HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8542.31 – Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits
HS code 8542.31 is the 6-digit subheading for electronic integrated circuits, processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits. It is used for microprocessors (CPUs), microcontrollers (MCUs), digital Signal Processors (DSPs), graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and system-on-Chips (SoCs).
What HS 8542.31 covers
This category covers the "brains" of most electronic devices: microprocessors, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors (DSPs). These complex integrated circuits are designed to execute instructions, manage operations, and process data, often incorporating various other functionalities like memory or I/O controllers on a single chip. The global trade in these components is immense, with major importers being countries with vast electronics manufacturing capabilities, such as China, Vietnam, Mexico, and the EU, where they are assembled into computers, smartphones, automotive systems, and industrial equipment. Leading exporters are nations with advanced semiconductor design and fabrication industries, notably Taiwan, South Korea, and the USA. Key considerations in this trade include processing power, energy efficiency, architecture (e.g., ARM, x86), and specialized functionalities for AI, IoT, or automotive applications. The market is highly competitive and driven by rapid technological advancements and demand for smarter, more connected devices.
- Covers
- Microprocessors (CPUs)
- Microcontrollers (MCUs)
- Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
- Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)
- System-on-Chips (SoCs)
- Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for processing
- Embedded controllers
- Examples
- Intel Core i9
- AMD Ryzen 7
- Apple M1
- Qualcomm Snapdragon
- NVIDIA Jetson
- Raspberry Pi RP2040
- STMicroelectronics STM32
Codes often confused with 8542.31
Common mistake. Often confused with memory ICs (854232) or other general-purpose ICs (854239), but 854231 specifically targets ICs primarily functioning as processors or controllers.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854231, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854231 in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 Taiwan* ~$228.5B 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Hong Kong $109.2B 15% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $77.0B 11% of world exports
World total: $709.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $205.3B 31% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $120.8B 18% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $62.3B 9.3% of world imports
World total: $672.2B 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 codes for 8542.31 3
Brazil splits HS 8542.31 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8542.31.10 Unmounted processor and controller ICsNão montados
- 8542.31.20 SMD processor and controller ICsMontados, próprios para montagem em superfície (SMD - Surface Mounted Device)
- 8542.31.90 Other processor and controller ICsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.42 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8542.31
What is HS code 854231?
HS code 854231 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits. This category covers the "brains" of most electronic devices: microprocessors, microcontrollers, and digital signal processors (DSPs). These complex integrated circuits are designed to execute instructions, manage operations, and process data, often incorporating various other functionalities like memory or I/O controllers on a single chip. The global trade in these components is immense, with major importers being countries with vast electronics manufacturing capabilities, such as China, Vietnam, Mexico, and the EU, where they are assembled into computers, smartphones, automotive systems, and industrial equipment. Leading exporters are nations with advanced semiconductor design and fabrication industries, notably Taiwan, South Korea, and the USA. Key considerations in this trade include processing power, energy efficiency, architecture (e.g., ARM, x86), and specialized functionalities for AI, IoT, or automotive applications. The market is highly competitive and driven by rapid technological advancements and demand for smarter, more connected devices.
What products fall under HS code 854231?
Microprocessors (CPUs), Microcontrollers (MCUs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), System-on-Chips (SoCs), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for processing, Embedded controllers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854231?
Often confused with memory ICs (854232) or other general-purpose ICs (854239), but 854231 specifically targets ICs primarily functioning as processors or controllers.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854231?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854231 in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $228.5B, 32% of world exports), Hong Kong ($109.2B) and Singapore ($77.0B). World exports came to about $709.8B, 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 854231?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854231 in UN Comtrade data were China ($205.3B, 31% of world imports), Hong Kong ($120.8B) and Singapore ($62.3B). World imports came to about $672.2B, 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 854231 structured?
HS code 854231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (42) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854231?
Brazil splits HS code 854231 into 3 NCM codes: 8542.31.10 (Unmounted processor and controller ICs), 8542.31.20 (SMD processor and controller ICs), 8542.31.90 (Other processor and controller ICs). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.