Product classification

HS code for Turn signal: 8512.20

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

Classification of turn signal under HS 8512.20

Turn signals for motor vehicles are classified under HS code 8512.20. This heading is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Specifically, heading 8512 covers electrical lighting or visual signaling equipment, defrosters, and demisters of a kind used for cycles or motor vehicles. Subheading 8512.20 is the designated code for other lighting or visual signaling equipment, which includes turn signals (direction indicators), brake lights, and parking lights. The classification is based on the function of the device as a signaling apparatus for a vehicle. Whether the turn signal utilizes traditional incandescent bulbs or modern LED technology, the assembly itself remains under 8512.20. This ensures that automotive safety components are tracked separately from general lighting or general vehicle parts, allowing for specific regulatory oversight regarding automotive standards.

Covers
  • Automotive turn signal assemblies
  • Direction indicator lights for cars and trucks
  • Side repeater lamps
  • LED turn signal modules for vehicles
  • Motorcycle turn signal indicators
  • Combined tail and turn signal lamp units
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. A common misclassification is HS code 8539, which covers electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps. While the bulb inside a turn signal is 8539, the housing and signaling assembly is 8512.20. Another error is using 8708, which covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles. However, Note 2(f) to Section XVII excludes electrical machinery and equipment of Chapter 85 from being classified as parts of vehicles in Chapter 87.

85.39Lamps; electric filament or discharge lamps, including sealed beam lamp units and ultra-violet or infra-red lamps, arc lamps, light-emitting diode (LED) light sources87.08Motor vehicles; parts and accessories, of heading no. 8701 to 8705

Top exporters and importers of HS 851220 (the code used for turn signal), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851220 (the code used for turn signal) 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 turn signal.

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 turn signal

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 turn signal

What is the HS code for Turn signal?

The HS code for Turn signal 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 electrical turn signals and visual signaling equipment for motor vehicles is 8512.20.

How do I classify Turn signal for customs?

Turn signal 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.

Are the replacement bulbs classified under the same code?

No, individual replacement bulbs are classified under heading 8539, depending on their specific type (e.g., halogen, LED bulbs, or filament bulbs).

Which countries are the top exporters of turn signal (HS 851220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851220 (the code used for turn signal) 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 turn signal (HS 851220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851220 (the code used for turn signal) 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 Turn signal the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851220 for Turn signal 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 turn signal in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851220 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for turn signal 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).