Product classification
HS code for Distributor: 8511.30
Ignition or starting equipment, distributors and ignition coils of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Classification of distributor under HS 8511.30
Distributors for internal combustion engines are classified under HS code 8511.30. This code specifically covers ignition or starting equipment, including distributors and ignition coils. The classification is based on the functional application of the device within a spark-ignition or compression-ignition engine system. Under the Harmonized System, electrical equipment for engines is grouped in heading 8511, and the distributor's role in directing high voltage to spark plugs in the correct firing order places it squarely in the 8511.30 subheading. This classification is determined by GIR 1, as the heading text explicitly mentions distributors. These components are specialized electrical parts designed for engine starting and ignition and cannot be classified under general mechanical parts or general electrical switches.
- Covers
- Mechanical distributors for automotive engines
- Electronic distributors for internal combustion engines
- Distributor assemblies with integrated sensors
- Ignition distributors for marine engines
- Also under 8511.30
- Bosch Ignition Coil
- Delphi Ignition Coil
- Denso Ignition Coil
- ACDelco Distributor Cap
- Standard Motor Products Ignition Control Module.
Codes often confused with 8511.30
Common mistake. Distributors are sometimes misclassified under 8511.80, which is a basket category for other ignition equipment. They may also be confused with 8536, which covers general electrical switches and relays, but the specific engine application of 8511 takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851130 (the code used for distributor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851130 (the code used for distributor) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 851130, not only distributor.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $609M 27% of world exports
- 2 Japan $271M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $238M 10% of world exports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $536M 23% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $211M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $210M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 distributor
Brazil splits HS 8511.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8511.30.10Ignition distributors
- 8511.30.20Ignition coils
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about distributor
What is the HS code for Distributor?
The HS code for Distributor is 851130 (Ignition or starting equipment; distributors and ignition coils of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines). The HS code for distributors used in internal combustion engines is 8511.30.
How do I classify Distributor for customs?
Distributor is classified under HS code 851130 — Ignition or starting equipment; distributors and ignition coils of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electronic ignition modules classified here?
If the module is part of the distributor assembly, it is 8511.30; however, standalone electronic ignition modules may fall under 8511.80.
Which countries are the top exporters of distributor (HS 851130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851130 (the code used for distributor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($609M, 27% of world exports), Japan ($271M) and Germany ($238M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 distributor (HS 851130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851130 (the code used for distributor) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($536M, 23% of world imports), Mexico ($211M) and Germany ($210M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Distributor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851130 for Distributor 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 distributor in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851130 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for distributor depends on the product's details: 8511.30.10 (Ignition distributors), 8511.30.20 (Ignition coils).