Product classification
HS code for Magnetic flywheel: 8511.20
Ignition or starting equipment, ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Classification of magnetic flywheel under HS 8511.20
Magnetic flywheels are classified under HS code 8511.20 because they are specialized components designed for the ignition systems of internal combustion engines. Heading 8511 covers electrical ignition or starting equipment, including spark plugs, starter motors, and magnetos. A magnetic flywheel is a unique hybrid component; while it functions as a traditional flywheel by providing rotational inertia to the crankshaft, its primary electrical characteristic is its role as the rotor for a magneto system. As the magnets within the flywheel rotate past a stationary coil, they induce the electrical current necessary to fire the spark plug. Under the Harmonized System's General Rules of Interpretation, specifically GRI 3(a), when a product can be classified under two or more headings, the heading which provides the most specific description shall be preferred. While heading 8483 covers general flywheels, heading 8511 specifically mentions "magnetic flywheels" used for ignition. This specificity mandates the use of 8511.20. This classification is critical for manufacturers of small engines, such as those found in motorcycles, chainsaws, and lawnmowers, where these components are ubiquitous. The code 8511.20 ensures that the item is recognized as part of the engine's electrical system rather than a simple mechanical transmission part.
- Covers
- Flywheel magnetos for small engines
- Ignition flywheels for motorcycles
- Magnetic rotors for lawnmower engines
- Combined ignition and lighting flywheels
- Internal combustion engine magnetic flywheels
- Also under 8511.20
- Briggs & Stratton Magneto Armature
- Kohler Engine Ignition Coil
- Stihl Chainsaw Flywheel
- Yamaha Outboard Magneto Assembly
- Lucas Magneto for vintage motorcycles.
Codes often confused with 8511.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with heading 8483.20 or 8483.50, which covers flywheels and pulleys. While a magnetic flywheel does provide inertia, its function as an electrical generator for the ignition system is its most essential character. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8409.91 or 8409.99, which are general codes for parts of internal combustion engines. However, because 8511.20 specifically names "magnetic flywheels," it takes precedence over the general parts headings according to the rules of the Harmonized System.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851120 (the code used for magnetic flywheel), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851120 (the code used for magnetic flywheel) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 11% 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 851120, not only magnetic flywheel.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $38M 20% of world exports
- 2 India $28M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $27M 14% of world exports
World total: $191M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Thailand $20M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $16M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$11M 6.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $182M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 magnetic flywheel
Brazil splits HS 8511.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8511.20.10Ignition magnetos
- 8511.20.90Magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about magnetic flywheel
What is the HS code for Magnetic flywheel?
The HS code for Magnetic flywheel is 851120 (Ignition or starting equipment; ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines). The correct HS code is 8511.20, which specifically covers ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos, and magnetic flywheels.
How do I classify Magnetic flywheel for customs?
Magnetic flywheel is classified under HS code 851120 — Ignition or starting equipment; ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a magnetic flywheel be classified under 8483?
No, if the flywheel contains magnets and is used to generate current for an engine's ignition system, it must be classified under 8511.20 rather than the general flywheel code 8483.
Which countries are the top exporters of magnetic flywheel (HS 851120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851120 (the code used for magnetic flywheel) in UN Comtrade data were China ($38M, 20% of world exports), India ($28M) and the United States ($27M). World exports came to about $191M, 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 magnetic flywheel (HS 851120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851120 (the code used for magnetic flywheel) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($20M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($16M) and Vietnam (about $11M). World imports came to about $182M, 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 Magnetic flywheel the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851120 for Magnetic flywheel 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 magnetic flywheel in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for magnetic flywheel depends on the product's details: 8511.20.10 (Ignition magnetos), 8511.20.90 (Magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels).