HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8512.40 – Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles
HS code 8512.40 is the 6-digit subheading for windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters, electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles. It is used for windscreen wiper motors, wiper arms, wiper blades (electrical), rear window defroster grids and side mirror defoggers.
What HS 8512.40 covers
This HS code pertains to electrical windscreen wipers, defrosters, and demisters designed for cycles and motor vehicles, all critical for maintaining driver visibility and safety. These components are integral to vehicle design, ensuring clear views in adverse weather conditions. The trade involves a complex supply chain where specialized manufacturers produce these systems for both original equipment installation in new vehicles and the global aftermarket for replacement parts. Importers and exporters range from large automotive component suppliers to smaller distributors. Key aspects of this trade include technological advancements like rain-sensing wipers, heated wiper blades, and efficient defogging systems, as well as the need for robust performance and durability. The market is driven by new vehicle production and the regular replacement cycle of wear-and-tear components like wiper blades.
- Covers
- Windscreen wiper motors
- Wiper arms
- Wiper blades (electrical)
- Rear window defroster grids
- Side mirror defoggers
- Heated windshields
- Headlight wipers
- Examples
- Bosch Aerotwin Wiper Blades
- Valeo Silencio Wiper Blades
- Denso Wiper Blades
- Trico Force Wiper Blades
- PIAA Super Silicone Wipers
Codes often confused with 8512.40
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 851290 if only parts of these items are traded, or general heating elements in 8516 if not specifically for vehicle defrosters/demisters.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851240, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851240 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 13% 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 $286M 24% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $187M 16% of world exports
- 3 Morocco $81M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $115M 13% of world imports
- 2 Canada $64M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $56M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $910M 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 8512.40 2
Brazil splits HS 8512.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8512.40.10 Vehicle windscreen wipersLimpadores de para-brisas
- 8512.40.20 Vehicle defrosters and demistersDegeladores e desembaçadores
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 8512.40
What is HS code 851240?
HS code 851240 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles. This HS code pertains to electrical windscreen wipers, defrosters, and demisters designed for cycles and motor vehicles, all critical for maintaining driver visibility and safety. These components are integral to vehicle design, ensuring clear views in adverse weather conditions. The trade involves a complex supply chain where specialized manufacturers produce these systems for both original equipment installation in new vehicles and the global aftermarket for replacement parts. Importers and exporters range from large automotive component suppliers to smaller distributors. Key aspects of this trade include technological advancements like rain-sensing wipers, heated wiper blades, and efficient defogging systems, as well as the need for robust performance and durability. The market is driven by new vehicle production and the regular replacement cycle of wear-and-tear components like wiper blades.
What products fall under HS code 851240?
Windscreen wiper motors, Wiper arms, Wiper blades (electrical), Rear window defroster grids, Side mirror defoggers, Heated windshields, Headlight wipers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851240?
This code can be confused with 851290 if only parts of these items are traded, or general heating elements in 8516 if not specifically for vehicle defrosters/demisters.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851240?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851240 in UN Comtrade data were China ($286M, 24% of world exports), Mexico ($187M) and Morocco ($81M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 851240?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851240 in UN Comtrade data were France ($115M, 13% of world imports), Canada ($64M) and the United States ($56M). World imports came to about $910M, 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 851240 structured?
HS code 851240 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851240?
Brazil splits HS code 851240 into 2 NCM codes: 8512.40.10 (Vehicle windscreen wipers), 8512.40.20 (Vehicle defrosters and demisters). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.