HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9401.99 – Seats; parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the minister
HS code 9401.99 is the 6-digit subheading for seats, parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the minister. It is used for metal seat frames (automotive), seat foam padding, fabric seat covers, plastic seat trim and seat recline mechanisms.
What HS 9401.99 covers
This HS code specifically targets parts of seats made from materials other than wood, primarily for use in the assembly of motor vehicles. This includes components like metal frames, plastic moldings, foam padding, fabric covers, and mechanical adjustment mechanisms for car seats. This is a highly specialized segment of the automotive supply chain, where precision engineering, safety standards, and material science are paramount. Major importers are global automotive manufacturers and their tier-1 suppliers, located in countries with significant automotive production, such as Germany, the USA, Japan, and Mexico. Exporters are often specialized component manufacturers, frequently found in China, Germany, and Eastern European countries. Key trade considerations include stringent automotive quality certifications (e.g., IATF 16949), just-in-time delivery, material specifications, and compliance with vehicle safety regulations. The market is driven by new vehicle production, model changes, and advancements in automotive seating technology.
- Covers
- Metal seat frames (automotive)
- Seat foam padding
- Fabric seat covers
- Plastic seat trim
- Seat recline mechanisms
- Seatbelt anchors (integrated)
- Headrest components (non-wood)
- Examples
- Recaro automotive seat frames
- Faurecia seat mechanisms
- Adient seat covers
- Lear Corporation foam components
Codes often confused with 9401.99
Common mistake. This code is distinct due to its "other than wood" and "automotive" criteria; it might be confused with 940191 if the material is misidentified, or with other automotive parts codes (e.g., 870829 for other body parts) if not clearly seat-specific.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 940199, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 940199 in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 Mexico $6.5B 20% of world exports
- 2 China $4.6B 14% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $2.8B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $32.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $10.0B 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.3B 13% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $2.6B 7.5% of world imports
World total: $34.4B 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 9401.99
Brazil does not split HS 9401.99: its NCM code is 9401.99.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 94.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about HS 9401.99
What is HS code 940199?
HS code 940199 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Seats; parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the minister. This HS code specifically targets parts of seats made from materials other than wood, primarily for use in the assembly of motor vehicles. This includes components like metal frames, plastic moldings, foam padding, fabric covers, and mechanical adjustment mechanisms for car seats. This is a highly specialized segment of the automotive supply chain, where precision engineering, safety standards, and material science are paramount. Major importers are global automotive manufacturers and their tier-1 suppliers, located in countries with significant automotive production, such as Germany, the USA, Japan, and Mexico. Exporters are often specialized component manufacturers, frequently found in China, Germany, and Eastern European countries. Key trade considerations include stringent automotive quality certifications (e.g., IATF 16949), just-in-time delivery, material specifications, and compliance with vehicle safety regulations. The market is driven by new vehicle production, model changes, and advancements in automotive seating technology.
What products fall under HS code 940199?
Metal seat frames (automotive), Seat foam padding, Fabric seat covers, Plastic seat trim, Seat recline mechanisms, Seatbelt anchors (integrated), Headrest components (non-wood)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 940199?
This code is distinct due to its "other than wood" and "automotive" criteria; it might be confused with 940191 if the material is misidentified, or with other automotive parts codes (e.g., 870829 for other body parts) if not clearly seat-specific.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 940199?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 940199 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.5B, 20% of world exports), China ($4.6B) and Czechia ($2.8B). World exports came to about $32.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 940199?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 940199 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10.0B, 29% of world imports), Germany ($4.3B) and Czechia ($2.6B). World imports came to about $34.4B, 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 940199 structured?
HS code 940199 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (94) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (99) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 940199?
In Brazil, HS code 940199 is NCM 9401.99.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.