Product classification

HS code for Tail light: 8512.20

Lighting or visual signalling equipment, electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539).

Classification of tail light under HS 8512.20

Tail lights for motor vehicles are classified under HS code 851220. This classification is governed by the product's status as electrical lighting or visual signaling equipment designed specifically for use on motor vehicles. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8512 is dedicated to electrical lighting or signaling equipment, windscreen wipers, and defrosters for cycles or motor vehicles. The sub-heading 851220 specifically covers "Other lighting or visual signaling equipment," which includes the entire rear lamp assembly. This includes the housing, the lens, and the internal circuitry. It is important to note that this code applies to the assembly as a whole; if the shipment consists only of the glass or plastic lenses, it may be classified under 851290 as a part.

Covers
  • Rear lamp assemblies
  • Brake light units
  • Rear turn signal lights
  • License plate illumination lights
  • Reverse light assemblies
  • Combined rear lighting clusters
Also under 8512.20
  • Hella LED Matrix Headlights
  • Bosch Automotive Lighting Systems
  • Valeo Smart Lighting Modules
  • Koito LED Headlamps
  • Philips Ultinon LED Bulbs

Codes often confused with 8512.20

Common mistake. Tail lights are often misclassified under 8708, which covers general parts and accessories of motor vehicles. However, according to the General Rules of Interpretation, electrical lighting equipment is specifically excluded from Chapter 87 and must be placed in 8512. Another common error is using 8539, which is reserved for the individual electric filament or LED bulbs rather than the complete light fixture assembly.

87.08Motor vehicles; parts and accessories, of heading no. 8701 to 870585.12Lighting or visual signalling equipment (excluding articles of heading no. 8539), windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles85.39Lamps; electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps, arc lamps, light-emitting diode (LED) light sources

Top exporters and importers of HS 851220 (the code used for tail light), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851220 (the code used for tail light) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 851220, not only tail light.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $4.4B
  2. 2 Germany $3.1B
  3. 3 Mexico $2.4B

World total: $26.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $4.6B
  2. 2 Germany $4.5B
  3. 3 China $1.3B

World total: $24.4B 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 codes for tail light

Brazil splits HS 8512.20 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about tail light

What is the HS code for Tail light?

The HS code for Tail light is 851220 (Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539)). The HS code for a motor vehicle tail light assembly is 851220.

How do I classify Tail light for customs?

Tail light is classified under HS code 851220 — Lighting or visual signalling equipment; electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading no. 8539). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does 851220 include the light bulbs?

If the bulbs are imported inside the tail light assembly, they are classified together under 851220. If imported separately, the bulbs are classified under 8539.

Which countries are the top exporters of tail light (HS 851220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851220 (the code used for tail light) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.4B, 16% of world exports), Germany ($3.1B) and Mexico ($2.4B). World exports came to about $26.7B, 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 tail light (HS 851220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851220 (the code used for tail light) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.6B, 19% of world imports), Germany ($4.5B) and China ($1.3B). World imports came to about $24.4B, 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 Tail light the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851220 for Tail light 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 tail light in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851220 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for tail light depends on the product's details: 8512.20.11 (Motor vehicle headlamps), 8512.20.19 (Other motor vehicle lighting apparatus), 8512.20.21 (Fixed signalling lights for motor vehicles), 8512.20.22 (Manoeuvre indicator lights for motor vehicles), 8512.20.23 (Combined lamp housings for motor vehicles), 8512.20.29 (Other motor vehicle visual signalling apparatus).