HS code · 4-digit heading

HS Code 85.42 – Electronic integrated circuits

What HS 85.42 covers

Heading 8542 is the classification for electronic integrated circuits (ICs), the micro-miniature 'brains' of virtually all modern electronic devices. This encompasses a vast array of complex semiconductor devices, including microprocessors (CPUs), microcontrollers (MCUs), memory chips (DRAM, NAND flash), graphic processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and various analog and mixed-signal ICs (e.g., ADCs, DACs, power management ICs). The defining characteristic is the integration of multiple electronic components onto a single semiconductor substrate to perform a specific, complex function. This heading is distinct from discrete semiconductor devices (8541), which are individual components. Accurate classification under 8542 is critically important for international trade compliance, impacting tariffs, export controls (especially for advanced or dual-use technologies), and intellectual property rights. The global supply chain for ICs is highly complex and geographically dispersed, involving specialized design, fabrication (foundries), and assembly/testing. Historically, the evolution of ICs has driven the digital revolution, enabling the miniaturization and increased capabilities of computers and all electronic apparatus. Its placement in Section XVI highlights its role as a sophisticated electrical component, indispensable to the functioning of electrical machinery and apparatus.

Covers
  • Microprocessors (CPUs)
  • Microcontrollers (MCUs)
  • DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) chips
  • NAND flash memory chips
  • SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) chips
  • EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chips
  • Graphic Processing Units (GPUs)
  • Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs)
  • Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)
  • Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
  • Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs)
  • Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs)
  • Power Management ICs (PMICs)
  • Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs)
  • System-on-Chips (SoCs)
  • Voltage regulators (integrated type)
  • Operational amplifiers (op-amps)
  • Communication ICs (WiFi, Bluetooth)
  • Automotive integrated circuits
  • Industrial control ICs
  • Sensor interface ICs
  • Transceivers (integrated circuits)
  • Audio codecs (integrated circuits)
  • Network processors (integrated circuits).
Examples

Taiwanese foundries are the primary exporters of advanced microprocessors to Vietnam, where they are assembled into laptop computers and other consumer electronics, typically moved by air freight due to their high value and urgency. South Korean memory chip manufacturers ship billions of NAND flash memory ICs to data center equipment producers in the USA and Europe, vital for cloud storage and enterprise solutions, often utilizing specialized cargo flights. German automotive electronics firms export high-reliability microcontrollers and power management ICs to car manufacturing plants in Mexico and China for use in engine control units and infotainment systems, requiring stringent supply chain security. An American company designs specialized ASICs for AI acceleration, which are fabricated in Taiwan and then shipped to cloud computing providers in the EU for data center deployment, subject to export control regulations. A Japanese company exports specialized RFICs to telecommunications equipment manufacturers in India for 5G infrastructure development, involving complex logistics and regulatory adherence.

Subheadings under 85.42 5

8542.31Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits8542.32Electronic integrated circuits; memories8542.33Electronic integrated circuits; amplifiers8542.39Electronic integrated circuits; n.e.c. in heading no. 85428542.90Parts of electronic integrated circuits

20 Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.42 →

Codes often confused with 85.42

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification of products under 8542 is confusing integrated circuits with discrete semiconductor devices (8541). While both are made of semiconductor material, 8542 applies to chips that integrate multiple components to perform a *complex function*, whereas 8541 covers individual, distinct components (e.g., a single transistor or diode). Another error is classifying a module containing an IC but performing a broader function (e.g., a complete GPS module, 8526, or an IoT communication module, 8517) under 8542. The heading 8542 is specifically for the integrated circuit *chip* itself, not the populated circuit board or functional module. Careful review of the product's primary function and level of integration is essential.

85.41Semiconductor devices (e.g. diodes, transistors, semiconductor based transducers); including photovoltaic cells assembled or not in modules or panels, light-emitting diodes (LED) assembled with other LEDs or not, mounted piezo-electric crystals85.26Radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus85.17Telephone 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 8528

Top exporters and importers of HS code 8542, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 8542 in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 Taiwan* ~$388.0B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $262.8B
  3. 3 China $202.7B

World total: $1.50T Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $425.4B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $272.6B
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$121.1B

World total: $1.41T 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.

Questions about HS 85.42

What is HS code 8542?

HS code 8542 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electronic integrated circuits. Heading 8542 is the classification for electronic integrated circuits (ICs), the micro-miniature 'brains' of virtually all modern electronic devices. This encompasses a vast array of complex semiconductor devices, including microprocessors (CPUs), microcontrollers (MCUs), memory chips (DRAM, NAND flash), graphic processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and various analog and mixed-signal ICs (e.g., ADCs, DACs, power management ICs). The defining characteristic is the integration of multiple electronic components onto a single semiconductor substrate to perform a specific, complex function. This heading is distinct from discrete semiconductor devices (8541), which are individual components. Accurate classification under 8542 is critically important for international trade compliance, impacting tariffs, export controls (especially for advanced or dual-use technologies), and intellectual property rights. The global supply chain for ICs is highly complex and geographically dispersed, involving specialized design, fabrication (foundries), and assembly/testing. Historically, the evolution of ICs has driven the digital revolution, enabling the miniaturization and increased capabilities of computers and all electronic apparatus. Its placement in Section XVI highlights its role as a sophisticated electrical component, indispensable to the functioning of electrical machinery and apparatus.

What products fall under HS code 8542?

Microprocessors (CPUs), Microcontrollers (MCUs), DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) chips, NAND flash memory chips, SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory) chips, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chips, Graphic Processing Units (GPUs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs), Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), Power Management ICs (PMICs), Radio-Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs), System-on-Chips (SoCs), Voltage regulators (integrated type), Operational amplifiers (op-amps), Communication ICs (WiFi, Bluetooth), Automotive integrated circuits, Industrial control ICs, Sensor interface ICs, Transceivers (integrated circuits), Audio codecs (integrated circuits), Network processors (integrated circuits).

What are common misclassifications for HS code 8542?

The most frequent misclassification of products under 8542 is confusing integrated circuits with discrete semiconductor devices (8541). While both are made of semiconductor material, 8542 applies to chips that integrate multiple components to perform a *complex function*, whereas 8541 covers individual, distinct components (e.g., a single transistor or diode). Another error is classifying a module containing an IC but performing a broader function (e.g., a complete GPS module, 8526, or an IoT communication module, 8517) under 8542. The heading 8542 is specifically for the integrated circuit *chip* itself, not the populated circuit board or functional module. Careful review of the product's primary function and level of integration is essential.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 8542?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 8542 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $388.0B, 26% of world exports), Hong Kong ($262.8B) and China ($202.7B). World exports came to about $1.50T, 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 8542?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 8542 in UN Comtrade data were China ($425.4B, 30% of world imports), Hong Kong ($272.6B) and Taiwan (about $121.1B). World imports came to about $1.41T, 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 8542 structured?

HS code 8542 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (42) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.