HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8501.72 – Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W
HS code 8501.72 is the 6-digit subheading for electric generators, photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W. It is used for residential solar panels, commercial rooftop solar arrays, utility-scale solar farm modules, off-grid cabin solar systems and RV solar panels.
What HS 8501.72 covers
This HS code covers photovoltaic (PV) Direct Current (DC) electric generators with an output exceeding 50W. These are the standard solar panels and modules used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar power installations, forming the backbone of modern renewable energy systems. Major importers include renewable energy project developers, construction companies, solar panel distributors, and individual homeowners. Exporters are typically large-scale solar panel manufacturers. Key factors in their trade include conversion efficiency, durability against environmental elements, warranty periods, physical dimensions, and compatibility with various mounting systems and inverters. The global push for clean energy makes these generators a highly traded commodity, essential for reducing carbon footprints and achieving energy independence.
- Covers
- Residential solar panels
- Commercial rooftop solar arrays
- Utility-scale solar farm modules
- Off-grid cabin solar systems
- RV solar panels
- Flexible solar panels for marine use
- Portable solar generators (larger)
- Examples
- LG NeON R Solar Panel
- JinkoSolar Tiger Pro
- Canadian Solar HiKu
- Trina Solar Vertex
- SunPower Maxeon 3
Codes often confused with 8501.72
Common mistake. Can be confused with 850171 (PV DC generators <= 50W) due to similar function, but distinguished by power output, or 854143 (PV cells/modules) if not considered a complete 'generator' unit.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 850172, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 850172 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 62% 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 China $157M 74% of world exports
- 2 Germany $13M 6.4% of world exports
- 3 United States $11M 5.4% of world exports
World total: $211M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Chile $772M 62% of world imports
- 2 Sri Lanka $89M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $77M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 8501.72 2
Brazil splits HS 8501.72 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8501.72.10 Photovoltaic DC generators over 50 W to 75 kWDe potência não superior a 75 kW
- 8501.72.90 Photovoltaic DC generators over 75 kWOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8501.72
What is HS code 850172?
HS code 850172 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W. This HS code covers photovoltaic (PV) Direct Current (DC) electric generators with an output exceeding 50W. These are the standard solar panels and modules used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar power installations, forming the backbone of modern renewable energy systems. Major importers include renewable energy project developers, construction companies, solar panel distributors, and individual homeowners. Exporters are typically large-scale solar panel manufacturers. Key factors in their trade include conversion efficiency, durability against environmental elements, warranty periods, physical dimensions, and compatibility with various mounting systems and inverters. The global push for clean energy makes these generators a highly traded commodity, essential for reducing carbon footprints and achieving energy independence.
What products fall under HS code 850172?
Residential solar panels, commercial rooftop solar arrays, utility-scale solar farm modules, off-grid cabin solar systems, RV solar panels, flexible solar panels for marine use, portable solar generators (larger)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 850172?
Can be confused with 850171 (PV DC generators <= 50W) due to similar function, but distinguished by power output, or 854143 (PV cells/modules) if not considered a complete 'generator' unit.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 850172?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 850172 in UN Comtrade data were China ($157M, 74% of world exports), Germany ($13M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $211M, 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 850172?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 850172 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($772M, 62% of world imports), Sri Lanka ($89M) and Mexico ($77M). World imports 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.
How is HS code 850172 structured?
HS code 850172 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (72) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 850172?
Brazil splits HS code 850172 into 2 NCM codes: 8501.72.10 (Photovoltaic DC generators over 50 W to 75 kW), 8501.72.90 (Photovoltaic DC generators over 75 kW). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.