Product classification
HS code for Car air conditioner: 8415.20
Air conditioning machines, comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles.
Classification of car air conditioner under HS 8415.20
Car air conditioners are classified under HS code 8415.20. This classification is determined by Heading 8415, which covers air conditioning machines comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing temperature and humidity. Subheading 8415.20 is specifically reserved for units 'of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles.' This is a 'use-based' classification that takes precedence over general automotive part categories. According to Note 2 to Section XVII (which covers vehicles), machinery and apparatus of Chapter 84 are excluded from being classified as vehicle parts in Chapter 87. Therefore, even though the air conditioner is a component of a car, it must be classified under Chapter 84. The unit must be a complete system or a self-contained machine designed to regulate the climate within the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle to fall under this specific code.
- Covers
- Complete automotive air conditioning units
- AC systems for passenger cars
- Air conditioning units for buses and coaches
- Truck cabin climate control systems
- Integrated evaporator and blower units for vehicles
- Also under 8415.20
- Denso automotive AC systems
- Sanden compressors
- Valeo HVAC modules
- Mahle Behr thermal management
- Delphi AC components
Codes often confused with 8415.20
Common mistake. Car air conditioners are often incorrectly classified under HS code 8708.99 as 'parts and accessories of motor vehicles.' However, the legal notes explicitly move these machines to Heading 8415. Another common error is using 8415.20 for individual components. For example, an AC compressor imported alone should be classified under 8414.30, and a condenser might fall under 8418.99 or 8419.50. Only the complete air conditioning machine or a unit containing the essential elements of the machine should be classified under 8415.20. Additionally, parts of these units are classified under 8415.90 rather than the 8415.20 code itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841520 (the code used for car air conditioner), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841520 (the code used for car air conditioner) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% 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 841520, not only car air conditioner.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $553M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $465M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $376M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $465M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $403M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $156M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 car air conditioner
Brazil splits HS 8415.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8415.20.10Vehicle AC, max 30,000 frigories/h
- 8415.20.90Vehicle AC, over 30,000 frigories/h
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about car air conditioner
What is the HS code for Car air conditioner?
The HS code for Car air conditioner is 841520 (Air conditioning machines; comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles). The HS code for a complete air conditioning unit used in motor vehicles is 8415.20.
How do I classify Car air conditioner for customs?
Car air conditioner is classified under HS code 841520 — Air conditioning machines; comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8415.20 include individual AC parts like compressors?
No, individual parts like compressors have their own codes (e.g., 8414.30). 8415.20 is for the complete air conditioning machine.
Which countries are the top exporters of car air conditioner (HS 841520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841520 (the code used for car air conditioner) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($553M, 19% of world exports), China ($465M) and Germany ($376M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 car air conditioner (HS 841520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841520 (the code used for car air conditioner) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($465M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($403M) and France ($156M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 Car air conditioner the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841520 for Car air conditioner 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 car air conditioner in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for car air conditioner depends on the product's details: 8415.20.10 (Vehicle AC, max 30,000 frigories/h), 8415.20.90 (Vehicle AC, over 30,000 frigories/h).