Product classification
HS code for Automotive seats: 9401.20
Seats, of a kind used for motor vehicles.
Classification of automotive seats under HS 9401.20
Automotive seats are classified under HS code 9401.20, which falls within Chapter 94 covering furniture, bedding, and similar stuffed furnishings. While one might expect vehicle components to be classified under Chapter 87 (Vehicles and parts thereof), the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that seats are specifically provided for in heading 9401. Subheading 9401.20 is reserved for seats of a kind used for motor vehicles. This classification applies regardless of whether the seat is intended for the driver or passengers, and it includes specialized seats such as those found in buses, trucks, or passenger cars. The primary criterion for this classification is that the seat is designed to be fixed to the floor or frame of a motor vehicle. The legal notes to Section XVII (which includes Chapter 87) explicitly exclude seats of heading 9401, even if they are clearly designed for use in vehicles, ensuring that 9401.20 remains the correct classification for complete seat units.
- Covers
- Driver and passenger bucket seats
- Rear bench seats for passenger vehicles
- Folding seats for vans and SUVs
- Integrated child safety seats built into vehicle frames
- Seat frames for motor vehicles
- Also under 9401.20
- Recaro automotive seats
- Lear Corporation seats
- Adient seats
- Faurecia automotive seating
Codes often confused with 9401.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for automotive seats is HS code 8708.99, which is the general category for parts and accessories of motor vehicles. Importers often assume that because the seat is a part of a car, it belongs in Chapter 87. However, Chapter 94 Note 1(n) specifically excludes vehicle parts that are seats. Another common error involves HS code 9401.90, which is for parts of seats. This code should only be used for individual components like springs, adjustment mechanisms, or frames, rather than the complete seat assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940120 (the code used for automotive seats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940120 (the code used for automotive seats) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% 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 940120, not only automotive seats.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $521M 15% of world exports
- 2 Germany $435M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $426M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $745M 20% of world imports
- 2 Spain $403M 11% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $264M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $3.7B 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 automotive seats
Brazil classifies automotive seats under NCM 9401.20.00: HS 9401.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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 automotive seats
What is the HS code for Automotive seats?
The HS code for Automotive seats is 940120 (Seats; of a kind used for motor vehicles). The correct HS code for complete seats used in motor vehicles is 9401.20.
How do I classify Automotive seats for customs?
Automotive seats is classified under HS code 940120 — Seats; of a kind used for motor vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are seat covers classified under this code?
No, seat covers are generally classified according to their constituent material, often under 6304 for textile covers or 8708 if they are considered specialized vehicle accessories.
Which countries are the top exporters of automotive seats (HS 940120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940120 (the code used for automotive seats) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($521M, 15% of world exports), Germany ($435M) and China ($426M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 automotive seats (HS 940120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940120 (the code used for automotive seats) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($745M, 20% of world imports), Spain ($403M) and Mexico ($264M). World imports came to about $3.7B, 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 Automotive seats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940120 for Automotive seats 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 automotive seats in Brazil?
In Brazil, automotive seats (HS 940120) is classified under NCM 9401.20.00.