HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8511.10 – Ignition or starting equipment; spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines
HS code 8511.10 is the 6-digit subheading for ignition or starting equipment, spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. It is used for iridium spark plugs, platinum spark plugs, copper spark plugs, glow plugs for diesel engines and resistor spark plugs.
What HS 8511.10 covers
This HS code is fundamental to the automotive and industrial sectors, specifically covering spark plugs and glow plugs essential for initiating combustion in internal combustion engines. Spark plugs are used in gasoline engines, while glow plugs are crucial for diesel engines, aiding cold starts. International trade in these components is driven by the global production of vehicles, power generators, and other engine-driven machinery, as well as the vast aftermarket for maintenance and repair. Major importers are countries with significant automotive manufacturing industries and large vehicle fleets. Exporters are typically nations with advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong automotive component suppliers. Key trade considerations include material science (e.g., iridium, platinum), performance specifications, and compliance with emission standards, making quality and reliability paramount.
- Covers
- Iridium spark plugs
- Platinum spark plugs
- Copper spark plugs
- Glow plugs for diesel engines
- Resistor spark plugs
- Marine engine spark plugs
- Industrial generator spark plugs.
- Examples
- NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs
- Bosch Double Platinum Spark Plugs
- Denso Iridium Power Spark Plugs
- Champion Copper Plus Spark Plugs
- ACDelco Professional Glow Plugs.
Codes often confused with 8511.10
Common mistake. While specifically for spark and glow plugs, care must be taken not to confuse them with other ignition components like ignition coils (851130) or general electrical insulators (8546) if not clearly identifiable as a plug.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851110 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 $1.0B 24% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.0B 24% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $397M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $656M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $563M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $352M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $4.2B 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 8511.10
Brazil does not split HS 8511.10: its NCM code is 8511.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8511.10
What is HS code 851110?
HS code 851110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ignition or starting equipment; spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This HS code is fundamental to the automotive and industrial sectors, specifically covering spark plugs and glow plugs essential for initiating combustion in internal combustion engines. Spark plugs are used in gasoline engines, while glow plugs are crucial for diesel engines, aiding cold starts. International trade in these components is driven by the global production of vehicles, power generators, and other engine-driven machinery, as well as the vast aftermarket for maintenance and repair. Major importers are countries with significant automotive manufacturing industries and large vehicle fleets. Exporters are typically nations with advanced manufacturing capabilities and strong automotive component suppliers. Key trade considerations include material science (e.g., iridium, platinum), performance specifications, and compliance with emission standards, making quality and reliability paramount.
What products fall under HS code 851110?
Iridium spark plugs, platinum spark plugs, copper spark plugs, glow plugs for diesel engines, resistor spark plugs, marine engine spark plugs, industrial generator spark plugs.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851110?
While specifically for spark and glow plugs, care must be taken not to confuse them with other ignition components like ignition coils (851130) or general electrical insulators (8546) if not clearly identifiable as a plug.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851110 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.0B, 24% of world exports), Japan ($1.0B) and Thailand ($397M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 851110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851110 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($656M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($563M) and China ($352M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 851110 structured?
HS code 851110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851110?
In Brazil, HS code 851110 is NCM 8511.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.