Product classification
HS code for Car radiator: 8708.91
Vehicle parts, radiators and parts thereof.
Classification of car radiator under HS 8708.91
Car radiators are classified under HS code 8708.91. This classification is found in Chapter 87, which pertains to vehicles and their parts. Heading 8708 covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. Subheading 8708.91 is specifically designated for radiators and parts thereof. The radiator is a critical component of the engine cooling system, designed to dissipate heat from the coolant into the atmosphere. The classification includes the radiator core, tanks, and the complete assembly. It also covers individual parts of the radiator, such as the upper and lower tanks or the core itself, provided they are identifiable as being solely or principally for use with motor vehicle radiators. This classification follows GIR 1 and 6, as the product is explicitly named at the subheading level within the automotive parts category.
- Covers
- Complete car radiators
- Radiator cores for motor vehicles
- Radiator tanks (plastic or metal)
- Radiator caps
- Oil coolers (if integrated into the radiator)
- Also under 8708.91
- Denso Radiators
- Valeo Cooling Systems
- Behr Hella Service Radiators
- Spectra Premium Radiators
- Mishimoto Performance Radiators
Codes often confused with 8708.91
Common mistake. Radiators are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8419.50, which covers heat exchange units. However, Note 2(e) to Section XVII (which includes Chapter 87) excludes machines and apparatus of Section XVI. But since radiators are specifically named in 8708, and are parts of vehicles rather than general industrial heat exchangers, 8708.91 takes precedence. They are also occasionally confused with 8409.91 (parts for spark-ignition engines), but the specific mention of radiators in 8708 makes it the correct choice.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870891 (the code used for car radiator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870891 (the code used for car radiator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 870891, not only car radiator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.5B 27% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.0B 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $961M 10% of world exports
World total: $9.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 15% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $441M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $8.6B 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 code for car radiator
Brazil classifies car radiator under NCM 8708.91.00: HS 8708.91 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about car radiator
What is the HS code for Car radiator?
The HS code for Car radiator is 870891 (Vehicle parts; radiators and parts thereof). The HS code for car radiators and their parts is 8708.91.
How do I classify Car radiator for customs?
Car radiator is classified under HS code 870891 — Vehicle parts; radiators and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are radiator hoses classified here?
No, radiator hoses made of vulcanized rubber are classified under HS code 4009, while those made of plastics are under 3917, depending on the material.
Which countries are the top exporters of car radiator (HS 870891)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870891 (the code used for car radiator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.5B, 27% of world exports), Poland ($1.0B) and Germany ($961M). World exports came to about $9.2B, 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 radiator (HS 870891)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870891 (the code used for car radiator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and Mexico ($441M). World imports came to about $8.6B, 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 radiator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870891 for Car radiator 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 radiator in Brazil?
In Brazil, car radiator (HS 870891) is classified under NCM 8708.91.00.