Product classification
HS code for Motor brush: 8545.20
Carbon brushes, with or without metal, used for electrical purposes.
Classification of motor brush under HS 8545.20
Motor brushes are classified under HS code 8545.20. This classification is found in Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8545 is dedicated to carbon electrodes, carbon brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons, and other articles of graphite or other carbon, with or without metal, of a kind used for electrical purposes. Motor brushes are essential components in many types of electric motors and generators, serving as the electrical contact that conducts current between stationary wires and moving parts. They are typically made of carbon or graphite to ensure high conductivity and low friction. The classification 8545.20 is specific to the \"brushes\" themselves. Even though these are parts of a motor, the Harmonized System provides a specific heading for carbon articles used for electrical purposes, which takes precedence over general parts headings. This follows the principle that a specific description (carbon brushes) is preferred over a general description (parts of motors).
- Covers
- Carbon brushes for electric power tools
- Graphite brushes for industrial motors
- Starter motor brushes for automotive applications
- Copper-carbon brushes for high-current generators
- Carbon brush assemblies with metal leads or springs
- Also under 8545.20
- Bosch Carbon Brushes
- Makita Carbon Brushes
- Siemens Carbon Brushes
- Mersen Carbon Brushes
- Helwig Carbon Products
Codes often confused with 8545.20
Common mistake. A common misclassification for motor brushes is HS code 8503.00, which covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with electric motors and generators. While brushes are parts of motors, General Rule of Interpretation 1 and 3(a) dictate that the specific heading 8545.20 for carbon brushes must be used. Another error is using 9603, which covers cleaning brushes; however, 9603 specifically excludes electrical carbon brushes, which are strictly governed by Chapter 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854520 (the code used for motor brush), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854520 (the code used for motor brush) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 854520, not only motor brush.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $131M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $72M 10% of world exports
- 3 Hungary $70M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $716M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $75M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $68M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $66M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $710M 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 code for motor brush
Brazil classifies motor brush under NCM 8545.20.00: HS 8545.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about motor brush
What is the HS code for Motor brush?
The HS code for Motor brush is 854520 (Carbon brushes; with or without metal, used for electrical purposes).
How do I classify Motor brush for customs?
Motor brush is classified under HS code 854520 — Carbon brushes; with or without metal, used for electrical purposes. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for motor brushes?
The correct HS code for carbon or graphite brushes used in electrical motors is 8545.20.
Are motor brushes classified as motor parts under 8503?
No, because they are specifically named in heading 8545, they must be classified under 8545.20 rather than the general parts heading 8503.
Which countries are the top exporters of motor brush (HS 854520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854520 (the code used for motor brush) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($131M, 18% of world exports), China ($72M) and Hungary ($70M). World exports came to about $716M, 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 motor brush (HS 854520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854520 (the code used for motor brush) in UN Comtrade data were China ($75M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($68M) and the United States ($66M). World imports came to about $710M, 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 Motor brush the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854520 for Motor brush 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 motor brush in Brazil?
In Brazil, motor brush (HS 854520) is classified under NCM 8545.20.00.