Product classification
HS code for Alternator: 8511.50
Ignition or starting equipment, generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Classification of alternator under HS 8511.50
An alternator is classified under HS code 8511.50 because it is an electrical generator specifically designed for use with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. Chapter 85 covers "Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles." Heading 8511 is dedicated to "Electrical ignition or starting equipment of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines (for example, ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos, ignition coils, sparking plugs and glow plugs, starter motors); generators (for example, dynamos, alternators) and cut-outs of a kind used in conjunction with such engines." The subheading 8511.50 specifically identifies "Generators" within this context, which precisely describes an alternator's function in an engine system.
- Covers
- Vehicle alternators
- Marine engine alternators
- Alternators for industrial internal combustion engines
- Dynamos used in conjunction with internal combustion engines
- Other electrical generators specifically designed for spark-ignition or compression-ignition engines
- Also under 8511.50
- Bosch Alternator
- Denso Alternator
- Valeo Alternator
- ACDelco Alternator
- Lucas Alternator
- Prestolite Alternator.
Codes often confused with 8511.50
Common mistake. Common misclassification for alternators might occur with other types of electrical generators not specifically designed for internal combustion engines, which would fall under HS code 8501 (Electric motors and generators). For instance, a large industrial power generator would be classified under 8501, not 8511.50. Another potential confusion could be with other components of the ignition or starting system listed under 8511, such as starter motors (8511.40) or ignition coils (8511.30). However, 8511.50 is specifically for the generating function. It is crucial to distinguish between the alternator's specific application in internal combustion engines versus general-purpose electrical generators.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851150 (the code used for alternator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851150 (the code used for alternator) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 851150, not only alternator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $1.1B 18% of world exports
- 2 China $804M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $749M 13% of world exports
World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $855M 13% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $433M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 codes for alternator
Brazil splits HS 8511.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8511.50.10Engine dynamos and alternators
- 8511.50.90Other engine generators
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alternator
What is the HS code for Alternator?
The HS code for Alternator is 851150 (Ignition or starting equipment; generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines). The HS code for an alternator, specifically one used with spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines, is 8511.50. This code covers generators designed for such engine applications.
How do I classify Alternator for customs?
Alternator is classified under HS code 851150 — Ignition or starting equipment; generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does the application of a generator affect its HS classification?
The application of a generator significantly affects its HS classification. While general-purpose electrical generators are classified under HS code 8501, generators specifically designed for use with internal combustion engines, such as alternators, are classified under HS code 8511.50. This distinction is based on their intended use and integration within an engine system.
Which countries are the top exporters of alternator (HS 851150)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851150 (the code used for alternator) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.1B, 18% of world exports), China ($804M) and Germany ($749M). World exports came to about $5.8B, 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 alternator (HS 851150)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851150 (the code used for alternator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 24% of world imports), Germany ($855M) and Mexico ($433M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Alternator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851150 for Alternator is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alternator in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851150 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for alternator depends on the product's details: 8511.50.10 (Engine dynamos and alternators), 8511.50.90 (Other engine generators).