HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8475.21 – Machines; for manufacturing or hot working glass or glassware, for making optical fibres and preforms thereof
HS code 8475.21 is the 6-digit subheading for machines, for manufacturing or hot working glass or glassware, for making optical fibres and preforms thereof. It is used for optical fiber drawing towers, preform manufacturing lathes, fiber optic coating machines, glass rod stretching machines and optical fiber fusion splicers (industrial scale).
What HS 8475.21 covers
This HS code identifies highly specialized machinery used for manufacturing or hot working glass or glassware, specifically for the production of optical fibers and their preforms. These machines are at the heart of the global telecommunications and data transmission industries, enabling the creation of the infrastructure for high-speed internet and communication networks. The process involves extreme precision in drawing fibers from glass preforms, requiring sophisticated control over temperature and tension. Importers are typically large telecommunication companies, specialized fiber optic manufacturers, or research institutions. Exporters are often countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a strong focus on high-tech industrial equipment. Trade in these machines reflects global investment in digital infrastructure and the continuous demand for faster, more reliable data transmission.
- Covers
- Optical fiber drawing towers
- Preform manufacturing lathes
- Fiber optic coating machines
- Glass rod stretching machines
- Optical fiber fusion splicers (industrial scale)
- VAD/OVD deposition systems
- Fiber optic preform consolidation furnaces
- Examples
- Nextrom fiber drawing towers
- Fujikura preform lathes
- Sumitomo Electric fiber optic machinery
- Corning fiber production equipment
- Prysmian Group manufacturing lines
Codes often confused with 8475.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from general glass-working machinery (847529) due to its specific application in optical fiber production, which demands extreme precision and specialized processes.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 847521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 847521 in UN Comtrade data was Finland, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 43% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Finland $23M 49% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $9.3M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $5.5M 12% of world exports
World total: $47M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $21M 43% of world imports
- 2 India $8.4M 17% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $6.6M 14% of world imports
World total: $48M 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 code for 8475.21
Brazil does not split HS 8475.21: its NCM code is 8475.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.75 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8475.21
What is HS code 847521?
HS code 847521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machines; for manufacturing or hot working glass or glassware, for making optical fibres and preforms thereof. This HS code identifies highly specialized machinery used for manufacturing or hot working glass or glassware, specifically for the production of optical fibers and their preforms. These machines are at the heart of the global telecommunications and data transmission industries, enabling the creation of the infrastructure for high-speed internet and communication networks. The process involves extreme precision in drawing fibers from glass preforms, requiring sophisticated control over temperature and tension. Importers are typically large telecommunication companies, specialized fiber optic manufacturers, or research institutions. Exporters are often countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a strong focus on high-tech industrial equipment. Trade in these machines reflects global investment in digital infrastructure and the continuous demand for faster, more reliable data transmission.
What products fall under HS code 847521?
Optical fiber drawing towers, preform manufacturing lathes, fiber optic coating machines, glass rod stretching machines, optical fiber fusion splicers (industrial scale), VAD/OVD deposition systems, fiber optic preform consolidation furnaces
What are common misclassifications for HS code 847521?
This code is distinct from general glass-working machinery (847529) due to its specific application in optical fiber production, which demands extreme precision and specialized processes.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 847521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 847521 in UN Comtrade data were Finland ($23M, 49% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($9.3M) and China ($5.5M). World exports came to about $47M, 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 goods under HS code 847521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 847521 in UN Comtrade data were China ($21M, 43% of world imports), India ($8.4M) and Indonesia ($6.6M). World imports came to about $48M, 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.
How is HS code 847521 structured?
HS code 847521 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (75) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 847521?
In Brazil, HS code 847521 is NCM 8475.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.