HS Code: 851120
Ignition coil
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles. This chapter is a chapter in the HS classification where technology-intensive products are concentrated, involving various types of equipment for the production, conversion, storage, transmission and utilization of electrical energy, from household appliances to industrial electronic components.
Heading
Heading 8511 covers electrical ignition or starting equipment of a kind used for spark-ignition or compression-ignition internal combustion engines (such as spark plugs, ignition coils, starter motors, magnetos, DC generators, etc.); other electrical ignition or starting apparatus for internal combustion engines (such as glow plugs, ignition magnetos); and parts of the foregoing equipment. This heading mainly covers electrical devices specially designed for internal combustion engines, and does not include electric motors or generators for general purposes.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 85 indicate Chapter 85 (electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof). Digits 3-4, 11, indicate heading 8511, specifically electrical ignition or starting equipment and apparatus for internal combustion engines. Digits 5-6, 20, indicate subheading 851120, specifically ignition coils. An ignition coil is a core component of an internal combustion engine ignition system; it steps up low-voltage direct current to high voltage, and generates an electric spark through the spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture. Subheading 851120 is listed alongside 851110 (spark plugs), 851130 (distributors), 851140 (starter motors), etc., together forming the classification system for internal combustion engine electrical systems.
Classification Basis
Ignition coils are classified under 851120 because they are key components of electrical ignition devices specially designed for internal combustion engines, with the function of converting low voltage into high voltage to drive spark plugs. They are not transformers of 8504 (although similar in principle, they are specially used for internal combustion engine ignition, whereas 8504 covers general-purpose transformers), nor do they belong to other subheadings of 8511 such as spark plugs (851110) or starter motors (851140).

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity, which should be accurately described as "ignition coil" or a specific model.
⚠️ Mistakenly declared as "transformer" or "high-voltage coil".
Use
State the applicable type of internal combustion engine, such as automobile engine, motorcycle engine, etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate that it is specially designed for internal combustion engines, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name, such as Bosch, Denso, etc.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model or part number to identify technical parameters.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry.
Working principle
Briefly describe the electromagnetic induction step-up principle, emphasizing that it is used to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
⚠️ The description is too simple and does not reflect the internal combustion engine ignition characteristics.
Voltage
Indicate the primary voltage (e.g., 12V) and secondary output voltage (e.g., 20kV).
⚠️ Only stating the working voltage without distinguishing primary/secondary.
Whether it contains electronic components
State whether it is a traditional coil or an electronic coil containing an ignition module.
⚠️ Ignoring the electronic module, which affects classification.
Applicable vehicle models
Fill in the compatible automobile brands and models for customs verification.
⚠️ The applicable vehicle model range is too broad or vague.
Example:
Product name: ignition coil; Use: automobile engine ignition system; Brand: Bosch; Model: 0221504470; Working principle: electromagnetic induction step-up, stepping up 12V low voltage to 20kV high voltage, igniting the air-fuel mixture through the spark plug; Voltage: primary 12V, secondary 20kV; Whether it contains electronic components: No; Applicable vehicle models: Volkswagen, Audi 1.8T/2.0T engines.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the product is an electrical ignition device for internal combustion engines; 2) whether it is specially used to step up low voltage to drive spark plugs; 3) whether it falls under heading 8511. Ignition coils comply with the Explanatory Notes to heading 85.11 of the Tariff and belong to electrical ignition equipment for internal combustion engines. If it is a general-purpose transformer, it is classified under 8504; if it is another electrical component, it may be classified under 8543, etc.
Confused Codes:
8504 - Transformers
8504 covers general-purpose transformers used for power conversion; ignition coils are specially used for internal combustion engine ignition and have pulse high-voltage characteristics.
851110 - Spark plugs
Spark plugs directly generate electric sparks, while ignition coils are step-up devices; the two are used together but have different functions.
851130 - Distributors
Distributors distribute high voltage to the spark plugs of each cylinder, while ignition coils provide high voltage; their structures and functions are different.
851140 - Starter motors
Starter motors are used to start the engine, while ignition coils are used for continuous ignition; their uses are different.
854370 - Other electrical equipment
854370 covers electrical equipment not elsewhere specified; ignition coils already have a specific heading and should not be classified under this code.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: How can I look up the HS code for an ignition coil?
A: You can use the customs tariff, HS code query websites, or consult a customs broker, enter the keyword "ignition coil", and confirm classification under 851120. Note the distinction between internal combustion engine-specific coils and general-purpose transformers.
Q: What is the difference in classification between ignition coils and transformers?
A: Ignition coils are specially used for internal combustion engine ignition and have pulse high-voltage output characteristics, so they are classified under 851120; transformers are general-purpose power conversion equipment and are classified under 8504. The key difference lies in use and design.
Q: How are ignition coils containing electronic modules classified?
A: If the electronic module is integrated with the coil and the main function is still step-up ignition, it is usually still classified under 851120. However, if the module has other independent functions, classification may need to be based on the principal function.
Q: What are the declaration elements for ignition coils?
A: They include product name, use, brand, model, working principle, voltage, whether electronic components are included, applicable vehicle models, etc. Detailed declaration helps expedite customs clearance.
Q: What is the import tariff rate for ignition coils?
A: Tariff rates change with national policies and free trade agreements. It is recommended to consult the latest Import and Export Tariff or obtain real-time tariff information through the customs official website or a customs broker.
Q: Which codes are ignition coils easily confused with?
A: They are easily confused with 8504 transformers, 851110 spark plugs, 851130 distributors, 851140 starter motors, etc. They must be accurately distinguished based on function, use, and structure.
Q: What should be noted when selling ignition coils through cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to confirm the HS code, understand the access requirements and certification standards of the exporting country and destination country (such as CE, UL), and declare the value accurately to avoid customs clearance delays.
Q: What is the export tax rebate for ignition coils?
A: Export tax rebate rates vary by commodity and period. It is necessary to consult the latest export tax rebate rate database or consult the tax authorities. Ignition coils usually have a tax rebate, but the specific rate is subject to official information.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.