HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8517.79 – Communication apparatus; parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds
HS code 8517.79 is the 6-digit subheading for communication apparatus, parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds. It is used for printed circuit boards (PCBs) for routers, smartphone displays, modem chipsets, fiber optic modules and power supply units for base stations.
What HS 8517.79 covers
This broad 'basket' code for parts covers all components of communication apparatus under heading 8517, with the exception of aerials and aerial reflectors. It includes a vast array of items such as circuit boards, processors, power supplies, casings, and connectors for devices like phones, base stations, routers, and other communication equipment. Importers are primarily electronics manufacturers, repair centers, and system integrators who assemble, maintain, or upgrade communication equipment. Exporters are often countries with advanced electronics manufacturing ecosystems and robust supply chains. The trade in these parts is massive, reflecting the global scale of communication device production and the continuous need for components to support technological advancements, product lifecycles, and repairs across the industry.
- Covers
- Printed circuit boards (PCBs) for routers
- Smartphone displays
- Modem chipsets
- Fiber optic modules
- Power supply units for base stations
- Network processor units
- Communication device casings
- Connectors.
- Examples
- Qualcomm Snapdragon (chipset)
- Foxconn (casings/assembly)
- Broadcom (network chips)
- Samsung Display (screens)
- Huawei (various components).
Codes often confused with 8517.79
Common mistake. Frequently confused with specific finished apparatus codes (e.g., 851762, 851769) if the part is highly integrated, or with general electronic components (e.g., 8542 for ICs) if not clearly identifiable as a part of 8517 apparatus.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851779, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851779 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 20% 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 $49.6B 56% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $12.4B 14% of world exports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$8.8B 9.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $89.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $16.8B 20% of world imports
- 2 China $12.2B 14% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $9.8B 12% of world imports
World total: $84.2B 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 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 code for 8517.79
Brazil does not split HS 8517.79: its NCM code is 8517.79.00.
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 8517.79
What is HS code 851779?
HS code 851779 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Communication apparatus; parts, other than aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds. This broad 'basket' code for parts covers all components of communication apparatus under heading 8517, with the exception of aerials and aerial reflectors. It includes a vast array of items such as circuit boards, processors, power supplies, casings, and connectors for devices like phones, base stations, routers, and other communication equipment. Importers are primarily electronics manufacturers, repair centers, and system integrators who assemble, maintain, or upgrade communication equipment. Exporters are often countries with advanced electronics manufacturing ecosystems and robust supply chains. The trade in these parts is massive, reflecting the global scale of communication device production and the continuous need for components to support technological advancements, product lifecycles, and repairs across the industry.
What products fall under HS code 851779?
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) for routers, smartphone displays, modem chipsets, fiber optic modules, power supply units for base stations, network processor units, communication device casings, connectors.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851779?
Frequently confused with specific finished apparatus codes (e.g., 851762, 851769) if the part is highly integrated, or with general electronic components (e.g., 8542 for ICs) if not clearly identifiable as a part of 8517 apparatus.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851779?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851779 in UN Comtrade data were China ($49.6B, 56% of world exports), Hong Kong ($12.4B) and Vietnam (about $8.8B). World exports came to about $89.0B, 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 851779?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851779 in UN Comtrade data were India ($16.8B, 20% of world imports), China ($12.2B) and Hong Kong ($9.8B). World imports came to about $84.2B, 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 851779 structured?
HS code 851779 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 (79) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851779?
In Brazil, HS code 851779 is NCM 8517.79.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.