HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8511.80 – Ignition or starting equipment; n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines
HS code 8511.80 is the 6-digit subheading for ignition or starting equipment, n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. It is used for engine control units (ECUs) for ignition, ignition timing sensors, crankshaft position sensors, camshaft position sensors and knock sensors.
What HS 8511.80 covers
This 'not elsewhere specified' (NES) category serves as a catch-all for other electrical ignition or starting equipment for internal combustion engines that do not fit into the more specific subheadings of 8511. It covers a diverse range of specialized components, modules, and assemblies crucial for engine control and performance, often involving advanced electronics. International trade in these items frequently involves niche markets, cutting-edge technology, and specialized manufacturing processes. Importers and exporters typically include countries with strong automotive research and development capabilities, advanced manufacturing sectors, and those with significant aftermarket demand for specialized engine components. This category highlights the complexity and continuous innovation within engine management systems, encompassing components that optimize ignition timing, fuel delivery, and overall engine efficiency.
- Covers
- Engine control units (ECUs) for ignition
- Ignition timing sensors
- Crankshaft position sensors
- Camshaft position sensors
- Knock sensors
- Glow plug control modules
- Ignition wiring harnesses
- Electronic ignition modules.
- Examples
- Bosch Engine Control Unit
- Delphi Crankshaft Position Sensor
- Denso Camshaft Position Sensor
- Hella Glow Plug Control Unit
- Siemens VDO Ignition Module
- NGK Knock Sensor.
Codes often confused with 8511.80
Common mistake. This code is for complete ignition/starting equipment not covered elsewhere in 8511; it should not be used for parts (851190) or for general electrical sensors (9032) if they are clearly part of an ignition system.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851180, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851180 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% 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 $230M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $181M 17% of world exports
- 3 China $87M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $198M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $118M 10% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $80M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 8511.80 4
Brazil splits HS 8511.80 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8511.80.10 Glow plugsVelas de aquecimento
- 8511.80.20 Engine voltage regulators (cut-outs)Reguladores de voltagem (conjuntores-disjuntores)
- 8511.80.30 Digital electronic ignition systemsIgnição eletrônica digital
- 8511.80.90 Other engine ignition or starting equipmentOutros
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 8511.80
What is HS code 851180?
HS code 851180 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ignition or starting equipment; n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This 'not elsewhere specified' (NES) category serves as a catch-all for other electrical ignition or starting equipment for internal combustion engines that do not fit into the more specific subheadings of 8511. It covers a diverse range of specialized components, modules, and assemblies crucial for engine control and performance, often involving advanced electronics. International trade in these items frequently involves niche markets, cutting-edge technology, and specialized manufacturing processes. Importers and exporters typically include countries with strong automotive research and development capabilities, advanced manufacturing sectors, and those with significant aftermarket demand for specialized engine components. This category highlights the complexity and continuous innovation within engine management systems, encompassing components that optimize ignition timing, fuel delivery, and overall engine efficiency.
What products fall under HS code 851180?
Engine control units (ECUs) for ignition, ignition timing sensors, crankshaft position sensors, camshaft position sensors, knock sensors, glow plug control modules, ignition wiring harnesses, electronic ignition modules.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851180?
This code is for complete ignition/starting equipment not covered elsewhere in 8511; it should not be used for parts (851190) or for general electrical sensors (9032) if they are clearly part of an ignition system.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851180?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851180 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($230M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($181M) and China ($87M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 851180?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851180 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($198M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($118M) and Mexico ($80M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 851180 structured?
HS code 851180 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 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851180?
Brazil splits HS code 851180 into 4 NCM codes: 8511.80.10 (Glow plugs), 8511.80.20 (Engine voltage regulators (cut-outs)), 8511.80.30 (Digital electronic ignition systems), 8511.80.90 (Other engine ignition or starting equipment). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.