Product classification
HS code for Spark plug: 8511.10
Ignition or starting equipment, spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Classification of spark plug under HS 8511.10
Spark plugs are classified under HS code 8511.10. This classification is governed by Chapter 85, which includes electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8511 specifically covers electrical ignition or starting equipment of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. Even though a spark plug is a component of an engine, it is classified in Chapter 85 rather than Chapter 84 because it is an electrical component with a specific function in the ignition system. Subheading 8511.10 is the dedicated code for spark plugs. These devices function by delivering an electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber of a spark-ignition engine to ignite the compressed fuel/air mixture by an electric spark. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the spark plug is for an automobile, a motorcycle, a lawnmower, or a stationary industrial engine. The construction typically involves a central electrode, an insulator, and a metal shell, all of which are considered part of the finished spark plug assembly.
- Covers
- Standard automotive spark plugs
- Iridium spark plugs
- Platinum spark plugs
- Resistor spark plugs
- Marine engine spark plugs
- Small engine spark plugs (chainsaws, mowers)
- Also under 8511.10
- NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs
- Bosch Double Platinum Spark Plugs
- Denso Iridium Power Spark Plugs
- Champion Copper Plus Spark Plugs
- ACDelco Professional Glow Plugs.
Codes often confused with 8511.10
Common mistake. Spark plugs are sometimes incorrectly classified under 8409.91 as general engine parts. However, Note 2 to Section XVI and the specific heading 8511 dictate that electrical ignition equipment takes precedence. They are also confused with glow plugs, which are used in diesel engines and are classified under HS code 8511.80. Ignition coils, which work with spark plugs, are classified under 8511.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851110 (the code used for spark plug), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851110 (the code used for spark plug) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 851110, not only spark plug.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.0B 24% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.0B 24% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $397M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $4.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $656M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $563M 13% of world imports
- 3 China $352M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $4.2B 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 spark plug
Brazil classifies spark plug under NCM 8511.10.00: HS 8511.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spark plug
What is the HS code for Spark plug?
The HS code for Spark plug is 851110 (Ignition or starting equipment; spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines). The specific HS code for spark plugs is 8511.10.
How do I classify Spark plug for customs?
Spark plug is classified under HS code 851110 — Ignition or starting equipment; spark plugs, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are glow plugs for diesel engines classified here?
No, glow plugs are classified under HS code 8511.80 as "other" ignition equipment, as they function through heat rather than a spark.
Which countries are the top exporters of spark plug (HS 851110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851110 (the code used for spark plug) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.0B, 24% of world exports), Japan ($1.0B) and Thailand ($397M). World exports came to about $4.2B, 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 spark plug (HS 851110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851110 (the code used for spark plug) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($656M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($563M) and China ($352M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 Spark plug the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851110 for Spark plug 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 spark plug in Brazil?
In Brazil, spark plug (HS 851110) is classified under NCM 8511.10.00.