HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8541.49 – Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, diodes other than light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels
HS code 8541.49 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical apparatus, photosensitive semiconductor devices, diodes other than light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels. It is used for photodiodes, phototransistors, avalanche photodiodes (APDs), PIN photodiodes and optical sensors.
What HS 8541.49 covers
This category serves as a residual for photosensitive semiconductor diodes that are neither LEDs (854141) nor photovoltaic cells (854142/854143). It primarily includes photodiodes, phototransistors, and other light-detecting semiconductor devices. These components are crucial for optical sensors, remote controls, fiber optic communication, and various detection systems in industrial, medical, and consumer electronics. International trade involves specialized components, often in smaller volumes than LEDs or solar cells, but critical for specific high-tech applications requiring precise light detection. Importers are typically manufacturers of sensing equipment, communication devices, and security systems, sourcing from specialized component producers globally.
- Covers
- Photodiodes
- Phototransistors
- Avalanche photodiodes (APDs)
- PIN photodiodes
- Optical sensors
- Infrared receivers
- Photo-interrupters
- Examples
- BPW34 photodiode
- LTR-301 phototransistor
- Vishay VEMD2000X01
- Hamamatsu S1223
- OSRAM SFH 203 P
Codes often confused with 8541.49
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 854141 (LEDs) and 854142/854143 (photovoltaic cells) because it covers light-detecting diodes, not light-emitting or power-generating ones. It also differs from 854151 (semiconductor-based transducers) which are more complex.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854149, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854149 in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 Singapore $1.9B 16% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$1.6B 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $1.3B 11% of world exports
World total: $11.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $1.4B 12% of world imports
World total: $11.6B 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 8541.49
Brazil does not split HS 8541.49: its NCM code is 8541.49.00.
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 8541.49
What is HS code 854149?
HS code 854149 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, diodes other than light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels. This category serves as a residual for photosensitive semiconductor diodes that are neither LEDs (854141) nor photovoltaic cells (854142/854143). It primarily includes photodiodes, phototransistors, and other light-detecting semiconductor devices. These components are crucial for optical sensors, remote controls, fiber optic communication, and various detection systems in industrial, medical, and consumer electronics. International trade involves specialized components, often in smaller volumes than LEDs or solar cells, but critical for specific high-tech applications requiring precise light detection. Importers are typically manufacturers of sensing equipment, communication devices, and security systems, sourcing from specialized component producers globally.
What products fall under HS code 854149?
Photodiodes, Phototransistors, Avalanche photodiodes (APDs), PIN photodiodes, Optical sensors, Infrared receivers, Photo-interrupters
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854149?
This code is distinct from 854141 (LEDs) and 854142/854143 (photovoltaic cells) because it covers light-detecting diodes, not light-emitting or power-generating ones. It also differs from 854151 (semiconductor-based transducers) which are more complex.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854149?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854149 in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($1.9B, 16% of world exports), Taiwan (about $1.6B) and Malaysia ($1.3B). World exports came to about $11.3B, 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 854149?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854149 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), Singapore ($1.5B) and Hong Kong ($1.4B). World imports came to about $11.6B, 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 854149 structured?
HS code 854149 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854149?
In Brazil, HS code 854149 is NCM 8541.49.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.