HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8536.70 – Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables

HS code 8536.70 is the 6-digit subheading for connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables. It is used for SC fiber optic connectors, LC fiber optic connectors, MPO/MTP connectors, FC fiber optic connectors and ST fiber optic connectors.

What HS 8536.70 covers

This HS code covers connectors specifically designed for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles, or cables. These precision components are critical enablers of high-speed data transmission, forming the backbone of modern telecommunications, data centers, broadband networks, and specialized industrial applications. The global demand for these connectors is surging due to the rapid expansion of 5G infrastructure, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. Countries investing heavily in digital infrastructure and network upgrades are primary importers, while exporters are typically specialized manufacturers with advanced optical engineering capabilities. Key aspects of trade include ensuring low signal loss, high reliability, and compatibility with various fiber types and connector standards (e.g., SC, LC, MPO). The market is highly technical and driven by continuous innovation in optical performance.

Covers
  • SC fiber optic connectors
  • LC fiber optic connectors
  • MPO/MTP connectors
  • FC fiber optic connectors
  • ST fiber optic connectors
  • Fiber optic patch panels (with connectors)
  • Optical transceivers (containing connectors)
Examples
  • Corning OptiTap
  • CommScope FiberGuide
  • Amphenol Fiber Optic Connectors
  • TE Connectivity MPO
  • Furukawa Electric FITEL

Codes often confused with 8536.70

Common mistake. Sometimes confused with 8517 (telecommunication apparatus) if part of a larger assembly, or 8544 (optical fiber cables) if not clearly just the connector component.

85.17Telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular/wireless networks; other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), excluding items of 8443, 8525, 8527, or 852885.44Insulated wire, cable and other electric conductors, connector fitted or not; optical fibre cables of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors

Top exporters and importers of HS code 853670, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 853670 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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. 1 China $767M
  2. 2 United States $746M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$417M

World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.2B
  2. 2 China $334M
  3. 3 Mexico $225M

World total: $3.9B 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 code for 8536.70

Brazil does not split HS 8536.70: its NCM code is 8536.70.00.

  1. 8536.70.00 Connectors for optical fibres, bundles or cablesConectores para fibras ópticas, feixes ou cabos de fibras ópticas

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.36 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8536.70

What is HS code 853670?

HS code 853670 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables. This HS code covers connectors specifically designed for optical fibers, optical fiber bundles, or cables. These precision components are critical enablers of high-speed data transmission, forming the backbone of modern telecommunications, data centers, broadband networks, and specialized industrial applications. The global demand for these connectors is surging due to the rapid expansion of 5G infrastructure, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. Countries investing heavily in digital infrastructure and network upgrades are primary importers, while exporters are typically specialized manufacturers with advanced optical engineering capabilities. Key aspects of trade include ensuring low signal loss, high reliability, and compatibility with various fiber types and connector standards (e.g., SC, LC, MPO). The market is highly technical and driven by continuous innovation in optical performance.

What products fall under HS code 853670?

SC fiber optic connectors, LC fiber optic connectors, MPO/MTP connectors, FC fiber optic connectors, ST fiber optic connectors, fiber optic patch panels (with connectors), optical transceivers (containing connectors)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 853670?

Sometimes confused with 8517 (telecommunication apparatus) if part of a larger assembly, or 8544 (optical fiber cables) if not clearly just the connector component.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 853670?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 853670 in UN Comtrade data were China ($767M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($746M) and Taiwan (about $417M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 853670?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 853670 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 30% of world imports), China ($334M) and Mexico ($225M). World imports 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.

How is HS code 853670 structured?

HS code 853670 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (36) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 853670?

In Brazil, HS code 853670 is NCM 8536.70.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.