Product classification
HS code for Car demister: 8512.40
Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters, electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles.
Classification of car demister under HS 8512.40
Similar to defrosters, car demisters are classified under HS code 8512.40. The Harmonized System groups windscreen wipers, defrosters, and demisters together because they share the common purpose of ensuring the driver's field of vision is not obstructed by environmental factors like rain, ice, or condensation. A demister specifically refers to the apparatus used to remove "mist" or condensation from the interior or exterior of the vehicle's windows. This is typically achieved through electrical heating elements or dedicated fans. The classification under 8512.40 is appropriate for electrical demisting equipment designed for motor vehicles. This heading excludes non-electrical components or general air conditioning units. For instance, a chemical spray used to prevent fogging would be classified in Chapter 38, whereas the integrated electrical system built into the vehicle's rear window or side mirrors is classified here. The consistency in classification between defrosters and demisters simplifies the customs process for automotive electrical parts suppliers, ensuring that all electrical visibility-enhancement tools are grouped together under a single sub-heading.
- Covers
- Rear window electrical demisters
- Side mirror heating elements (demisters)
- Dedicated electrical demisting fans for vehicles
- Integrated glass heating circuits
- 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. Demisters are frequently confused with 8512.20, which covers other electrical lighting or signaling equipment for vehicles. Another common error is using 8415.20, which is for the vehicle's air conditioning system. While the AC system can demist a car, the specific electrical components designed for that purpose are classified under 8512.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851240 (the code used for car demister), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851240 (the code used for car demister) 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 demister.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $286M 24% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $187M 16% of world exports
- 3 Morocco $81M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $115M 13% of world imports
- 2 Canada $64M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $56M 6.2% of world imports
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 demister
Brazil splits HS 8512.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8512.40.10Vehicle windscreen wipers
- 8512.40.20Vehicle defrosters and demisters
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about car demister
What is the HS code for Car demister?
The HS code for Car demister is 851240 (Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles). The HS code for electrical car demisters is 8512.40.
How do I classify Car demister for customs?
Car demister 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.
Is a portable plug-in demister classified here?
Yes, if it is an electrical demister specifically designed for use in a motor vehicle, it typically falls under 8512.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of car demister (HS 851240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851240 (the code used for car demister) 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 demister (HS 851240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851240 (the code used for car demister) 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 demister the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851240 for Car demister 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 demister in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851240 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for car demister depends on the product's details: 8512.40.10 (Vehicle windscreen wipers), 8512.40.20 (Vehicle defrosters and demisters).