Product classification
HS code for Electromagnetic clutch: 8505.20
Magnets, electro-magnetic couplings, clutches and brakes.
Classification of electromagnetic clutch under HS 8505.20
Electromagnetic clutches are classified under HS code 8505.20. This classification falls within Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) and heading 8505, which covers electromagnets and related electromagnetic devices. The specific subheading 8505.20 is dedicated to electromagnetic couplings, clutches, and brakes. The classification is determined by the operating principle of the device, which uses electromagnetic force to connect or disconnect two rotating shafts. Unlike mechanical clutches that rely solely on friction or hydraulic pressure, electromagnetic clutches use an internal coil to create a magnetic field that engages the mechanism. This distinction is vital for HS classification. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, heading 8505 includes these devices regardless of the machine they are intended for, provided they operate electromagnetically. This makes 8505.20 a very specific code that takes precedence over more general machinery parts categories.
- Covers
- Electromagnetic clutches for industrial machinery
- Electromagnetic couplings for power transmission
- Electromagnetic brakes for motors
- Electromagnetic clutch-brake combinations
- Miniature electromagnetic clutches for office equipment
- Also under 8505.20
- Warner Electric clutches
- Ogura clutches and brakes
- Lenze electromagnetic brakes
- Eaton Airflex clutches
- Siemens industrial brakes
Codes often confused with 8505.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification of electromagnetic clutches occurs with HS code 8483.60, which covers clutches and shaft couplings in a general mechanical context. However, Note 2 to Chapter 85 and the specific wording of heading 8505 dictate that electromagnetic versions must be classified in 8505.20. Another common error involves automotive parts; electromagnetic clutches for vehicle air conditioning compressors are sometimes incorrectly classified under 8708.93 (clutches and parts for motor vehicles). However, because 8505.20 is a heading for a specific type of electrical component, it generally takes precedence over the general automotive parts heading, unless specific Section XVII notes apply to a particular national tariff schedule.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850520 (the code used for electromagnetic clutch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850520 (the code used for electromagnetic clutch) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 10% 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 850520, not only electromagnetic clutch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $316M 30% of world exports
- 2 China $142M 14% of world exports
- 3 France $90M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $1.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $99M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $99M 10% of world imports
- 3 Germany $77M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $976M 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 electromagnetic clutch
Brazil splits HS 8505.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8505.20.10Eddy current brakes for vehicles
- 8505.20.90Other electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electromagnetic clutch
What is the HS code for Electromagnetic clutch?
The HS code for Electromagnetic clutch is 850520 (Magnets; electro-magnetic couplings, clutches and brakes). The HS code for an electromagnetic clutch is 8505.20, which also includes electromagnetic couplings and brakes.
How do I classify Electromagnetic clutch for customs?
Electromagnetic clutch is classified under HS code 850520 — Magnets; electro-magnetic couplings, clutches and brakes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to clutches for car AC compressors?
Yes, in most jurisdictions, the electromagnetic clutch used in an automotive air conditioning compressor is classified under 8505.20 because of its electromagnetic nature, rather than as a general car part.
Which countries are the top exporters of electromagnetic clutch (HS 850520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850520 (the code used for electromagnetic clutch) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($316M, 30% of world exports), China ($142M) and France ($90M). World exports came to about $1.0B, 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 electromagnetic clutch (HS 850520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850520 (the code used for electromagnetic clutch) in UN Comtrade data were China ($99M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($99M) and Germany ($77M). World imports came to about $976M, 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 Electromagnetic clutch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850520 for Electromagnetic clutch 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 electromagnetic clutch in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 850520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for electromagnetic clutch depends on the product's details: 8505.20.10 (Eddy current brakes for vehicles), 8505.20.90 (Other electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes).