HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8512.30 – Sound signalling equipment; electrical, used on cycles or motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)
HS code 8512.30 is the 6-digit subheading for sound signalling equipment, electrical, used on cycles or motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539). It is used for electric car horns, motorcycle horns, reverse warning beepers, alarm sirens for vehicles and bicycle electric bells.
What HS 8512.30 covers
This HS code covers electrical sound signalling equipment used on cycles and motor vehicles, primarily focusing on horns and other audible warning devices essential for road safety. These products are crucial for alerting other road users and pedestrians, making them a mandatory component in virtually all vehicles. The trade involves both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying directly to vehicle assembly lines and a robust aftermarket for replacement and upgrade parts. Importers and exporters include specialized automotive component manufacturers, distributors, and vehicle assemblers. Key considerations in this trade are compliance with noise regulations, durability against environmental factors, and the integration of these systems into modern vehicle electronics. The global demand is steady, driven by new vehicle production and the maintenance needs of existing fleets.
- Covers
- Electric car horns
- Motorcycle horns
- Reverse warning beepers
- Alarm sirens for vehicles
- Bicycle electric bells
- Warning buzzers
- Air horns (electrical components)
- Examples
- Hella Supertone Horns
- Bosch EC6 Horns
- PIAA Sports Horns
- Fiamm Horns
- Wolo Bad Boy Air Horn
Codes often confused with 8512.30
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 8531 (electric sound or visual signalling apparatus) if the equipment is not specifically for vehicles, or 851290 for parts of these signalling devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851230, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851230 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 $406M 28% of world exports
- 2 Italy $132M 9.2% of world exports
- 3 United States $92M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $179M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $112M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $58M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 8512.30
Brazil does not split HS 8512.30: its NCM code is 8512.30.00.
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 8512.30
What is HS code 851230?
HS code 851230 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Sound signalling equipment; electrical, used on cycles or motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539). This HS code covers electrical sound signalling equipment used on cycles and motor vehicles, primarily focusing on horns and other audible warning devices essential for road safety. These products are crucial for alerting other road users and pedestrians, making them a mandatory component in virtually all vehicles. The trade involves both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying directly to vehicle assembly lines and a robust aftermarket for replacement and upgrade parts. Importers and exporters include specialized automotive component manufacturers, distributors, and vehicle assemblers. Key considerations in this trade are compliance with noise regulations, durability against environmental factors, and the integration of these systems into modern vehicle electronics. The global demand is steady, driven by new vehicle production and the maintenance needs of existing fleets.
What products fall under HS code 851230?
Electric car horns, Motorcycle horns, Reverse warning beepers, Alarm sirens for vehicles, Bicycle electric bells, Warning buzzers, Air horns (electrical components)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851230?
This code might be confused with 8531 (electric sound or visual signalling apparatus) if the equipment is not specifically for vehicles, or 851290 for parts of these signalling devices.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851230?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851230 in UN Comtrade data were China ($406M, 28% of world exports), Italy ($132M) and the United States ($92M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 851230?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851230 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($179M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($112M) and Thailand ($58M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 851230 structured?
HS code 851230 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851230?
In Brazil, HS code 851230 is NCM 8512.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.