HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8511.40 – Ignition or starting equipment; starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines
HS code 8511.40 is the 6-digit subheading for ignition or starting equipment, starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. It is used for automotive starter motors, marine starter motors, heavy-duty truck starter motors, industrial engine starter motors and starter-generators for golf carts.
What HS 8511.40 covers
This category is fundamental to the operation of virtually all internal combustion engines, encompassing starter motors that crank the engine to initiate combustion, and dual-purpose starter-generators found in some hybrid or specialized applications. International trade in these heavy-duty electrical components is driven by the global automotive, marine, and industrial engine manufacturing sectors, as well as the aftermarket for replacement parts. Reliability, power output, and compatibility with various engine types are crucial trade considerations, as a faulty starter can render an engine inoperable. Major automotive manufacturing countries are key players in both production and consumption, with a focus on robust design and efficient energy conversion to meet diverse operational demands across different climates and applications.
- Covers
- Automotive starter motors
- Marine starter motors
- Heavy-duty truck starter motors
- Industrial engine starter motors
- Starter-generators for golf carts
- ATV starter motors
- Motorcycle starter motors.
- Examples
- Bosch Starter Motor
- Denso Starter Motor
- Valeo Starter Motor
- Remy Starter Motor
- Lucas Starter Motor
- Delco Remy Starter-Generator.
Codes often confused with 8511.40
Common mistake. While these are electric motors, they are specifically classified here due to their function as ignition/starting equipment, distinguishing them from general electric motors (8501) or generators (8501, 8502) not serving this primary purpose.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851140, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851140 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 $859M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $674M 12% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $577M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $464M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $371M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $5.8B 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 8511.40
Brazil does not split HS 8511.40: its NCM code is 8511.40.00.
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 8511.40
What is HS code 851140?
HS code 851140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ignition or starting equipment; starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This category is fundamental to the operation of virtually all internal combustion engines, encompassing starter motors that crank the engine to initiate combustion, and dual-purpose starter-generators found in some hybrid or specialized applications. International trade in these heavy-duty electrical components is driven by the global automotive, marine, and industrial engine manufacturing sectors, as well as the aftermarket for replacement parts. Reliability, power output, and compatibility with various engine types are crucial trade considerations, as a faulty starter can render an engine inoperable. Major automotive manufacturing countries are key players in both production and consumption, with a focus on robust design and efficient energy conversion to meet diverse operational demands across different climates and applications.
What products fall under HS code 851140?
Automotive starter motors, marine starter motors, heavy-duty truck starter motors, industrial engine starter motors, starter-generators for golf carts, ATV starter motors, motorcycle starter motors.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851140?
While these are electric motors, they are specifically classified here due to their function as ignition/starting equipment, distinguishing them from general electric motors (8501) or generators (8501, 8502) not serving this primary purpose.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851140?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851140 in UN Comtrade data were China ($859M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($674M) and Mexico ($577M). World exports came to about $5.6B, 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 851140?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851140 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($464M) and Mexico ($371M). World imports came to about $5.8B, 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 851140 structured?
HS code 851140 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851140?
In Brazil, HS code 851140 is NCM 8511.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.