Product classification
HS code for Starter-generator: 8511.40
Ignition or starting equipment, starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines.
Classification of starter-generator under HS 8511.40
Starter-generators are classified under HS code 8511.40 because they are dual-purpose electrical machines used for both starting internal combustion engines and generating electricity once the engine is running. Heading 8511 covers electrical ignition or starting equipment for spark-ignition or compression-ignition engines. Subheading 8511.40 specifically includes starter motors and dual-purpose starter-generators. These components are essential for the operation of modern vehicles, particularly those with start-stop technology or mild hybrid systems. The classification is based on the primary function of the device as part of the engine's starting system, which takes precedence over general motor or generator headings in Chapter 85.
- Covers
- Integrated Starter Generators (ISG) for hybrid vehicles
- Combined starter-alternator units
- Dynastarters for small engines
- Starter motors for passenger cars
- Heavy-duty starter motors for diesel engines
- Belt-driven starter generators
- Crankshaft-mounted starter generators
- Also under 8511.40
- Bosch Starter Motor
- Denso Starter Motor
- Valeo Starter Motor
- Remy Starter Motor
- Lucas Starter Motor
- Delco Remy Starter-Generator.
Codes often confused with 8511.40
Common mistake. Starter-generators are often misclassified under HS code 8501, which covers general-purpose electric motors and generators. However, because these units are specifically designed for internal combustion engines, Heading 8511 is more specific and thus takes precedence according to GRI 3(a). Another common error is using HS code 8511.50, which is for other generators (alternators) that do not have a starting function. If the unit performs both starting and generating, 8511.40 is the mandatory classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851140 (the code used for starter-generator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851140 (the code used for starter-generator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 25% 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 851140, not only starter-generator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $859M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $674M 12% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $577M 10% of world exports
World total: $5.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 25% of world imports
- 2 Germany $464M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $371M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $5.8B 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 starter-generator
Brazil classifies starter-generator under NCM 8511.40.00: HS 8511.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about starter-generator
What is the HS code for Starter-generator?
The HS code for Starter-generator is 851140 (Ignition or starting equipment; starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines). The HS code for dual-purpose starter-generators used for internal combustion engines is 8511.40.
How do I classify Starter-generator for customs?
Starter-generator is classified under HS code 851140 — Ignition or starting equipment; starter motors and dual purpose starter-generators, of a kind used for spark or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 8511.40 and 8511.50?
HS code 8511.40 includes units that can start the engine (starter motors and starter-generators), while 8511.50 is for generators (like alternators) that only produce power and cannot start the engine.
Which countries are the top exporters of starter-generator (HS 851140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851140 (the code used for starter-generator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($859M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($674M) and Mexico ($577M). World exports came to about $5.6B, 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 starter-generator (HS 851140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851140 (the code used for starter-generator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 25% of world imports), Germany ($464M) and Mexico ($371M). World imports came to about $5.8B, 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 Starter-generator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851140 for Starter-generator 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 starter-generator in Brazil?
In Brazil, starter-generator (HS 851140) is classified under NCM 8511.40.00.