Product classification
HS code for Vehicle AC: 8415.20
Air conditioning machines, comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles.
Classification of vehicle AC under HS 8415.20
Air conditioning machines designed for use in motor vehicles are classified under HS code 8415.20. Heading 8415 covers machines comprising a motor-driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity. While many vehicle parts are classified in Chapter 87, the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that machinery of Chapter 84 remains there even if designed for use in vehicles, provided it is not specifically excluded by Section XVII notes. Subheading 8415.20 is a specific provision for air conditioning units 'of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles.' To fall under this code, the unit must be a complete system or a unit presented in a single housing or as a 'split-system' consisting of an evaporator and a condenser. The system must be capable of both cooling and dehumidifying the air. In the context of motor vehicles, these units are powered by the vehicle's engine or an auxiliary motor. The classification covers units for passenger cars, trucks, buses, and even specialized off-road vehicles, provided they are intended for the comfort of the occupants. It is important to distinguish between the complete air conditioning machine and its individual components. Under GRI 1 and 6, the specific subheading 8415.20 takes precedence over the general parts heading 8708 because it describes the machine by its specific function rather than its application as a vehicle part.
- Covers
- Complete air conditioning units for passenger cars
- AC systems for buses and coaches
- Truck cabin air conditioners
- Evaporator and condenser units presented together
- Roof-mounted AC units for motorhomes
- Also under 8415.20
- Denso automotive AC systems
- Sanden compressors
- Valeo HVAC modules
- Mahle Behr thermal management
- Delphi AC components
Codes often confused with 8415.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is under HS code 8708, which covers parts and accessories of motor vehicles. However, Note 2(e) to Section XVII explicitly excludes machines of heading 8415 from Chapter 87. Another common error is classifying individual components like compressors under 8415.20. Compressors are classified separately under 8414.30, and radiators or heat exchangers are classified under 8419.50 or 8708.91, unless they are part of a complete AC unit presented together.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841520 (the code used for vehicle AC), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841520 (the code used for vehicle AC) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% 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 841520, not only vehicle AC.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $553M 19% of world exports
- 2 China $465M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $376M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $465M 18% of world imports
- 2 United States $403M 15% of world imports
- 3 France $156M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 vehicle AC
Brazil splits HS 8415.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8415.20.10Vehicle AC, max 30,000 frigories/h
- 8415.20.90Vehicle AC, over 30,000 frigories/h
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vehicle AC
What is the HS code for Vehicle AC?
The HS code for Vehicle AC is 841520 (Air conditioning machines; comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles). The HS code for a complete vehicle air conditioning machine is 8415.20.
How do I classify Vehicle AC for customs?
Vehicle AC is classified under HS code 841520 — Air conditioning machines; comprising a motor driven fan and elements for changing the temperature and humidity, of a kind used for persons, in motor vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are AC compressors for cars classified here?
No, compressors for refrigerating equipment, including those for vehicle AC, are classified under HS code 8414.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of vehicle AC (HS 841520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841520 (the code used for vehicle AC) in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($553M, 19% of world exports), China ($465M) and Germany ($376M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 vehicle AC (HS 841520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841520 (the code used for vehicle AC) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($465M, 18% of world imports), the United States ($403M) and France ($156M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Vehicle AC the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841520 for Vehicle AC 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 vehicle AC in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841520 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vehicle AC depends on the product's details: 8415.20.10 (Vehicle AC, max 30,000 frigories/h), 8415.20.90 (Vehicle AC, over 30,000 frigories/h).