HS Code Subheading

Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels

8541.42 Subheading
Section XVI — Machinery and mechanical appliances; electrical equipment; parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles

About HS Code 854142

This category covers individual photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, in their unassembled form. These are the fundamental semiconductor devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity, serving as the core building blocks for solar panels. International trade in these cells is a critical component of the global solar energy supply chain, with specialized manufacturers producing cells for assembly into modules and panels in other countries. Importers are typically solar panel manufacturers, research institutions, or companies involved in renewable energy system integration. The trade volume is heavily influenced by global energy policies, environmental initiatives, and the economic viability of solar power generation, driving significant cross-border movement of these high-tech components.

Products Under This Code

Monocrystalline silicon solar cells, Polycrystalline silicon solar cells, Thin-film solar cells, PERC solar cells, N-type solar cells, P-type solar cells, Bifacial solar cells

Real World Examples

Trina Solar Vertex cells, Jinko Solar Tiger Neo cells, LONGi Hi-MO cells, Canadian Solar CS cells, Hanwha Q CELLS Q.ANTUM cells

Common Misclassification

This code is crucial for distinguishing raw solar cells from assembled solar modules or panels (854143), and from other photosensitive devices like photodiodes (854149).

Products Classified Under 8541.42

Industry

This code belongs to the Electronics & Electrical Equipment industry.

Trade Overview

China is the overwhelming leader in exporting these cells, with Southeast Asian countries, the US, and Europe being major importers for module assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 854142?

HS code 854142 covers: Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels. This category covers individual photovoltaic cells, commonly known as solar cells, in their unassembled form. These are the fundamental semiconductor devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity, serving as the core building blocks for solar panels. International trade in these cells is a critical component of the global solar energy supply chain, with specialized manufacturers producing cells for assembly into modules and panels in other countries. Importers are typically solar panel manufacturers, research institutions, or companies involved in renewable energy system integration. The trade volume is heavily influenced by global energy policies, environmental initiatives, and the economic viability of solar power generation, driving significant cross-border movement of these high-tech components.

What products fall under HS code 854142?

Monocrystalline silicon solar cells, Polycrystalline silicon solar cells, Thin-film solar cells, PERC solar cells, N-type solar cells, P-type solar cells, Bifacial solar cells

What are common misclassifications for HS code 854142?

This code is crucial for distinguishing raw solar cells from assembled solar modules or panels (854143), and from other photosensitive devices like photodiodes (854149).

How is HS code 854142 structured?

HS code 854142 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 (42) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.