HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8541.21 – Electrical apparatus; transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of less than 1W

HS code 8541.21 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical apparatus, transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of less than 1W. It is used for bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs), field-Effect Transistors (FETs), small-signal MOSFETs, JFETs and switching transistors.

What HS 8541.21 covers

This category encompasses small-signal transistors, which are semiconductor devices used for amplification and switching in low-power electronic circuits, specifically those with a power dissipation rate of less than 1W. These are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, and IoT devices, forming the backbone of countless digital and analog circuits. International trade is characterized by high-volume shipments to electronics assembly hubs worldwide. Importers are typically manufacturers of integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, and finished electronic goods, seeking cost-effective and reliable components. Exporters are leading semiconductor foundries and discrete component manufacturers. The market demands miniaturization, energy efficiency, and consistent performance for mass-produced items.

Covers
  • Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs)
  • Field-Effect Transistors (FETs)
  • Small-signal MOSFETs
  • JFETs
  • Switching transistors
  • RF transistors
  • Audio amplifier transistors
Examples
  • BC547 BJT
  • 2N3904 NPN transistor
  • 2N7000 N-channel MOSFET
  • SOT-23 package transistors
  • Fairchild Semiconductor KSC1845

Codes often confused with 8541.21

Common mistake. This code is distinct from 854129 (transistors >= 1W dissipation) due to its lower power rating, and from 854159 (other semiconductor devices) which covers more complex or specialized components.

8541.29Electrical apparatus; transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of 1W or more8541.59Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541

Top exporters and importers of HS code 854121, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854121 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, 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 $1.6B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $1.2B
  3. 3 Japan $589M

World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Hong Kong $1.6B
  2. 2 China $1.2B
  3. 3 South Korea $323M

World total: $5.4B 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 codes for 8541.21 4

Brazil splits HS 8541.21 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 8541.21.10 Unmounted transistors under 1 W dissipationNão montados
  2. 8541.21.20 SMD transistors under 1 W dissipationMontados, próprios para montagem em superfície (SMD - Surface Mounted Device)
  3. 8541.21.9 OtherOutros Group
  4. 8541.21.91 Heterojunction FETs (HJFET, HEMT) under 1 WDe efeito de campo, com junção heterogênea (HJFET ou HEMT)
  5. 8541.21.99 Other mounted transistors under 1 WOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.41 →

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

Questions about HS 8541.21

What is HS code 854121?

HS code 854121 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus; transistors, (other than photosensitive), with a dissipation rate of less than 1W. This category encompasses small-signal transistors, which are semiconductor devices used for amplification and switching in low-power electronic circuits, specifically those with a power dissipation rate of less than 1W. These are ubiquitous in consumer electronics, telecommunications equipment, and IoT devices, forming the backbone of countless digital and analog circuits. International trade is characterized by high-volume shipments to electronics assembly hubs worldwide. Importers are typically manufacturers of integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, and finished electronic goods, seeking cost-effective and reliable components. Exporters are leading semiconductor foundries and discrete component manufacturers. The market demands miniaturization, energy efficiency, and consistent performance for mass-produced items.

What products fall under HS code 854121?

Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs), Field-Effect Transistors (FETs), Small-signal MOSFETs, JFETs, Switching transistors, RF transistors, Audio amplifier transistors

What are common misclassifications for HS code 854121?

This code is distinct from 854129 (transistors >= 1W dissipation) due to its lower power rating, and from 854159 (other semiconductor devices) which covers more complex or specialized components.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854121?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854121 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.6B, 31% of world exports), Hong Kong ($1.2B) and Japan ($589M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 854121?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854121 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($1.6B, 30% of world imports), China ($1.2B) and South Korea ($323M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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 854121 structured?

HS code 854121 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (41) 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 854121?

Brazil splits HS code 854121 into 4 NCM codes: 8541.21.10 (Unmounted transistors under 1 W dissipation), 8541.21.20 (SMD transistors under 1 W dissipation), 8541.21.91 (Heterojunction FETs (HJFET, HEMT) under 1 W), 8541.21.99 (Other mounted transistors under 1 W). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.