Import duty on car headlights in the UK
HS code
8512.20
UK commodity code
8512 20 00
UK import duty
2%
UK VAT
20%
Source: UK Global Tariff (HMRC Trade Tariff service) · checked 2026-10-31
Lighting and visual signalling equipment for vehicles, such as headlights and tail lights, is 8512.20.
UK commodity codes under 8512.20
| UK commodity code | Description | Import duty | VAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8512 20 00 | An electrical component with an integrated led, in an abs housing, with:<br>-a voltage of 11 v or more, but not more than 15 v,<br>-a circular shape,<br>-2 terminals,<br>-an outer diameter of the housing of 36 mm or more, but not more than 42,5 mm,<br>-a diode voltage of 42 v or more, but not more than 48 v and <br>-a current of 55 ma or more, but not more than 65 ma<br>; Sub-assembly reflectors and components for car rear lights:<br>-containing two or three pcba with a connection socket and led,<br>-with central control module (cce) connected through wired harness,<br>-with a main reflector, a sub-reflector and inner lens scattering the light made of plastic,<br>-with depth of 119 mm or more, but not more than 146 mm,<br>-with width of 142 mm or more, but not more than 490 mm,<br>-with a height of 93 mm or more, but not more than 100 mm,<br>-a weight of 414 g or more, but not more than 578 g,<br>-with lightguide<br>; Information screen displaying:<br>-at least time, date and status of safety features in a vehicle, or<br>-safety information on driving in the lane, blind spot, distance from the vehicle in front, current speed, speed limit,<br>with an operating voltage of 12 v or more but not more than 14,4 v, of a kind used in the manufacturing of goods of chapter 87; Electrical component with light guide integrated with led, for motor vehicles with:<br>-two parallel ribs in the front area with a distance between them of 1,4 mm or more but not more than 1,8 mm, <br>-four holes with the dimension of 7,3 mm or more but not more than 7,9 mm in the short direction of the guide, and<br>-a 3 pines connector,<br>for use in the manufacture of automotive components; Grab handle light with integrated led, for motor vehicles: <br>-a distance between integrated spring clip and surface of 0,85 mm or more but not more than 1,85 mm, <br>-a length of the housing to two front vertical ribs of 26,45 mm or more but not more than 26,75 mm, and<br>-four horizontal ribs where the distance on the lower area over the base radia between the two is 18,5 mm or more but not more than 18,7 mm, <br>for use in the manufacture of automotive components; Other6 full 10-digit codes
| 2% | 20% |
Import duty on car headlights by country
Import into the US
Free – 2.5%
See HTS codes ›
Import into the UK
2%
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Import into the EU
2.7%
See CN codes ›
How UK import charges work
The duty shown is the standard rate for goods from countries without a trade deal. Goods from a country with a UK trade agreement may pay less, or nothing, if they meet the rules of origin. A few products from certain countries also pay anti-dumping duties. The UK charges import VAT on the customs value plus shipping, insurance and duty.
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Frequently asked questions
Q1What is the UK commodity code for car headlights?
8512 20 00. It starts with the international HS code 8512.20, which is the same in every country.
Q2What is the import duty on car headlights in the UK?
The standard UK duty under 8512 20 00 is 2%. Goods from countries with a trade agreement may pay less if they meet the rules of origin.
Q3Do I pay VAT on imported car headlights?
Yes. Import VAT of 20% applies on top of duty. The UK charges import VAT on the customs value plus shipping, insurance and duty.
Q4Is the UK code the same as the US HTS code?
Only the first 6 digits (8512.20) are the same. The US adds its own digits and rates: see the US HTS code for car headlights.
Find another product’s UK duty
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New to customs terms? Read what an HS code is and our guide on how to calculate landed cost.
Classification guidance only, not a binding ruling or customs advice. The right code depends on your product’s exact material, function and construction. For certainty, get an Advance Tariff Ruling from HMRC, or ask a licensed customs broker.