HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8531.10 – Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530
HS code 8531.10 is the 6-digit subheading for signalling apparatus, electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. It is used for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, motion sensors for alarms, door/window contact sensors and alarm control panels.
What HS 8531.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers electric sound or visual signalling apparatus in the form of burglar or fire alarms and similar devices, excluding those for vehicles (8512) or large-scale traffic control (8530). International trade in these products is driven by increasing global demand for security and safety in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Key players include specialized security system manufacturers, electronics distributors, and installation companies. Importers are typically retailers, security service providers, and construction firms. Exporters are often global brands and manufacturers of security technology. The market is characterized by continuous innovation in sensor technology, wireless communication, and integration with smart home/building systems. Compliance with national and international safety standards (e.g., UL, CE, EN) is paramount, significantly influencing trade flows and market access for these critical safety devices.
- Covers
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Motion sensors for alarms
- Door/window contact sensors
- Alarm control panels
- Siren units
- Fire alarm pull stations
- Security cameras (when integrated as part of an alarm system)
- Examples
- Nest Protect
- Ring Alarm System
- Honeywell Vista series
- Bosch B-series control panels
- Kidde smoke alarms
- ADT security systems (hardware components)
- Paradox alarm systems
Codes often confused with 8531.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with 853180 (other signaling apparatus) if not clearly an alarm system. Also, 8512 covers vehicle alarms, so the 'other than 8512' is an important distinction.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 853110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853110 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 $1.1B 17% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $558M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Germany $509M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $6.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $814M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $539M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $495M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 8531.10 2
Brazil splits HS 8531.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8531.10.10 Fire or overheating alarmsAlarmes contra incêndio ou sobreaquecimento
- 8531.10.90 Burglar alarms and similar apparatusOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.31 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8531.10
What is HS code 853110?
HS code 853110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. This HS code specifically covers electric sound or visual signalling apparatus in the form of burglar or fire alarms and similar devices, excluding those for vehicles (8512) or large-scale traffic control (8530). International trade in these products is driven by increasing global demand for security and safety in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Key players include specialized security system manufacturers, electronics distributors, and installation companies. Importers are typically retailers, security service providers, and construction firms. Exporters are often global brands and manufacturers of security technology. The market is characterized by continuous innovation in sensor technology, wireless communication, and integration with smart home/building systems. Compliance with national and international safety standards (e.g., UL, CE, EN) is paramount, significantly influencing trade flows and market access for these critical safety devices.
What products fall under HS code 853110?
Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, motion sensors for alarms, door/window contact sensors, alarm control panels, siren units, fire alarm pull stations, security cameras (when integrated as part of an alarm system)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 853110?
Can be confused with 853180 (other signaling apparatus) if not clearly an alarm system. Also, 8512 covers vehicle alarms, so the 'other than 8512' is an important distinction.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853110 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 17% of world exports), Mexico ($558M) and Germany ($509M). World exports came to about $6.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 853110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853110 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($814M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($539M) and the United Kingdom ($495M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 853110 structured?
HS code 853110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (31) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853110?
Brazil splits HS code 853110 into 2 NCM codes: 8531.10.10 (Fire or overheating alarms), 8531.10.90 (Burglar alarms and similar apparatus). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.