HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8517.61 – Base stations
HS code 8517.61 is the 6-digit subheading for base stations. It is used for 5G base stations, LTE eNodeB, GSM base transceiver stations (BTS), small cells and macro base stations.
What HS 8517.61 covers
This HS code covers base stations, which are the foundational infrastructure components for cellular and wireless communication networks. These sophisticated devices are crucial for transmitting and receiving radio signals, enabling mobile phone calls, data transfer, and internet connectivity. With the global rollout of 5G technology, trade in these high-tech systems is booming, driven by telecommunications companies, internet service providers, and governments investing in digital infrastructure. Major importers are countries expanding their network coverage or upgrading to newer generations of wireless technology, while exporters are typically leading telecom equipment manufacturers. Key considerations in this trade include technological standards, cybersecurity, and geopolitical factors influencing supply chains.
- Covers
- 5G base stations
- LTE eNodeB
- GSM base transceiver stations (BTS)
- Small cells
- Macro base stations
- Radio access network (RAN) equipment
- Cellular repeaters
- Network access points.
- Examples
- Ericsson Radio Dot System
- Huawei DBS3900
- Nokia AirScale
- Samsung 5G RAN
- ZTE UniSite.
Codes often confused with 8517.61
Common mistake. Could be confused with 851762 (other communication apparatus) if not clearly identified as a base station, or 851779 (parts) if components are traded separately rather than as a complete unit.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851761, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851761 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 25% 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 $2.3B 58% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$293M 7.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Hungary $193M 5.0% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $935M 25% of world imports
- 2 Japan $277M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $213M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8517.61 8
Brazil splits HS 8517.61 into 8 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8517.61.30 Cellular network base stationsDe telefonia celular
- 8517.61.4 For satellite telecommunicationDe telecomunicação por satélite Group
- 8517.61.41 Fixed main earth stations without antennaPrincipal terrena fixa, sem conjunto antena-refletor
- 8517.61.42 VSAT base stations without antennaVSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), sem conjunto antena-refletor
- 8517.61.43 Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S bandDigitais, operando em banda C, Ku, L ou S
- 8517.61.49 Other satellite base stationsOutras
- 8517.61.9 OtherOutras Group
- 8517.61.91 Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/sDigitais, de frequência igual ou superior a 15 GHz e inferior ou igual a 23 GHz e taxa de transmissão inferior ou igual a 8 Mbit/s
- 8517.61.92 Digital base stations, over 23 GHzDigitais, de frequência superior a 23 GHz
- 8517.61.99 Other base stationsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8517.61
What is HS code 851761?
HS code 851761 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Base stations. This HS code covers base stations, which are the foundational infrastructure components for cellular and wireless communication networks. These sophisticated devices are crucial for transmitting and receiving radio signals, enabling mobile phone calls, data transfer, and internet connectivity. With the global rollout of 5G technology, trade in these high-tech systems is booming, driven by telecommunications companies, internet service providers, and governments investing in digital infrastructure. Major importers are countries expanding their network coverage or upgrading to newer generations of wireless technology, while exporters are typically leading telecom equipment manufacturers. Key considerations in this trade include technological standards, cybersecurity, and geopolitical factors influencing supply chains.
What products fall under HS code 851761?
5G base stations, LTE eNodeB, GSM base transceiver stations (BTS), small cells, macro base stations, radio access network (RAN) equipment, cellular repeaters, network access points.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851761?
Could be confused with 851762 (other communication apparatus) if not clearly identified as a base station, or 851779 (parts) if components are traded separately rather than as a complete unit.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851761?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851761 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $293M) and Hungary ($193M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 851761?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851761 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($935M, 25% of world imports), Japan ($277M) and the United States ($213M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 851761 structured?
HS code 851761 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (61) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851761?
Brazil splits HS code 851761 into 8 NCM codes: 8517.61.30 (Cellular network base stations), 8517.61.41 (Fixed main earth stations without antenna), 8517.61.42 (VSAT base stations without antenna), 8517.61.43 (Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S band), 8517.61.49 (Other satellite base stations), 8517.61.91 (Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/s), 8517.61.92 (Digital base stations, over 23 GHz), 8517.61.99 (Other base stations). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.