Product classification
HS code for Carbon brush: 8545.20
Carbon brushes, with or without metal, used for electrical purposes.
Classification of carbon brush under HS 8545.20
Carbon brushes are essential components in electrical machinery, serving as the sliding contact used to transmit electrical current between stationary and rotating parts of a motor or generator. They are classified under HS code 8545.20. Heading 8545 covers carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons, and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes. The classification is driven by the specific function and material composition of the item. Even though these brushes are technically parts of motors or generators, the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that articles specifically mentioned in a heading (like 8545) take precedence over general "parts" headings. This ensures uniform classification regardless of the specific machine the brush is intended for, whether it be a small power tool, a vacuum cleaner, or a large industrial alternator. These brushes may be composed of pure carbon, graphite, or a mixture of carbon and metal powders (such as copper) to improve conductivity.
- Covers
- Carbon brushes for electric motors
- Graphite brushes for generators
- Metal-graphite brushes for automotive starters
- Brushes for alternators
- Carbon brushes with attached springs or connectors
- Also under 8545.20
- Bosch Carbon Brushes
- Makita Carbon Brushes
- Siemens Carbon Brushes
- Mersen Carbon Brushes
- Helwig Carbon Products
Codes often confused with 8545.20
Common mistake. Carbon brushes are frequently misclassified under HS code 8503.00, which is the general heading for parts suitable for use solely or principally with electric motors and generators. However, because carbon brushes are specifically named in heading 8545, GRI 1 and GRI 3(a) require them to be classified there. Another error involves HS code 8511.90, which covers parts of electrical ignition or starting equipment. While brushes are used in starters, they remain classified under 8545.20 due to their specific material and functional description.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854520 (the code used for carbon brush), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854520 (the code used for carbon brush) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% 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 854520, not only carbon brush.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $131M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $72M 10% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $70M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $716M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $75M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $68M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $66M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $710M 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 carbon brush
Brazil classifies carbon brush under NCM 8545.20.00: HS 8545.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carbon brush
What is the HS code for Carbon brush?
The HS code for Carbon brush is 854520 (Carbon brushes; with or without metal, used for electrical purposes). The specific HS code for carbon brushes used for electrical purposes is 8545.20.
How do I classify Carbon brush for customs?
Carbon brush is classified under HS code 854520 — Carbon brushes; with or without metal, used for electrical purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are carbon brushes classified as motor parts?
While they are parts of motors, they are classified under their own specific heading 8545.20 rather than the general motor parts heading 8503.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of carbon brush (HS 854520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854520 (the code used for carbon brush) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($131M, 18% of world exports), China ($72M) and Hungary ($70M). World exports came to about $716M, 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 carbon brush (HS 854520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854520 (the code used for carbon brush) in UN Comtrade data were China ($75M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($68M) and the United States ($66M). World imports came to about $710M, 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 Carbon brush the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854520 for Carbon brush 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 carbon brush in Brazil?
In Brazil, carbon brush (HS 854520) is classified under NCM 8545.20.00.