HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8532.21 – Electrical capacitors; fixed, tantalum
HS code 8532.21 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical capacitors, fixed, tantalum. It is used for surface-mount tantalum capacitors, wet tantalum capacitors, polymer tantalum capacitors, molded tantalum capacitors and chip tantalum capacitors.
What HS 8532.21 covers
This category encompasses fixed tantalum electrical capacitors, highly valued in international trade for their superior capacitance density, stability, and reliability in compact designs. They are indispensable in high-performance electronics, including military and aerospace systems, medical devices, and high-end consumer electronics where space is at a premium and failure is not an option. Importers are typically manufacturers of advanced electronic equipment and specialized component distributors. Exporters are concentrated in regions with sophisticated electronics manufacturing capabilities. The supply chain for tantalum, often sourced from conflict-affected regions, adds a layer of complexity, requiring due diligence from traders regarding ethical sourcing and compliance with international regulations.
- Covers
- Surface-mount tantalum capacitors
- Wet tantalum capacitors
- Polymer tantalum capacitors
- Molded tantalum capacitors
- Chip tantalum capacitors
- Low ESR tantalum capacitors
- Examples
- KEMET Tantalum Capacitors
- AVX Tantalum Capacitors
- Vishay Tantalum Capacitors
- Panasonic Tantalum Capacitors
Codes often confused with 8532.21
Common mistake. Often confused with other fixed capacitors like ceramic (853223, 853224) or aluminum electrolytic (853222) due to their similar function, but tantalum's distinct material and performance characteristics are key for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 853221, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853221 in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% 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 Hong Kong $604M 23% of world exports
- 2 China $430M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $229M 8.6% of world exports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $769M 28% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $424M 16% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$317M 12% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $2.7B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 8532.21 4
Brazil splits HS 8532.21 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8532.21.1 Suitable for surface mounting (SMD - Surface Mounted Device)Próprios para montagem em superfície (SMD - Surface Mounted Device) Group
- 8532.21.11 SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation 125 V or lessCom tensão de isolação inferior ou igual a 125 V
- 8532.21.19 SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation over 125 VOutros
- 8532.21.20 Through-hole (PTH) tantalum capacitorsPróprios para montagem por inserção (PTH - Pin Through Hole)
- 8532.21.90 Other tantalum capacitorsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.32 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8532.21
What is HS code 853221?
HS code 853221 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical capacitors; fixed, tantalum. This category encompasses fixed tantalum electrical capacitors, highly valued in international trade for their superior capacitance density, stability, and reliability in compact designs. They are indispensable in high-performance electronics, including military and aerospace systems, medical devices, and high-end consumer electronics where space is at a premium and failure is not an option. Importers are typically manufacturers of advanced electronic equipment and specialized component distributors. Exporters are concentrated in regions with sophisticated electronics manufacturing capabilities. The supply chain for tantalum, often sourced from conflict-affected regions, adds a layer of complexity, requiring due diligence from traders regarding ethical sourcing and compliance with international regulations.
What products fall under HS code 853221?
Surface-mount tantalum capacitors, wet tantalum capacitors, polymer tantalum capacitors, molded tantalum capacitors, chip tantalum capacitors, low ESR tantalum capacitors
What are common misclassifications for HS code 853221?
Often confused with other fixed capacitors like ceramic (853223, 853224) or aluminum electrolytic (853222) due to their similar function, but tantalum's distinct material and performance characteristics are key for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853221?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853221 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($604M, 23% of world exports), China ($430M) and the United States ($229M). World exports came to about $2.7B, 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 853221?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853221 in UN Comtrade data were China ($769M, 28% of world imports), Hong Kong ($424M) and Taiwan (about $317M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 853221 structured?
HS code 853221 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (32) 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 853221?
Brazil splits HS code 853221 into 4 NCM codes: 8532.21.11 (SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation 125 V or less), 8532.21.19 (SMD tantalum capacitors, insulation over 125 V), 8532.21.20 (Through-hole (PTH) tantalum capacitors), 8532.21.90 (Other tantalum capacitors). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.