HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8545.20 – Carbon brushes; with or without metal, used for electrical purposes
HS code 8545.20 is the 6-digit subheading for carbon brushes, with or without metal, used for electrical purposes. It is used for motor carbon brushes, generator carbon brushes, starter motor brushes, alternator brushes and power tool carbon brushes.
What HS 8545.20 covers
Carbon brushes are fundamental components in many electrical machines, serving as the interface for current transfer between stationary and rotating parts, primarily in electric motors and generators. This HS code covers a wide array of brushes, from those used in small household appliances to large industrial motors and power generation equipment. The global trade in carbon brushes is driven by the manufacturing and maintenance needs of industries reliant on electric motors, including automotive, aerospace, power tools, and white goods. Major importers are countries with significant manufacturing bases for these end products, such as China, Germany, USA, and Mexico. Exporters typically possess specialized manufacturing expertise in carbon materials and precision engineering, with China, Japan, and Germany being prominent players. Key considerations include the material composition (graphite, metal-graphite, electrographite), current density, wear resistance, and contact drop, all of which impact the efficiency and lifespan of the electrical machinery.
- Covers
- Motor carbon brushes
- Generator carbon brushes
- Starter motor brushes
- Alternator brushes
- Power tool carbon brushes
- Vacuum cleaner brushes
- Washing machine motor brushes
- Industrial motor brushes
- Examples
- Bosch Carbon Brushes
- Makita Carbon Brushes
- Siemens Carbon Brushes
- Mersen Carbon Brushes
- Helwig Carbon Products
Codes often confused with 8545.20
Common mistake. This code is quite specific but could potentially be confused with other carbon articles for electrical purposes under 854590 if the "brush" characteristic is not clearly identified, or with parts of specific machines if not recognized as a general electrical component.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854520 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 Germany $131M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $72M 10% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $70M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $716M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $75M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $68M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $66M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $710M 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 8545.20
Brazil does not split HS 8545.20: its NCM code is 8545.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.45 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8545.20
What is HS code 854520?
HS code 854520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Carbon brushes; with or without metal, used for electrical purposes. Carbon brushes are fundamental components in many electrical machines, serving as the interface for current transfer between stationary and rotating parts, primarily in electric motors and generators. This HS code covers a wide array of brushes, from those used in small household appliances to large industrial motors and power generation equipment. The global trade in carbon brushes is driven by the manufacturing and maintenance needs of industries reliant on electric motors, including automotive, aerospace, power tools, and white goods. Major importers are countries with significant manufacturing bases for these end products, such as China, Germany, USA, and Mexico. Exporters typically possess specialized manufacturing expertise in carbon materials and precision engineering, with China, Japan, and Germany being prominent players. Key considerations include the material composition (graphite, metal-graphite, electrographite), current density, wear resistance, and contact drop, all of which impact the efficiency and lifespan of the electrical machinery.
What products fall under HS code 854520?
Motor carbon brushes, Generator carbon brushes, Starter motor brushes, Alternator brushes, Power tool carbon brushes, Vacuum cleaner brushes, Washing machine motor brushes, Industrial motor brushes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854520?
This code is quite specific but could potentially be confused with other carbon articles for electrical purposes under 854590 if the "brush" characteristic is not clearly identified, or with parts of specific machines if not recognized as a general electrical component.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($131M, 18% of world exports), China ($72M) and Hungary ($70M). World exports came to about $716M, 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 854520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854520 in UN Comtrade data were China ($75M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($68M) and the United States ($66M). World imports came to about $710M, 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 854520 structured?
HS code 854520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (45) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854520?
In Brazil, HS code 854520 is NCM 8545.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.