HS 851130 Distributors; ignition coils
Quick Answer: Motor vehicle ignition distributors and ignition coils imported under HS 851130 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.20%, and the US at 2.5% (MFN). This classification specifically covers components essential for the ignition system of internal combustion engines, enabling the precise timing and delivery of electrical current to spark plugs. Importers should be aware of potential variations in duty rates based on country of origin and specific trade agreements, as highlighted by CustomTariffs. For customs brokers, accurate product description and origin documentation are crucial to ensure correct tariff application and avoid potential delays or penalties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8511300000 | — | — | — |
| 8511300010 | — | — | — |
| 8511300030 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8511300055 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 8511300090 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8511300000 | — | — | — |
| 8511300010 | — | — | — |
| 8511300030 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 8511300055 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 8511300090 | 3.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8511300040 | — | — | ["No."] |
| 85113000 | 2.5% | Free (19 programs) | — |
| 8511300080 | — | — | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8511.30?
Imports of Distributors; ignition coils may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 16 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 851130 cover?
This subheading covers distributors and ignition coils specifically designed for internal combustion engines, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (WCO HS) Nomenclature. According to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the European Union's TARIC database, this classification applies to components that distribute electrical current to spark plugs at the correct time or generate the high-voltage electrical pulse necessary for ignition, excluding complete ignition systems or engines themselves.
What falls outside HS 851130?
The following products are excluded from HS 851130: complete engine assemblies, individual spark plugs (classified under HS 851110), glow plugs for diesel engines (classified under HS 851180), and electronic control units (ECUs) that manage ignition timing but do not directly distribute current or generate the spark pulse. Components for non-internal combustion engines, such as those used in electric vehicles, are also classified elsewhere, typically under headings related to electrical machinery or parts thereof.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 851130?
A common error is misclassifying integrated ignition modules that combine the function of a distributor and an ignition coil with other electronic control functions. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, when goods are classifiable under two or more headings, the heading that gives the most specific description shall be preferred. If no single heading is more specific, the goods shall be classified as if they consisted of the material or component which gives them their essential character.
How should importers classify products under HS 851130?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 851130 involves a thorough examination of the product's function and design. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO HS Explanatory Notes, the specific tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff), and any relevant national customs rulings. Verifying that the product is solely a distributor or an ignition coil for an internal combustion engine, and not a more complex assembly, is crucial for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851130?
A Bosch ignition coil for a Volkswagen Golf, weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $2.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($50 USD × 0.05 = $2.50). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 851130.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851130?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851130, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Under USMCA, eligible ignition coils originating from Mexico or Canada may be admitted duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin is required. For CPTPP, eligible goods from countries like Japan or Singapore may also receive preferential rates, often free, contingent upon a certificate of origin.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 851130 (Distributors; ignition coils) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, HS code 851130 generally carries a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 2.5% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates may apply under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). For example, goods originating from Australia (AU) may be eligible for duty-free entry under the Australia-United States FTA. Importers must ensure they have the necessary documentation to claim preferential treatment, such as a Certificate of Origin. Always verify the specific rate and eligibility with the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
How is the import duty for HS 851130 calculated in the EU?
In the European Union, the standard duty rate for HS code 851130 is 3.2% ad valorem. For example, if an importer brings in ignition coils valued at €10,000, the calculated duty would be €10,000 * 3.2% = €320. This calculation is based on the customs value of the goods. Preferential rates may apply for goods originating from countries with which the EU has trade agreements, potentially reducing or eliminating this duty. Consult the EU's TARIC database for specific rates and conditions.
What are the key classification criteria for items under HS code 851130?
HS code 851130 covers 'Distributors; ignition coils'. The key classification criteria revolve around the function of the part within an internal combustion engine's ignition system. Distributors are devices that distribute the high-voltage current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs at the correct time. Ignition coils are transformers that convert low voltage from the vehicle's electrical system into the high voltage required to ignite the fuel-air mixture. Items must be specifically designed for these functions to be classified here. Parts that are merely accessories or general electrical components not integral to the ignition distribution or coil function would fall under different HS codes.
Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 851130 imports into the UK?
The United Kingdom's trade policy includes various agreements that can affect duty rates for HS code 851130. For instance, under the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement, goods originating from Singapore (SG) may benefit from a Free duty rate. Similarly, agreements with countries like South Korea (KR) or Australia (AU) might also offer preferential or zero duty rates. Importers must confirm the origin of the goods and possess the required proof of origin documentation to claim these benefits. The UK Trade Tariff provides the definitive list of preferential rates and their conditions.
What documentation is typically required when importing ignition coils (HS 851130) into Canada?
When importing ignition coils (HS 851130) into Canada, standard customs documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, bill of lading or air waybill, and a packing list. Crucially, importers may need to provide proof of origin if claiming preferential duty rates under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or other applicable trade agreements. A Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin on the invoice is often necessary. Depending on the specific product and its components, additional certifications related to safety or environmental standards might be requested by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It is advisable to consult the CBSA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and the relevant trade agreement text for precise requirements.