Product classification
HS code for Windshield wiper: 8512.40
Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters, electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles.
Classification of windshield wiper under HS 8512.40
Windshield wipers are classified under HS code 8512.40, which covers electrical windscreen wipers, defrosters, and demisters for cycles or motor vehicles. This heading is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. The classification includes the complete electrical wiper mechanism, which typically consists of the electric motor, the transmission linkage system, and the wiper arm. The primary function of the device—providing visibility by clearing rain, snow, or debris from the windscreen—is the basis for its inclusion in heading 8512. This code is specific to the electrical components; non-electrical wipers, which are virtually non-existent in modern automotive applications, would be classified elsewhere. According to General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the heading. It is also important to note that this code applies to the assembly as used in motor vehicles (headings 8701 to 8705) or cycles. If the wiper is imported as a separate motor without the arm or linkage, it might be classified under 8501 as a general-purpose electric motor, depending on its technical specifications and whether it is identifiable as being solely for a wiper system. The 8512.40 code is critical for automotive parts suppliers and manufacturers to ensure correct duty application for safety-critical visibility components.
- Covers
- Complete electrical windshield wiper assemblies
- Rear window wiper mechanisms for cars
- Electric windscreen wiper motors with linkages
- Wiper systems for buses and trucks
- Electrical defrosters for vehicle windscreens
- Also under 8512.40
- Bosch Aerotwin Wiper Blades
- Valeo Silencio Wiper Blades
- Denso Wiper Blades
- Trico Force Wiper Blades
- PIAA Super Silicone Wipers
Codes often confused with 8512.40
Common mistake. Windshield wipers are often misclassified under 4016.99 if only the rubber wiper blades are being imported; blades alone are considered articles of vulcanized rubber. Another common error is 8512.90, which is the code for parts of the equipment in heading 8512. If the item is a complete wiper arm or motor assembly, it should stay in 8512.40 rather than the parts category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851240 (the code used for windshield wiper), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851240 (the code used for windshield wiper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 13% 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 851240, not only windshield wiper.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $286M 24% of world exports
- 2 Mexico $187M 16% of world exports
- 3 Morocco $81M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $115M 13% of world imports
- 2 Canada $64M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 United States $56M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $910M 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 windshield wiper
Brazil splits HS 8512.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8512.40.10Vehicle windscreen wipers
- 8512.40.20Vehicle defrosters and demisters
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about windshield wiper
What is the HS code for Windshield wiper?
The HS code for Windshield wiper is 851240 (Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles). The HS code for electrical windshield wipers, defrosters, and demisters for motor vehicles is 8512.40.
How do I classify Windshield wiper for customs?
Windshield wiper is classified under HS code 851240 — Windscreen wipers, defrosters and demisters; electrical, of kinds used for cycles or motor vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are wiper blades classified under the same code?
No, separate wiper blades made of rubber are typically classified under 4016.99, as they are considered parts of general use made of vulcanized rubber rather than the electrical mechanism itself.
Which countries are the top exporters of windshield wiper (HS 851240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851240 (the code used for windshield wiper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($286M, 24% of world exports), Mexico ($187M) and Morocco ($81M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 windshield wiper (HS 851240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851240 (the code used for windshield wiper) in UN Comtrade data were France ($115M, 13% of world imports), Canada ($64M) and the United States ($56M). World imports came to about $910M, 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 Windshield wiper the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851240 for Windshield wiper 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 windshield wiper in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851240 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for windshield wiper depends on the product's details: 8512.40.10 (Vehicle windscreen wipers), 8512.40.20 (Vehicle defrosters and demisters).