HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8511.50 – Ignition or starting equipment; generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines
HS code 8511.50 is the 6-digit subheading for ignition or starting equipment, generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. It is used for automotive alternators, marine alternators, heavy-duty truck alternators, industrial engine alternators and voltage regulators for alternators.
What HS 8511.50 covers
This HS code covers generators specifically designed for internal combustion engines, distinct from starter-generators (851140). These are typically alternators or dynamos that recharge the battery and power the vehicle's electrical systems once the engine is running. International trade in these components is critical for the automotive, marine, and heavy equipment industries, supporting both new vehicle production and the vast aftermarket. Key considerations include power output, efficiency, and durability, as these components are vital for the continuous operation of electrical systems. Major automotive manufacturing nations are central to this trade, with a focus on advanced designs that can handle increasing electrical loads in modern vehicles and machinery, ensuring reliable power supply under various operating conditions.
- Covers
- Automotive alternators
- Marine alternators
- Heavy-duty truck alternators
- Industrial engine alternators
- Voltage regulators for alternators
- Dynamo generators for engines
- High-output alternators.
- Examples
- Bosch Alternator
- Denso Alternator
- Valeo Alternator
- ACDelco Alternator
- Lucas Alternator
- Prestolite Alternator.
Codes often confused with 8511.50
Common mistake. This code is specific to generators for internal combustion engines, differentiating them from general electrical generators (8501, 8502) or starter motors (851140) which have a different primary function.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851150, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851150 in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 Mexico $1.1B 18% of world exports
- 2 China $804M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $749M 13% of world exports
World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $855M 13% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $433M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 8511.50 2
Brazil splits HS 8511.50 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8511.50.10 Engine dynamos and alternatorsDínamos e alternadores
- 8511.50.90 Other engine generatorsOutros
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 8511.50
What is HS code 851150?
HS code 851150 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ignition or starting equipment; generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This HS code covers generators specifically designed for internal combustion engines, distinct from starter-generators (851140). These are typically alternators or dynamos that recharge the battery and power the vehicle's electrical systems once the engine is running. International trade in these components is critical for the automotive, marine, and heavy equipment industries, supporting both new vehicle production and the vast aftermarket. Key considerations include power output, efficiency, and durability, as these components are vital for the continuous operation of electrical systems. Major automotive manufacturing nations are central to this trade, with a focus on advanced designs that can handle increasing electrical loads in modern vehicles and machinery, ensuring reliable power supply under various operating conditions.
What products fall under HS code 851150?
Automotive alternators, marine alternators, heavy-duty truck alternators, industrial engine alternators, voltage regulators for alternators, dynamo generators for engines, high-output alternators.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851150?
This code is specific to generators for internal combustion engines, differentiating them from general electrical generators (8501, 8502) or starter motors (851140) which have a different primary function.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851150?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851150 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.1B, 18% of world exports), China ($804M) and Germany ($749M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 851150?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851150 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 24% of world imports), Germany ($855M) and Mexico ($433M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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 851150 structured?
HS code 851150 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 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851150?
Brazil splits HS code 851150 into 2 NCM codes: 8511.50.10 (Engine dynamos and alternators), 8511.50.90 (Other engine generators). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.