Product classification

HS code for Car defroster: 8512.40

Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters, electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles.

Classification of car defroster under HS 8512.40

The car defroster is classified under HS code 8512.40. This heading is specifically allocated for electrical windscreen wipers, defrosters, and demisters of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles. The classification is based on the electrical nature of the device and its specific function in maintaining visibility through the vehicle's windows. Most modern car defrosters consist of resistive heating elements embedded in the glass or specialized electrical blowers that target the windscreen. Because these devices are dedicated electrical equipment for vehicles, they fall squarely into Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. It is important to distinguish these from the vehicle's general heating and ventilation system. While the HVAC system (heading 8415) may provide warm air to the cabin, the specific electrical components designed to clear frost or ice from the glass surfaces are categorized under 8512.40. This includes both the heating elements themselves and the dedicated electrical control units that manage the defrosting cycle. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the defroster is for the front windscreen or the rear window.

Covers
  • Electric rear window defrosters
  • Heated wiper blades for ice removal
  • Electrical windscreen demisting units
  • Resistive heating elements for vehicle glass
Also under 8512.40
  • Bosch Aerotwin Wiper Blades
  • Valeo Silencio Wiper Blades
  • Denso Wiper Blades
  • Trico Force Wiper Blades
  • PIAA Super Silicone Wipers

Codes often confused with 8512.40

Common mistake. Car defrosters are often misclassified under 8415.20, which covers air conditioning machines for motor vehicles. While AC systems help with humidity, the specific electrical defrosting hardware belongs in 8512.40. They are also sometimes confused with 8516.10 (electric water heaters) or 8516.29 (electric space heaters), but the automotive-specific application of 8512 takes precedence.

8415.20Air conditioning machines; comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles8516.10Heaters; electric, instantaneous or storage water and immersion heaters8516.29Heating apparatus; electric soil heating apparatus and space heating apparatus (excluding storage heating radiators)85.12Lighting or visual signalling equipment (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles

Top exporters and importers of HS 851240 (the code used for car defroster), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851240 (the code used for car defroster) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 13% 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 851240, not only car defroster.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $286M
  2. 2 Mexico $187M
  3. 3 Morocco $81M

World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 France $115M
  2. 2 Canada $64M
  3. 3 United States $56M

World total: $910M 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 defroster

Brazil splits HS 8512.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about car defroster

What is the HS code for Car defroster?

The HS code for Car defroster is 851240 (Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles). The HS code for electrical car defrosters and demisters is 8512.40.

How do I classify Car defroster for customs?

Car defroster is classified under HS code 851240 — Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are manual ice scrapers included in this code?

No, manual scrapers are usually classified by their material, such as 3926.90 for plastic or 8205.59 for metal hand tools.

Which countries are the top exporters of car defroster (HS 851240)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851240 (the code used for car defroster) in UN Comtrade data were China ($286M, 24% of world exports), Mexico ($187M) and Morocco ($81M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 defroster (HS 851240)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851240 (the code used for car defroster) in UN Comtrade data were France ($115M, 13% of world imports), Canada ($64M) and the United States ($56M). World imports came to about $910M, 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 defroster the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851240 for Car defroster 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 defroster in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851240 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for car defroster depends on the product's details: 8512.40.10 (Vehicle windscreen wipers), 8512.40.20 (Vehicle defrosters and demisters).