HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8512.20 – Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)
HS code 8512.20 is the 6-digit subheading for lighting or visual signalling equipment, electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539). It is used for LED headlamps, halogen fog lights, xenon high beams, LED tail light assemblies and turn signal indicators.
What HS 8512.20 covers
This HS code encompasses a wide array of electrical lighting and visual signalling equipment specifically designed for motor vehicles, playing a critical role in automotive safety and design. It includes everything from advanced LED headlamps with adaptive lighting systems to traditional halogen tail lights and turn signals. Major automotive manufacturers and their Tier 1 suppliers are the primary importers and exporters, with significant trade flows driven by global vehicle production and aftermarket demand. Key things to know include the rapid technological evolution towards LED and laser lighting, the importance of regulatory compliance (e.g., ECE, DOT standards), and the complex supply chains involving specialized component manufacturers. The trade in these goods reflects the health and innovation of the global automotive industry, with a constant push for energy efficiency and enhanced visibility features.
- Covers
- LED headlamps
- Halogen fog lights
- Xenon high beams
- LED tail light assemblies
- Turn signal indicators
- Brake lights
- Daytime running lights
- Interior dome lights
- Examples
- Hella LED Matrix Headlights
- Bosch Automotive Lighting Systems
- Valeo Smart Lighting Modules
- Koito LED Headlamps
- Philips Ultinon LED Bulbs
Codes often confused with 8512.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 8539 if only the bare bulbs or lamps are traded, as 8539 covers electric filament or discharge lamps. It's also distinct from 851290, which is specifically for parts of these items.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851220 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 $4.4B 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $3.1B 12% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $2.4B 9.0% of world exports
World total: $26.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.6B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.5B 18% of world imports
- 3 China $1.3B 5.1% of world imports
World total: $24.4B 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 8512.20 6
Brazil splits HS 8512.20 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8512.20.1 Lighting apparatusAparelhos de iluminação Group
- 8512.20.11 Motor vehicle headlampsFaróis
- 8512.20.19 Other motor vehicle lighting apparatusOutros
- 8512.20.2 Visual signalling apparatusAparelhos de sinalização visual Group
- 8512.20.21 Fixed signalling lights for motor vehiclesLuzes fixas
- 8512.20.22 Manoeuvre indicator lights for motor vehiclesLuzes indicadoras de manobras
- 8512.20.23 Combined lamp housings for motor vehiclesCaixas de luzes combinadas
- 8512.20.29 Other motor vehicle visual signalling apparatusOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8512.20
What is HS code 851220?
HS code 851220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539). This HS code encompasses a wide array of electrical lighting and visual signalling equipment specifically designed for motor vehicles, playing a critical role in automotive safety and design. It includes everything from advanced LED headlamps with adaptive lighting systems to traditional halogen tail lights and turn signals. Major automotive manufacturers and their Tier 1 suppliers are the primary importers and exporters, with significant trade flows driven by global vehicle production and aftermarket demand. Key things to know include the rapid technological evolution towards LED and laser lighting, the importance of regulatory compliance (e.g., ECE, DOT standards), and the complex supply chains involving specialized component manufacturers. The trade in these goods reflects the health and innovation of the global automotive industry, with a constant push for energy efficiency and enhanced visibility features.
What products fall under HS code 851220?
LED headlamps, Halogen fog lights, Xenon high beams, LED tail light assemblies, Turn signal indicators, Brake lights, Daytime running lights, Interior dome lights
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851220?
This code can be confused with 8539 if only the bare bulbs or lamps are traded, as 8539 covers electric filament or discharge lamps. It's also distinct from 851290, which is specifically for parts of these items.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.4B, 16% of world exports), Germany ($3.1B) and Mexico ($2.4B). World exports came to about $26.7B, 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 851220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.6B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($4.5B) and China ($1.3B). World imports came to about $24.4B, 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 851220 structured?
HS code 851220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) 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 851220?
Brazil splits HS code 851220 into 6 NCM codes: 8512.20.11 (Motor vehicle headlamps), 8512.20.19 (Other motor vehicle lighting apparatus), 8512.20.21 (Fixed signalling lights for motor vehicles), 8512.20.22 (Manoeuvre indicator lights for motor vehicles), 8512.20.23 (Combined lamp housings for motor vehicles), 8512.20.29 (Other motor vehicle visual signalling apparatus). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.