Product classification
HS code for Starter motor: 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 motor under HS 8511.40
Starter motors are classified under HS code 8511.40 because they are specialized electrical equipment designed specifically for the ignition or starting of internal combustion engines. This classification falls within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. The code 8511 specifically addresses electrical ignition or starting equipment of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines. Unlike general-purpose electric motors, starter motors are engineered to provide high torque for short durations to crank the engine. This specific function dictates their placement here rather than in general motor categories. The classification includes both the motor itself and any integrated components like the starter solenoid or drive assembly that are essential for its operation as a starting device. The heading also covers dual-purpose starter-generators, which are increasingly common in modern automotive systems. These units function as a motor to start the engine and then switch to a generator mode to charge the battery and power electrical systems once the engine is running. The classification remains consistent regardless of the voltage (e.g., 12V or 24V) or the type of vehicle (passenger car, truck, or marine vessel) the motor is intended for, provided it is used for an internal combustion engine.
- Covers
- Electric starter motors for gasoline engines
- Electric starter motors for diesel engines
- Starter-generators (dual purpose)
- Solenoid-actuated starter motors
- Pre-engaged starter motors
- Inertia-type starter motors
- 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 motors are frequently misclassified under HS code 8501, which covers general-purpose electric motors and generators. However, Note 1 to Chapter 85 and the specific wording of heading 8511 prioritize the specialized function of engine starting. Another common error is attempting to classify them under HS code 8708 as parts of motor vehicles. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically Note 2 to Section XVII, electrical machinery of Chapter 85 is excluded from Section XVII (Vehicles), even if designed for use in vehicles. Therefore, 8511.40 always takes precedence over 8708 for these components.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851140 (the code used for starter motor), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851140 (the code used for starter motor) 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 motor.
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 motor
Brazil classifies starter motor 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 motor
What is the HS code for Starter motor?
The HS code for Starter motor 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 primary HS code for a starter motor used in internal combustion engines is 8511.40.
How do I classify Starter motor for customs?
Starter motor 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.
Does this code include the starter solenoid?
Yes, if the solenoid is imported or exported as an integral part of the starter motor assembly, it is classified under 8511.40. If the solenoid is shipped separately as a replacement part, it may be classified under 8511.90 as a part of ignition/starting equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of starter motor (HS 851140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851140 (the code used for starter motor) 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 motor (HS 851140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851140 (the code used for starter motor) 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 motor the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851140 for Starter motor 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 motor in Brazil?
In Brazil, starter motor (HS 851140) is classified under NCM 8511.40.00.