Product classification
HS code for Seat belt: 8708.21
Vehicles, parts of bodies, safety seat belts.
Classification of seat belt under HS 8708.21
Safety seat belts for motor vehicles are classified under HS code 8708.21. This classification is governed by Section XVII of the Harmonized System, which covers vehicles and transport equipment. Specifically, heading 8708 encompasses parts and accessories of motor vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. Under GRI 1, the specific mention of \"safety seat belts\" in sub-heading 8708.21 takes precedence over more general categories. These items are considered essential safety components integrated into the vehicle's body structure. The classification applies to the complete assembly, which typically includes the high-tenacity textile webbing, the retractor mechanism, the buckle, and the mounting hardware. Even though the belt is primarily made of textile material, Note 2(e) to Section XVII excludes textile products of Chapter 63 only if they are not yet identifiable as vehicle parts; once they are finished seat belt assemblies, they must be classified in 8708.
- Covers
- Three-point retractable seat belts for passenger cars
- Lap belts for commercial trucks and buses
- Safety harnesses for off-road vehicles
- Pre-tensioner seat belt assemblies
- Child restraint system integrated belts
- Also under 8708.21
- Bosch seat belts
- ZF TRW seat belt systems
- Magna International body panels
- Gestamp body structures
- Autoliv seat belts
- Faurecia interior components (body-related)
Codes often confused with 8708.21
Common mistake. Seat belts are sometimes misclassified under 6307.90 (other made-up textile articles) if the customs officer focuses on the material rather than the function. However, as finished parts of a motor vehicle, 8708.21 is the correct code. Another common error is using 9401.90 (parts of seats), but seat belts are considered parts of the vehicle body rather than parts of the seat itself. Furthermore, seat belts for aircraft are classified under 8803 and should not be placed in 8708.
Top exporters and importers of HS 870821 (the code used for seat belt), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 870821 (the code used for seat belt) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% 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 870821, not only seat belt.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $584M 17% of world exports
- 2 Romania $540M 15% of world exports
- 3 Poland $425M 12% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $644M 20% of world imports
- 2 Spain $514M 16% of world imports
- 3 United States $447M 14% of world imports
World total: $3.3B 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 code for seat belt
Brazil classifies seat belt under NCM 8708.21.00: HS 8708.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about seat belt
What is the HS code for Seat belt?
The HS code for Seat belt is 870821 (Vehicles; parts of bodies, safety seat belts). The HS code for safety seat belts used in motor vehicles is 8708.21.
How do I classify Seat belt for customs?
Seat belt is classified under HS code 870821 — Vehicles; parts of bodies, safety seat belts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the metal buckle?
Yes, the code 8708.21 covers the entire seat belt assembly, including the webbing, buckle, and retractor.
Which countries are the top exporters of seat belt (HS 870821)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 870821 (the code used for seat belt) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($584M, 17% of world exports), Romania ($540M) and Poland ($425M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of seat belt (HS 870821)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 870821 (the code used for seat belt) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($644M, 20% of world imports), Spain ($514M) and the United States ($447M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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 Seat belt the same in all countries?
The base HS code 870821 for Seat belt 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 seat belt in Brazil?
In Brazil, seat belt (HS 870821) is classified under NCM 8708.21.00.