HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8512.90 – Lighting or signalling equipment; electrical, (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; parts, of those kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles
HS code 8512.90 is the 6-digit subheading for lighting or signalling equipment, electrical, (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters, parts, of those kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles. It is used for headlight assembly housings, tail light lenses, wiper motor gears, defroster heating elements and horn diaphragms.
What HS 8512.90 covers
This HS code specifically covers parts of the electrical lighting, visual signalling equipment, windscreen wipers, defrosters, and demisters used on cycles or motor vehicles, as defined in the broader 8512 category. It is crucial for the global automotive aftermarket and repair industry, facilitating the maintenance and repair of vehicles worldwide. Importers and exporters include automotive parts distributors, repair shops, and component manufacturers who specialize in supplying individual parts rather than complete assemblies. Key things to know are the vast array of small components involved, the importance of compatibility with specific vehicle models, and the role of this trade in extending the lifespan of vehicles. This code highlights the intricate nature of the automotive supply chain, where individual components are traded globally to support manufacturing, assembly, and post-sale service.
- Covers
- Headlight assembly housings
- Tail light lenses
- Wiper motor gears
- Defroster heating elements
- Horn diaphragms
- Turn signal relays
- Wiring harnesses for lighting
- Wiper blade refills
- Examples
- Hella Headlight Lens
- Bosch Wiper Motor Arm
- Valeo Tail Light Gasket
- Denso Wiper Blade Refill
- Philips Automotive Bulb Sockets
Codes often confused with 8512.90
Common mistake. This code is specifically for *parts* of items classified under 851220, 851230, and 851240. Complete, functional units should be classified under their respective specific codes.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851290 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 China $1.6B 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.0B 11% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $932M 11% of world exports
World total: $8.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 18% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $927M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $781M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $9.1B 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 8512.90
Brazil does not split HS 8512.90: its NCM code is 8512.90.00.
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 8512.90
What is HS code 851290?
HS code 851290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lighting or signalling equipment; electrical, (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; parts, of those kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles. This HS code specifically covers parts of the electrical lighting, visual signalling equipment, windscreen wipers, defrosters, and demisters used on cycles or motor vehicles, as defined in the broader 8512 category. It is crucial for the global automotive aftermarket and repair industry, facilitating the maintenance and repair of vehicles worldwide. Importers and exporters include automotive parts distributors, repair shops, and component manufacturers who specialize in supplying individual parts rather than complete assemblies. Key things to know are the vast array of small components involved, the importance of compatibility with specific vehicle models, and the role of this trade in extending the lifespan of vehicles. This code highlights the intricate nature of the automotive supply chain, where individual components are traded globally to support manufacturing, assembly, and post-sale service.
What products fall under HS code 851290?
Headlight assembly housings, Tail light lenses, Wiper motor gears, Defroster heating elements, Horn diaphragms, Turn signal relays, Wiring harnesses for lighting, Wiper blade refills
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851290?
This code is specifically for *parts* of items classified under 851220, 851230, and 851240. Complete, functional units should be classified under their respective specific codes.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851290 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 18% of world exports), Germany ($1.0B) and Mexico ($932M). World exports came to about $8.8B, 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 851290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851290 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 18% of world imports), Mexico ($927M) and Germany ($781M). World imports came to about $9.1B, 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 851290 structured?
HS code 851290 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851290?
In Brazil, HS code 851290 is NCM 8512.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.