HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8541.59 – Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541
HS code 8541.59 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical apparatus, photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541. It is used for CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, optocouplers (phototransistor/photodiode type), solid-state image sensors and photo-IC sensors.
What HS 8541.59 covers
This is a residual category for photosensitive semiconductor devices not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8541. It encompasses a wide array of specialized or emerging semiconductor devices that interact with light but do not fit the definitions of LEDs, photovoltaic cells, or semiconductor-based transducers. Examples might include advanced optical switches, certain types of image sensors (like CCD or CMOS sensors), or novel optoelectronic components used in niche applications. Trade in this category often involves highly specialized industrial applications, R&D prototypes, or components for high-tech consumer products. Importers and exporters are typically high-tech companies, research institutions, or manufacturers of highly specialized equipment, seeking cutting-edge solutions.
- Covers
- CCD image sensors
- CMOS image sensors
- Optocouplers (phototransistor/photodiode type)
- Solid-state image sensors
- Photo-IC sensors
- Optical isolators
- Fiber optic transceivers (semiconductor part)
- Examples
- Sony IMX series CMOS sensors
- ON Semiconductor AR0134 image sensor
- Broadcom HCPL-0600 optocoupler
- Sharp PC817 optoisolator
- OmniVision OV5640 image sensor
Codes often confused with 8541.59
Common mistake. This 'not elsewhere specified' code is used when a photosensitive semiconductor device doesn't fit precisely into 854141 (LEDs), 854142/43 (PV cells), 854149 (other photosensitive diodes), or 854151 (transducers), making it a fallback for unique or complex devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854159, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854159 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 United States $1.6B 29% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$1.1B 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $619M 11% of world exports
World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $997M 17% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $837M 14% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$830M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $5.9B 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 8541.59
Brazil does not split HS 8541.59: its NCM code is 8541.59.00.
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 8541.59
What is HS code 854159?
HS code 854159 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541. This is a residual category for photosensitive semiconductor devices not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8541. It encompasses a wide array of specialized or emerging semiconductor devices that interact with light but do not fit the definitions of LEDs, photovoltaic cells, or semiconductor-based transducers. Examples might include advanced optical switches, certain types of image sensors (like CCD or CMOS sensors), or novel optoelectronic components used in niche applications. Trade in this category often involves highly specialized industrial applications, R&D prototypes, or components for high-tech consumer products. Importers and exporters are typically high-tech companies, research institutions, or manufacturers of highly specialized equipment, seeking cutting-edge solutions.
What products fall under HS code 854159?
CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, Optocouplers (phototransistor/photodiode type), Solid-state image sensors, Photo-IC sensors, Optical isolators, Fiber optic transceivers (semiconductor part)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854159?
This 'not elsewhere specified' code is used when a photosensitive semiconductor device doesn't fit precisely into 854141 (LEDs), 854142/43 (PV cells), 854149 (other photosensitive diodes), or 854151 (transducers), making it a fallback for unique or complex devices.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854159?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854159 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 29% of world exports), Taiwan (about $1.1B) and Malaysia ($619M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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 854159?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854159 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($997M, 17% of world imports), Thailand ($837M) and Taiwan (about $830M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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 854159 structured?
HS code 854159 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 (59) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854159?
In Brazil, HS code 854159 is NCM 8541.59.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.