HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8505.20 – Magnets; electro-magnetic couplings, clutches and brakes
HS code 8505.20 is the 6-digit subheading for magnets, electro-magnetic couplings, clutches and brakes. It is used for electromagnetic clutches, electromagnetic brakes, magnetic particle clutches, magnetic particle brakes and hysteresis clutches.
What HS 8505.20 covers
This category encompasses electromagnetic couplings, clutches, and brakes, which are devices that utilize electromagnetism to control mechanical motion, specifically for transmitting or interrupting power and torque. These components are critical in industrial automation, robotics, automotive systems, and various types of machinery where precise and often remote control over power transmission or braking is required. They enable smooth engagement and disengagement, offering advantages in terms of control accuracy and operational flexibility. Key players in this trade include manufacturers of industrial machinery, automotive parts, and automation solutions, focusing on product reliability, response time, and torque capacity for diverse applications.
- Covers
- Electromagnetic clutches
- Electromagnetic brakes
- Magnetic particle clutches
- Magnetic particle brakes
- Hysteresis clutches
- Eddy current brakes
- Electromagnetic couplings
- Examples
- Warner Electric clutches
- Ogura clutches and brakes
- Lenze electromagnetic brakes
- Eaton Airflex clutches
- Siemens industrial brakes
Codes often confused with 8505.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with other types of clutches or brakes (e.g., mechanical, hydraulic) classified under 8483 (transmission components) if the electromagnetic principle isn't clearly identified. Also, sometimes with general electromagnets (850590) if not part of a complete coupling/clutch/brake assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850520 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 10% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $316M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $142M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $90M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $99M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $99M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $77M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $976M 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 codes for 8505.20 2
Brazil splits HS 8505.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8505.20.10 Eddy current brakes for vehiclesFreios (travões) que atuam por corrente de Foucault, do tipo utilizado nos veículos das posições 87.01 a 87.05
- 8505.20.90 Other electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8505.20
What is HS code 850520?
HS code 850520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Magnets; electro-magnetic couplings, clutches and brakes. This category encompasses electromagnetic couplings, clutches, and brakes, which are devices that utilize electromagnetism to control mechanical motion, specifically for transmitting or interrupting power and torque. These components are critical in industrial automation, robotics, automotive systems, and various types of machinery where precise and often remote control over power transmission or braking is required. They enable smooth engagement and disengagement, offering advantages in terms of control accuracy and operational flexibility. Key players in this trade include manufacturers of industrial machinery, automotive parts, and automation solutions, focusing on product reliability, response time, and torque capacity for diverse applications.
What products fall under HS code 850520?
Electromagnetic clutches, electromagnetic brakes, magnetic particle clutches, magnetic particle brakes, hysteresis clutches, eddy current brakes, electromagnetic couplings
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850520?
Can be confused with other types of clutches or brakes (e.g., mechanical, hydraulic) classified under 8483 (transmission components) if the electromagnetic principle isn't clearly identified. Also, sometimes with general electromagnets (850590) if not part of a complete coupling/clutch/brake assembly.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($316M, 30% of world exports), China ($142M) and France ($90M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 goods under HS code 850520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850520 in UN Comtrade data were China ($99M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($99M) and Germany ($77M). World imports came to about $976M, 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.
How is HS code 850520 structured?
HS code 850520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850520?
Brazil splits HS code 850520 into 2 NCM codes: 8505.20.10 (Eddy current brakes for vehicles), 8505.20.90 (Other electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.