HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8517.69 – Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6
HS code 8517.69 is the 6-digit subheading for communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations), machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6. It is used for satellite modems, ioT gateways, wireless access points, smart home hubs and network bridges.
What HS 8517.69 covers
This 'basket' code captures a wide array of communication apparatus not specifically covered elsewhere in heading 8517.6, excluding telephone sets and base stations. It includes specialized equipment for various wired and wireless networks, from industrial IoT gateways and satellite communication terminals to smart home hubs and digital media adapters. Importers range from telecommunications companies and industrial integrators to consumer electronics distributors, seeking diverse solutions for connectivity. Exporters are typically countries with strong electronics manufacturing capabilities and innovation in specialized communication technologies. The trade in these goods is highly dynamic, reflecting rapid innovations in connectivity, smart technologies, and specialized industrial applications, making it a diverse and evolving segment of the global tech market.
- Covers
- Satellite modems
- IoT gateways
- Wireless access points
- Smart home hubs
- Network bridges
- Digital media adapters
- Industrial Ethernet switches
- Video conferencing endpoints.
- Examples
- Starlink Satellite Terminal
- Google Nest Hub
- TP-Link Omada Access Point
- Siemens SCALANCE X Industrial Switch
- Poly Studio X50.
Codes often confused with 8517.69
Common mistake. Frequently confused with 851762 (switching/routing apparatus) if it has some routing capabilities, or 851779 (parts) if it's a module rather than a complete apparatus.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851769, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851769 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 United States $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 13% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $741M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $8.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $672M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $653M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $9.2B 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 code for 8517.69
Brazil does not split HS 8517.69: its NCM code is 8517.69.00.
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 8517.69
What is HS code 851769?
HS code 851769 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6. This 'basket' code captures a wide array of communication apparatus not specifically covered elsewhere in heading 8517.6, excluding telephone sets and base stations. It includes specialized equipment for various wired and wireless networks, from industrial IoT gateways and satellite communication terminals to smart home hubs and digital media adapters. Importers range from telecommunications companies and industrial integrators to consumer electronics distributors, seeking diverse solutions for connectivity. Exporters are typically countries with strong electronics manufacturing capabilities and innovation in specialized communication technologies. The trade in these goods is highly dynamic, reflecting rapid innovations in connectivity, smart technologies, and specialized industrial applications, making it a diverse and evolving segment of the global tech market.
What products fall under HS code 851769?
Satellite modems, IoT gateways, wireless access points, smart home hubs, network bridges, digital media adapters, industrial Ethernet switches, video conferencing endpoints.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851769?
Frequently confused with 851762 (switching/routing apparatus) if it has some routing capabilities, or 851779 (parts) if it's a module rather than a complete apparatus.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851769?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851769 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Mexico ($741M). World exports came to about $8.9B, 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 851769?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851769 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($672M) and the Netherlands ($653M). World imports came to about $9.2B, 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 851769 structured?
HS code 851769 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 (69) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851769?
In Brazil, HS code 851769 is NCM 8517.69.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.