HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8511.90 – Ignition or starting equipment; parts of the equipment of heading no. 8511, for use in spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines

HS code 8511.90 is the 6-digit subheading for ignition or starting equipment, parts of the equipment of heading no. 8511, for use in spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. It is used for starter motor brushes, alternator rectifiers, ignition coil windings, distributor O-rings and spark plug wires.

What HS 8511.90 covers

This HS code is crucial for the maintenance, repair, and manufacturing of all ignition and starting equipment covered under heading 8511. It encompasses a vast array of individual components, from brushes and armatures for starter motors to caps and rotors for distributors, and internal components for alternators and ignition coils. International trade in these parts supports the global automotive aftermarket, heavy equipment repair, and OEM assembly lines. Exporters are often specialized component manufacturers, while importers include distributors, repair shops, and vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Quality, precise fitment, and material specifications are paramount, as these small parts are essential for the reliable operation and longevity of complex engine systems, contributing significantly to the global supply chain for automotive and industrial machinery.

Covers
  • Starter motor brushes
  • Alternator rectifiers
  • Ignition coil windings
  • Distributor O-rings
  • Spark plug wires
  • Magneto condensers
  • Starter solenoid repair kits
  • Glow plug relays
  • Alternator pulleys.
Examples
  • Bosch Starter Motor Brush Set
  • Denso Alternator Regulator
  • NGK Spark Plug Wire Set
  • Standard Motor Products Distributor Cap Gasket
  • Valeo Alternator Pulley
  • ACDelco Starter Solenoid.

Codes often confused with 8511.90

Common mistake. This code is specifically for *parts* of the equipment of 8511; it should not be confused with the complete assemblies themselves (e.g., a complete starter motor 851140) or general electrical components not exclusively identifiable as parts of 8511 equipment.

85.11Ignition or starting equipment; used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines; generators and cut outs used in conjunction with such engines8511.40Ignition or starting equipment; starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines

Top exporters and importers of HS code 851190, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851190 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 12% 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. 1 China $911M
  2. 2 Japan $774M
  3. 3 United States $154M

World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Mexico $376M
  2. 2 United States $365M
  3. 3 Thailand $265M

World total: $3.1B 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 code for 8511.90

Brazil does not split HS 8511.90: its NCM code is 8511.90.00.

  1. 8511.90.00 Parts of engine ignition, starters and generatorsPartes

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 8511.90

What is HS code 851190?

HS code 851190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ignition or starting equipment; parts of the equipment of heading no. 8511, for use in spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This HS code is crucial for the maintenance, repair, and manufacturing of all ignition and starting equipment covered under heading 8511. It encompasses a vast array of individual components, from brushes and armatures for starter motors to caps and rotors for distributors, and internal components for alternators and ignition coils. International trade in these parts supports the global automotive aftermarket, heavy equipment repair, and OEM assembly lines. Exporters are often specialized component manufacturers, while importers include distributors, repair shops, and vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Quality, precise fitment, and material specifications are paramount, as these small parts are essential for the reliable operation and longevity of complex engine systems, contributing significantly to the global supply chain for automotive and industrial machinery.

What products fall under HS code 851190?

Starter motor brushes, alternator rectifiers, ignition coil windings, distributor O-rings, spark plug wires, magneto condensers, starter solenoid repair kits, glow plug relays, alternator pulleys.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 851190?

This code is specifically for *parts* of the equipment of 8511; it should not be confused with the complete assemblies themselves (e.g., a complete starter motor 851140) or general electrical components not exclusively identifiable as parts of 8511 equipment.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851190?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851190 in UN Comtrade data were China ($911M, 31% of world exports), Japan ($774M) and the United States ($154M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 851190?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851190 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($376M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($365M) and Thailand ($265M). World imports came to about $3.1B, 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 851190 structured?

HS code 851190 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851190?

In Brazil, HS code 851190 is NCM 8511.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.