Product classification

HS code for Glow plug: 8511.80

Ignition or starting equipment, n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.

Classification of glow plug under HS 8511.80

HS code 8511.80 is used for glow plugs because they are categorized as electrical ignition or starting equipment for internal combustion engines. While spark plugs (8511.10) are used in spark-ignition engines (petrol), glow plugs are essential components for compression-ignition (diesel) engines. They function as heating elements that warm the combustion chamber to facilitate starting in cold conditions, especially when the engine block is cold. The classification falls under heading 8511, which encompasses a range of electrical equipment used for starting or igniting internal combustion engines, including distributors, ignition coils, and starter motors. Since glow plugs are not specifically named in the first few subheadings of 8511 (like spark plugs or starter motors), they are classified under the \"other equipment\" category of 8511.80. This classification is based on the electrical nature of the component and its specific application within the engine's starting system. The glow plug consists of a heating coil encased in a metal tube, which reaches high temperatures when an electric current is applied. This distinguishes it from general heating resistors found in Chapter 85, as its design and function are dedicated solely to the internal combustion engine environment. Proper classification ensures that these automotive components are not confused with general industrial heaters.

Covers
  • Diesel engine glow plugs
  • Heater plugs for combustion chambers
  • Glow elements for engine pre-heating
  • Dual-coil glow plugs
  • Ceramic glow plugs
  • Instant-start glow plugs
Also under 8511.80
  • Bosch Engine Control Unit
  • Delphi Crankshaft Position Sensor
  • Denso Camshaft Position Sensor
  • Hella Glow Plug Control Unit
  • Siemens VDO Ignition Module
  • NGK Knock Sensor.

Codes often confused with 8511.80

Common mistake. Glow plugs are most frequently misclassified as spark plugs under 8511.10. While they look similar, spark plugs create an electric arc to ignite fuel, whereas glow plugs use resistance heating. They are also sometimes incorrectly classified under 8516.80 as electric heating resistors. However, because they are specifically designed for internal combustion engines, Note 1 to Chapter 85 and the specific wording of heading 8511 direct them away from general heating and toward engine electrical equipment.

8511.10Ignition or starting equipment; spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines8516.80Resistors; electric heating, other than those of heading no. 854585.11Ignition or starting equipment; used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines; generators and cut outs used in conjunction with such engines

Top exporters and importers of HS 851180 (the code used for glow plug), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851180 (the code used for glow plug) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% 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 851180, not only glow plug.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $230M
  2. 2 United States $181M
  3. 3 China $87M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $198M
  2. 2 United States $118M
  3. 3 Mexico $80M

World total: $1.1B 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 glow plug

Brazil splits HS 8511.80 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about glow plug

What is the HS code for Glow plug?

The HS code for Glow plug is 851180 (Ignition or starting equipment; n.e.c. in heading no. 8511, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines).

How do I classify Glow plug for customs?

Glow plug is classified under HS code 851180 — Ignition or starting equipment; 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 HS code for glow plugs?

The HS code for glow plugs used in diesel engines is 8511.80, categorized under other ignition or starting equipment.

Can glow plugs be classified as engine parts?

While they are parts of an engine, the HS system prioritizes the specific electrical function under heading 8511 over the general parts heading 8409. Therefore, 8511.80 is the correct and more specific code.

Which countries are the top exporters of glow plug (HS 851180)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851180 (the code used for glow plug) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($230M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($181M) and China ($87M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 glow plug (HS 851180)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851180 (the code used for glow plug) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($198M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($118M) and Mexico ($80M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Glow plug the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851180 for Glow plug 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 glow plug in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851180 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for glow plug depends on the product's details: 8511.80.10 (Glow plugs), 8511.80.20 (Engine voltage regulators (cut-outs)), 8511.80.30 (Digital electronic ignition systems), 8511.80.90 (Other engine ignition or starting equipment).