Product classification
HS code for Car headlight: 8512.20
Lighting or visual signalling equipment, electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539).
Classification of car headlight under HS 8512.20
Electrical lighting equipment for motor vehicles is classified under HS code 8512.20. This code is situated within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8512 specifically addresses electrical lighting or visual signaling equipment, windshield wipers, and defrosters for cycles or motor vehicles. Subheading 8512.20 is the designated category for "other lighting or visual signaling equipment," which includes the main headlamp assemblies of a car. This classification is based on the electrical nature of the equipment and its specialized design for automotive use. It is important to note that this code covers the entire lighting assembly—including the housing, reflectors, and lenses—rather than just the individual light source. The evolution of technology from halogen to LED and HID does not change the primary classification, as long as the unit serves as the vehicle's primary lighting or visual signaling apparatus.
- Covers
- LED headlight assemblies
- Halogen headlamp units
- Xenon and HID headlight systems
- Daytime running lights (DRL)
- Fog lamps and auxiliary driving lights
- Also under 8512.20
- Hella LED Matrix Headlights
- Bosch Automotive Lighting Systems
- Valeo Smart Lighting Modules
- Koito LED Headlamps
- Philips Ultinon LED Bulbs
Codes often confused with 8512.20
Common mistake. A common error is classifying headlights under HS code 8539. Heading 8539 is strictly for electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and bulbs. If you are importing only the bulb, use 8539; if you are importing the entire housing/assembly, use 8512.20. Another misclassification occurs with 8512.10, which is specifically for lighting equipment used on bicycles. Finally, non-electrical lamps would fall under Chapter 94, though these are rare in modern automotive contexts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851220 (the code used for car headlight), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851220 (the code used for car headlight) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 851220, not only car headlight.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.4B 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $3.1B 12% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $2.4B 9.0% of world exports
World total: $26.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $4.6B 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.5B 18% of world imports
- 3 China $1.3B 5.1% of world imports
World total: $24.4B 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 car headlight
Brazil splits HS 8512.20 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8512.20.11Motor vehicle headlamps
- 8512.20.19Other motor vehicle lighting apparatus
- 8512.20.21Fixed signalling lights for motor vehicles
- 8512.20.22Manoeuvre indicator lights for motor vehicles
- 8512.20.23Combined lamp housings for motor vehicles
- 8512.20.29Other motor vehicle visual signalling apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about car headlight
What is the HS code for Car headlight?
The HS code for Car headlight is 851220 (Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)). The HS code for complete car headlight assemblies and other visual signaling equipment is 8512.20.
How do I classify Car headlight for customs?
Car headlight is classified under HS code 851220 — Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are tail lights classified under the same code?
Yes, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signal lights for motor vehicles are also classified under HS code 8512.20 as visual signaling equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of car headlight (HS 851220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851220 (the code used for car headlight) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.4B, 16% of world exports), Germany ($3.1B) and Mexico ($2.4B). World exports came to about $26.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of car headlight (HS 851220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851220 (the code used for car headlight) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.6B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($4.5B) and China ($1.3B). World imports came to about $24.4B, 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 Car headlight the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851220 for Car headlight 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 headlight in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851220 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for car headlight depends on the product's details: 8512.20.11 (Motor vehicle headlamps), 8512.20.19 (Other motor vehicle lighting apparatus), 8512.20.21 (Fixed signalling lights for motor vehicles), 8512.20.22 (Manoeuvre indicator lights for motor vehicles), 8512.20.23 (Combined lamp housings for motor vehicles), 8512.20.29 (Other motor vehicle visual signalling apparatus).