Product classification
HS code for Engine generator: 8511.50
Ignition or starting equipment, generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Classification of engine generator under HS 8511.50
The term 'engine generator' in the context of HS code 8511.50 refers to generators (alternators or dynamos) that are mounted directly onto internal combustion engines to provide electrical power for the vehicle or machine's systems and to charge the battery. This classification is found in Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8511 specifically includes electrical ignition or starting equipment of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. Subheading 8511.50 is the designated code for 'other generators' within this category. These are distinct from standalone power plants because they are designed to be driven by the engine they are attached to, utilizing the engine's mechanical energy to maintain the electrical load of the specific vehicle or mobile equipment.
- Covers
- Automotive alternators
- Dynamos for internal combustion engines
- Charging generators for marine engines
- Alternators for agricultural machinery engines
- Integrated starter-generators (ISG) for mild hybrids
- Also under 8511.50
- Bosch Alternator
- Denso Alternator
- Valeo Alternator
- ACDelco Alternator
- Lucas Alternator
- Prestolite Alternator.
Codes often confused with 8511.50
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these components under HS code 8501, which covers general-purpose electric motors and generators. However, 8501 is for standalone units or industrial generators. Another major confusion arises with HS code 8502, which covers electric generating sets. A 'generating set' (8502) is a combination of an engine and a generator sold as a single unit to produce power. In contrast, 8511.50 is strictly for the generator component intended to be an accessory to an engine. Parts of these generators should also be checked against 8511.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851150 (the code used for engine generator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851150 (the code used for engine generator) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 851150, not only engine generator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $1.1B 18% of world exports
- 2 China $804M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $749M 13% of world exports
World total: $5.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 24% of world imports
- 2 Germany $855M 13% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $433M 6.8% of world imports
World total: $6.4B 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 engine generator
Brazil splits HS 8511.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8511.50.10Engine dynamos and alternators
- 8511.50.90Other engine generators
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about engine generator
What is the HS code for Engine generator?
The HS code for Engine generator is 851150 (Ignition or starting equipment; generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines). For an alternator or generator used on an internal combustion engine, the HS code is 8511.50.
How do I classify Engine generator for customs?
Engine generator is classified under HS code 851150 — Ignition or starting equipment; generators n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS 8511.50 and HS 8502?
HS 8511.50 is for the charging generator (alternator) as a component, while HS 8502 is for a complete generator set (engine plus generator) used for backup or off-grid power.
Which countries are the top exporters of engine generator (HS 851150)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851150 (the code used for engine generator) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($1.1B, 18% of world exports), China ($804M) and Germany ($749M). World exports came to about $5.8B, 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 engine generator (HS 851150)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851150 (the code used for engine generator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 24% of world imports), Germany ($855M) and Mexico ($433M). World imports came to about $6.4B, 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 Engine generator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851150 for Engine generator 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 engine generator in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851150 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for engine generator depends on the product's details: 8511.50.10 (Engine dynamos and alternators), 8511.50.90 (Other engine generators).