Product classification
HS code for Fire alarm: 8531.10
Signalling apparatus, electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530.
Classification of fire alarm under HS 8531.10
Electric fire alarms are classified under HS code 8531.10. This code is situated within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8531 specifically includes electric sound or visual signaling apparatus. Subheading 8531.10 is dedicated to burglar or fire alarms and similar apparatus. The classification is based on the functional purpose of the device: to provide an audible or visual signal in response to a fire or smoke detection event. This includes both the individual alarm units (like domestic smoke alarms with integrated sirens) and the components of a larger industrial fire alarm system, such as pull stations, sirens, and strobe lights. It is important to note that this code covers the signaling aspect. The classification follows GRI 1, as the heading text explicitly mentions fire alarms. Whether the device is battery-operated or hardwired into a building's electrical system, its primary function as a life-safety signaling device dictates its placement in 8531.10.
- Covers
- Smoke alarms with integrated sirens
- Heat detectors with audible signaling
- Fire alarm pull stations
- Visual fire strobe lights
- Fire alarm control panels (signaling type)
- Also under 8531.10
- Nest Protect
- Ring Alarm System
- Honeywell Vista series
- Bosch B-series control panels
- Kidde smoke alarms
- ADT security systems (hardware components)
- Paradox alarm systems
Codes often confused with 8531.10
Common mistake. One of the most frequent errors is confusing fire alarms with smoke detectors that do not have an integrated sounder, which may be classified under 9027.10 as gas or smoke analysis apparatus. Additionally, alarms designed specifically for motor vehicles are classified under 8512.30, even if they use similar technology. Another common mistake involves industrial signaling panels that might be confused with general-purpose control panels under 8537, but if their primary function is fire signaling, 8531.10 remains the correct classification. Simple bells or buzzers not part of an alarm system may fall under 8531.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853110 (the code used for fire alarm), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853110 (the code used for fire alarm) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 853110, not only fire alarm.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 17% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $558M 8.8% of world exports
- 3 Germany $509M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $6.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $814M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $539M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $495M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 fire alarm
Brazil splits HS 8531.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8531.10.10Fire or overheating alarms
- 8531.10.90Burglar alarms and similar apparatus
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fire alarm
What is the HS code for Fire alarm?
The HS code for Fire alarm is 853110 (Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530). The HS code for electric sound or visual fire alarms and similar signaling apparatus is 8531.10.
How do I classify Fire alarm for customs?
Fire alarm is classified under HS code 853110 — Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, burglar or fire alarms and similar, other than those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are smoke detectors classified under 8531.10?
If the smoke detector includes an integrated alarm (siren or light) to signal danger, it is classified under 8531.10. If it is a sensor only, it may fall under 9027.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of fire alarm (HS 853110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853110 (the code used for fire alarm) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 17% of world exports), Mexico ($558M) and Germany ($509M). World exports came to about $6.3B, 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 fire alarm (HS 853110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853110 (the code used for fire alarm) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($814M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($539M) and the United Kingdom ($495M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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 Fire alarm the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853110 for Fire alarm 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 fire alarm in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853110 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fire alarm depends on the product's details: 8531.10.10 (Fire or overheating alarms), 8531.10.90 (Burglar alarms and similar apparatus).