HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8531.80 – Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530
HS code 8531.80 is the 6-digit subheading for signalling apparatus, electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. It is used for industrial warning lights, emergency call boxes (non-traffic), hospital nurse call systems, doorbells (electric) and public address system components (sirens/horns).
What HS 8531.80 covers
This 'not elsewhere specified' HS code within heading 8531 covers a broad array of electric sound or visual signalling apparatus that aren't specifically burglar/fire alarms (853110) or LCD/LED indicator panels (853120), and are not for vehicles (8512) or large-scale traffic control (8530). This residual category captures diverse niche and specialized signaling devices used across industrial, commercial, and public sectors. International trade involves a wide range of electronics manufacturers, specialized component suppliers, and system integrators. Importers are typically industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and public service providers. Exporters are often specialized electronics firms. Key aspects include adaptability for specific applications, robust design for industrial environments, and compliance with various safety and operational standards. This code often includes innovative or highly specialized signaling solutions that don't fit neatly into more specific categories, reflecting the breadth of modern electronic signaling technology.
- Covers
- Industrial warning lights
- Emergency call boxes (non-traffic)
- Hospital nurse call systems
- Doorbells (electric)
- Public address system components (sirens/horns)
- Security strobes
- Access control system indicators
- Elevator floor indicators
- Marine fog horns
- Examples
- Federal Signal industrial beacons
- Rauland Responder nurse call systems
- Ring Video Doorbell (the doorbell unit itself)
- Whelen emergency vehicle warning lights (when not for vehicles)
- various industrial stack lights
- Edwards Signaling horns
Codes often confused with 8531.80
Common mistake. This is a residual category, so it's often confused with other specific signaling codes like 853110 or 853120 if the item has alarm or indicator panel characteristics. It's also distinct from general electrical parts (8538) or telecommunication apparatus (8517).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 853180, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853180 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 $1.2B 22% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$829M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $523M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.4B 27% of world imports
- 2 France $538M 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $320M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8531.80
Brazil does not split HS 8531.80: its NCM code is 8531.80.00.
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 8531.80
What is HS code 853180?
HS code 853180 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. This 'not elsewhere specified' HS code within heading 8531 covers a broad array of electric sound or visual signalling apparatus that aren't specifically burglar/fire alarms (853110) or LCD/LED indicator panels (853120), and are not for vehicles (8512) or large-scale traffic control (8530). This residual category captures diverse niche and specialized signaling devices used across industrial, commercial, and public sectors. International trade involves a wide range of electronics manufacturers, specialized component suppliers, and system integrators. Importers are typically industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and public service providers. Exporters are often specialized electronics firms. Key aspects include adaptability for specific applications, robust design for industrial environments, and compliance with various safety and operational standards. This code often includes innovative or highly specialized signaling solutions that don't fit neatly into more specific categories, reflecting the breadth of modern electronic signaling technology.
What products fall under HS code 853180?
Industrial warning lights, emergency call boxes (non-traffic), hospital nurse call systems, doorbells (electric), public address system components (sirens/horns), security strobes, access control system indicators, elevator floor indicators, marine fog horns
What are common misclassifications for HS code 853180?
This is a residual category, so it's often confused with other specific signaling codes like 853110 or 853120 if the item has alarm or indicator panel characteristics. It's also distinct from general electrical parts (8538) or telecommunication apparatus (8517).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853180?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853180 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 22% of world exports), Vietnam (about $829M) and the United States ($523M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 853180?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853180 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 27% of world imports), France ($538M) and the Netherlands ($320M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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 853180 structured?
HS code 853180 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 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853180?
In Brazil, HS code 853180 is NCM 8531.80.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.