HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8511.20 – Ignition or starting equipment; ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines
HS code 8511.20 is the 6-digit subheading for ignition or starting equipment, ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. It is used for motorcycle ignition magnetos, lawnmower magneto assemblies, chainsaw magnetic flywheels, outboard motor magnetos and small engine magneto coils.
What HS 8511.20 covers
This category encompasses specialized ignition components like magnetos, magneto-dynamos, and magnetic flywheels, primarily used in internal combustion engines where a self-contained power source for ignition is required. These are commonly found in smaller engines for motorcycles, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and some older or specialized automotive applications. Magnetos generate their own electricity for the spark, making them vital for engines without a separate battery-powered ignition system. International trade supports both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the extensive aftermarket for small engine repair and maintenance. Exporters are often manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe, serving global markets for power tools, recreational vehicles, and agricultural machinery. Precision engineering and durability are crucial factors in this trade.
- Covers
- Motorcycle ignition magnetos
- Lawnmower magneto assemblies
- Chainsaw magnetic flywheels
- Outboard motor magnetos
- Small engine magneto coils
- Magneto armatures
- Magneto points
- Vintage engine magnetos.
- Examples
- Briggs & Stratton Magneto Armature
- Kohler Engine Ignition Coil
- Stihl Chainsaw Flywheel
- Yamaha Outboard Magneto Assembly
- Lucas Magneto for vintage motorcycles.
Codes often confused with 8511.20
Common mistake. These items are distinct from battery-powered ignition systems (e.g., distributors 851130) and should not be confused with general generators (8501) or flywheels not specifically designed for ignition (8483).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851120 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 11% 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 China $38M 20% of world exports
- 2 India $28M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $27M 14% of world exports
World total: $191M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $20M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $16M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$11M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $182M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8511.20 2
Brazil splits HS 8511.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
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 8511.20
What is HS code 851120?
HS code 851120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ignition or starting equipment; ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This category encompasses specialized ignition components like magnetos, magneto-dynamos, and magnetic flywheels, primarily used in internal combustion engines where a self-contained power source for ignition is required. These are commonly found in smaller engines for motorcycles, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and some older or specialized automotive applications. Magnetos generate their own electricity for the spark, making them vital for engines without a separate battery-powered ignition system. International trade supports both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the extensive aftermarket for small engine repair and maintenance. Exporters are often manufacturing hubs in Asia and Europe, serving global markets for power tools, recreational vehicles, and agricultural machinery. Precision engineering and durability are crucial factors in this trade.
What products fall under HS code 851120?
Motorcycle ignition magnetos, lawnmower magneto assemblies, chainsaw magnetic flywheels, outboard motor magnetos, small engine magneto coils, magneto armatures, magneto points, vintage engine magnetos.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851120?
These items are distinct from battery-powered ignition systems (e.g., distributors 851130) and should not be confused with general generators (8501) or flywheels not specifically designed for ignition (8483).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($38M, 20% of world exports), India ($28M) and the United States ($27M). World exports came to about $191M, 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 851120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851120 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($20M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($16M) and Vietnam (about $11M). World imports came to about $182M, 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 851120 structured?
HS code 851120 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851120?
Brazil splits HS code 851120 into 2 NCM codes: 8511.20.10 (Ignition magnetos), 8511.20.90 (Magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.