Product classification
HS code for Seatbelt buckle: 9401.99
Seats, parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the minister.
Classification of seatbelt buckle under HS 9401.99
The classification of a seatbelt buckle under HS code 9401.99 is determined by its primary function as a component of a seat assembly. While many automotive parts fall under Chapter 87, the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System specify that parts of seats are classified under heading 94.01. Since a seatbelt buckle is designed to be anchored to or integrated within the seat frame to ensure passenger safety, it is treated as a part of the seat rather than a general accessory of the vehicle body. This classification applies specifically to buckles that are not made of wood and are intended for use in motor vehicle seating. The determination often hinges on whether the buckle is considered an integral part of the seat's safety system. If the buckle is part of a larger seat assembly or specifically designed to interface with the seat's internal mechanisms, 9401.99 is the most appropriate code. This code is essential for manufacturers who supply seating systems to the automotive industry, as it distinguishes these safety components from general metal hardware or standard vehicle body parts. The classification remains consistent even if the buckle includes electronic sensors for seatbelt reminders, provided the primary function is the mechanical locking of the seatbelt.
- Covers
- Standard automotive seatbelt buckles
- Buckle pretensioner units (integrated)
- Rear seat center lap belt buckles
- Buckle assemblies with integrated warning switches
- Heavy-duty buckles for commercial vehicle seating
- Replacement buckle heads for passenger car seats
- Also under 9401.99
- Recaro automotive seat frames
- Faurecia seat mechanisms
- Adient seat covers
- Lear Corporation foam components
Codes often confused with 9401.99
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying seatbelt buckles under HS code 8708.29, which covers parts and accessories of the bodies of motor vehicles. While seatbelts themselves are often found in 8708.21, the specific buckle component, when identified as a part of the seat structure, moves to 9401.99. Another common mistake is using 8308.90, which covers buckles for clothing, footwear, or luggage. However, automotive buckles are engineered for high-tensile safety loads and are excluded from Chapter 83.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940199 (the code used for seatbelt buckle), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940199 (the code used for seatbelt buckle) in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 940199, not only seatbelt buckle.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Mexico $6.5B 20% of world exports
- 2 China $4.6B 14% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $2.8B 8.5% of world exports
World total: $32.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $10.0B 29% of world imports
- 2 Germany $4.3B 13% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $2.6B 7.5% of world imports
World total: $34.4B 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 seatbelt buckle
Brazil classifies seatbelt buckle under NCM 9401.99.00: HS 9401.99 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about seatbelt buckle
What is the HS code for Seatbelt buckle?
The HS code for Seatbelt buckle is 940199 (Seats; parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the minister). The primary HS code is 9401.99, specifically for parts of seats used in motor vehicles.
How do I classify Seatbelt buckle for customs?
Seatbelt buckle is classified under HS code 940199 — Seats; parts, (of other than wood) for use in the assembly of motor vehicles as determined by the minister. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the entire seatbelt assembly?
No, the complete seatbelt assembly, including the webbing and retractor, is typically classified under 8708.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of seatbelt buckle (HS 940199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940199 (the code used for seatbelt buckle) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($6.5B, 20% of world exports), China ($4.6B) and Czechia ($2.8B). World exports came to about $32.5B, 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 seatbelt buckle (HS 940199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940199 (the code used for seatbelt buckle) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($10.0B, 29% of world imports), Germany ($4.3B) and Czechia ($2.6B). World imports came to about $34.4B, 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 Seatbelt buckle the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940199 for Seatbelt buckle 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 seatbelt buckle in Brazil?
In Brazil, seatbelt buckle (HS 940199) is classified under NCM 9401.99.00.