Product classification
HS code for Electric bells: 8531.80
Signalling apparatus, electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530.
Classification of electric bells under HS 8531.80
Electric bells are classified under HS code 8531.80, which falls within Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Specifically, heading 8531 is dedicated to electric sound or visual signaling apparatus, such as bells, sirens, indicator panels, and burglar or fire alarms. Subheading 8531.80 is a residual category for "other" signaling apparatus that is not specifically named in the preceding subheadings (like 8531.10 for burglar alarms). The classification of an electric bell under this code is based on its function as a signaling device that converts electrical energy into sound. This includes electromagnetic bells where a striker hits a metal gong, as well as electronic chimes that produce sound through a speaker or piezoelectric element, provided they are designed for signaling purposes. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the bell is intended for residential, commercial, or industrial use, as long as it is not specifically designed for cycles or motor vehicles.
- Covers
- Electric doorbells
- Industrial buzzers and hooters
- School bell systems (electric)
- Electric chimes for signaling
- Annunciators for office use
- Also under 8531.80
- Federal Signal industrial beacons
- Rauland Responder nurse call systems
- Ring Video Doorbell (the doorbell unit itself)
- Whelen emergency vehicle warning lights (when not for vehicles)
- various industrial stack lights
- Edwards Signaling horns
Codes often confused with 8531.80
Common mistake. Electric bells are often misclassified under 8306.10, which covers non-electric bells, gongs, and the like, made of base metal. The presence of an electrical component for operation necessitates a move to Chapter 85. Another common error is 8512.30, which covers electrical signaling equipment for cycles or motor vehicles. If the bell is designed for a car or a bicycle, 8512 is the correct heading. Furthermore, if the bell is part of a complex fire alarm system, it might be classified under 8531.10. Finally, doorbells with integrated video cameras are increasingly classified under 8525.89 as television cameras rather than simple signaling apparatus.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853180 (the code used for electric bells), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853180 (the code used for electric bells) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 853180, not only electric bells.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 22% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$829M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $523M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.4B 27% of world imports
- 2 France $538M 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $320M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 electric bells
Brazil classifies electric bells under NCM 8531.80.00: HS 8531.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric bells
What is the HS code for Electric bells?
The HS code for Electric bells is 853180 (Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530). The standard HS code for electric bells and similar signaling buzzers is 8531.80.
How do I classify Electric bells for customs?
Electric bells is classified under HS code 853180 — Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are video doorbells classified under this code?
Generally, no. Video doorbells are usually classified under 8525.89 because the camera function is considered the principal function of the device.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric bells (HS 853180)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853180 (the code used for electric bells) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 22% of world exports), Vietnam (about $829M) and the United States ($523M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 electric bells (HS 853180)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853180 (the code used for electric bells) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 27% of world imports), France ($538M) and the Netherlands ($320M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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 Electric bells the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853180 for Electric bells 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 electric bells in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric bells (HS 853180) is classified under NCM 8531.80.00.