Product classification
HS code for Ignition coil: 8511.30
Ignition or starting equipment, distributors and ignition coils of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Classification of ignition coil under HS 8511.30
Ignition coils are classified under HS code 8511.30. This classification is found in Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8511 specifically addresses electrical ignition or starting equipment of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. An ignition coil functions as an induction coil in an automobile's ignition system, transforming the battery's low voltage into the thousands of volts needed to create an electric spark in the spark plugs to ignite the fuel. Because the ignition coil is a specialized component designed exclusively for use with internal combustion engines, it is classified under 8511.30 (which also includes distributors) rather than as a general-purpose transformer. The classification is determined by the application and the specific design of the coil to withstand the electrical and thermal stresses of an engine environment.
- Covers
- Pencil ignition coils
- Coil-on-plug (COP) units
- Waste spark ignition coils
- Distributor-based ignition coils
- Electronic ignition modules with integrated coils
- Also under 8511.30
- Bosch Ignition Coil
- Delphi Ignition Coil
- Denso Ignition Coil
- ACDelco Distributor Cap
- Standard Motor Products Ignition Control Module.
Codes often confused with 8511.30
Common mistake. Ignition coils are frequently misclassified under HS code 8504.31, which covers small electrical transformers. While an ignition coil is technically a transformer, the specific heading for engine ignition equipment (8511) takes precedence over the general heading for transformers (8504) according to GRI 3(a). Another common error is using HS code 8708.99 for general motor vehicle parts. However, electrical parts for engines are specifically directed to Chapter 85 by the Section XVII notes, which exclude electrical equipment from the general vehicle parts headings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851130 (the code used for ignition coil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851130 (the code used for ignition coil) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 851130, not only ignition coil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $609M 27% of world exports
- 2 Japan $271M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $238M 10% of world exports
World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $536M 23% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $211M 9.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $210M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 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 ignition coil
Brazil splits HS 8511.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8511.30.10Ignition distributors
- 8511.30.20Ignition coils
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ignition coil
What is the HS code for Ignition coil?
The HS code for Ignition coil is 851130 (Ignition or starting equipment; distributors and ignition coils of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines). The HS code for ignition coils used in internal combustion engines is 8511.30.
How do I classify Ignition coil for customs?
Ignition coil is classified under HS code 851130 — Ignition or starting equipment; distributors and ignition coils of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can ignition coils be classified under 8504?
No, although they function as transformers, they are specifically excluded from 8504 and must be classified under 8511.30 due to their specialized use in engines.
Which countries are the top exporters of ignition coil (HS 851130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851130 (the code used for ignition coil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($609M, 27% of world exports), Japan ($271M) and Germany ($238M). World exports came to about $2.3B, 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 ignition coil (HS 851130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851130 (the code used for ignition coil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($536M, 23% of world imports), Mexico ($211M) and Germany ($210M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Ignition coil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851130 for Ignition coil 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 ignition coil in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851130 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ignition coil depends on the product's details: 8511.30.10 (Ignition distributors), 8511.30.20 (Ignition coils).