially reaching tens of millions of euros. Preferential rates under EU FTAs can influence import cost optimisation.

Frequently asked questions

What engines are classified under subheading 840810?

Subheading 840810 covers compression-ignition (diesel) piston engines intended for the propulsion of ships and watercraft. This includes main propulsion engines for merchant vessels, fishing boats, tugboats, ferries and motor yachts. The classification criterion is the intended use for watercraft propulsion, not capacity or power. Diesel engines for road vehicles are classified under 840820.

What emission certificates are required for marine engines (840810)?

Marine engines must hold an EIAPP certificate (Engine International Air Pollution Prevention) confirming compliance with NOx emission standards under MARPOL Annex VI. In Emission Control Areas (ECAs), compliance with IMO Tier III is required. Engines for recreational craft are subject to Directive 2013/53/EU. Certificates are issued by recognised classification societies authorised by the flag state.

Are marine engines subject to dual-use export controls?

Marine engines may be subject to dual-use export controls under Regulation (EU) 2021/821 if intended for military vessels or if they meet technical parameters covered by control lists. Engines for warships and patrol boats may require an export licence. Importers should verify whether the specific engine is subject to dual-use restrictions.

Useful tools & resources

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