Product classification
HS code for Warning lights: 8531.80
Signalling apparatus, electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530.
Classification of warning lights under HS 8531.80
HS code 8531.80 is utilized for warning lights that function as electrical sound or visual signaling apparatus. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8531 is dedicated to electric sound or visual signaling apparatus, such as bells, sirens, indicator panels, and burglar or fire alarms. Subheading 8531.80 serves as a broad category for other signaling apparatus that do not fall under specific subheadings like burglar alarms or indicator panels. These devices are characterized by their function of conveying information or warnings through light or sound. It is important to note that this code excludes signaling equipment specifically designed for cycles or motor vehicles, which are classified under heading 8512, and equipment for traffic control on roads or railways, which falls under heading 8530. The classification under 8531.80 is appropriate for industrial beacons, strobe lights for buildings, and electronic sirens used in safety systems. The primary purpose must be signaling rather than illumination.
- Covers
- Industrial strobe warning lights
- Electronic sirens and buzzers
- Rotating beacon lights for buildings
- Visual alarm indicators for machinery
- Hazard warning lights (non-vehicular)
- Also under 8531.80
- Federal Signal industrial beacons
- Rauland Responder nurse call systems
- Ring Video Doorbell (the doorbell unit itself)
- Whelen emergency vehicle warning lights (when not for vehicles)
- various industrial stack lights
- Edwards Signaling horns
Codes often confused with 8531.80
Common mistake. Warning lights are often misclassified under HS code 8512.20, which is specifically for lighting or visual signaling equipment for motor vehicles. They are also confused with HS code 9405.40, which covers general electric lamps and lighting fixtures intended for illumination rather than signaling.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853180 (the code used for warning lights), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853180 (the code used for warning lights) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 853180, not only warning lights.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 22% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$829M 16% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $523M 9.9% of world exports
World total: $5.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.4B 27% of world imports
- 2 France $538M 10% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $320M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $5.3B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 warning lights
Brazil classifies warning lights under NCM 8531.80.00: HS 8531.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about warning lights
What is the HS code for Warning lights?
The HS code for Warning lights is 853180 (Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530). The HS code for general electric warning lights and signaling apparatus is 8531.80.
How do I classify Warning lights for customs?
Warning lights is classified under HS code 853180 — Signalling apparatus; electric, sound or visual, apparatus n.e.c. in heading no. 8531, excluding those of heading no. 8512 or 8530. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are car hazard lights classified under 8531.80?
No, hazard lights for motor vehicles are classified under HS code 8512.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of warning lights (HS 853180)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853180 (the code used for warning lights) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 22% of world exports), Vietnam (about $829M) and the United States ($523M). World exports came to about $5.3B, 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 warning lights (HS 853180)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853180 (the code used for warning lights) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.4B, 27% of world imports), France ($538M) and the Netherlands ($320M). World imports came to about $5.3B, 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 Warning lights the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853180 for Warning lights 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 warning lights in Brazil?
In Brazil, warning lights (HS 853180) is classified under NCM 8531.80.00.