HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8546.10 – Electrical insulators; of glass
HS code 8546.10 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical insulators, of glass. It is used for toughened glass disc insulators, annealed glass pin insulators, glass suspension insulators, glass strain insulators and glass post insulators.
What HS 8546.10 covers
This HS code covers electrical insulators made specifically from glass, which are essential components in power transmission and distribution systems. Glass insulators are valued for their excellent dielectric strength, resistance to environmental degradation, and ease of visual inspection for damage. They are predominantly used in overhead power lines, substations, and railway electrification systems to prevent current leakage and ensure safety. Countries with extensive electrical grids, undergoing infrastructure expansion, or maintaining aging power networks are major importers, including nations in North America, Europe, and rapidly developing economies in Asia. Exporters are typically countries with strong glass manufacturing industries and specialized expertise in high-voltage electrical components, such as China, India, and some European nations. Key considerations in trade include the insulator's voltage rating, mechanical strength, creepage distance, and resistance to arcing, all critical for reliable power delivery. The demand is closely linked to global energy infrastructure investment and grid modernization efforts.
- Covers
- Toughened glass disc insulators
- Annealed glass pin insulators
- Glass suspension insulators
- Glass strain insulators
- Glass post insulators
- Glass line post insulators
- Glass spool insulators
- Examples
- Verre Industrie Glass Insulators
- Seves Glassblock Insulators
- NGK Insulators (though primarily ceramic, they also have glass)
- Lapp Insulators (also ceramic, but relevant market)
Codes often confused with 8546.10
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 854620 (ceramic insulators) and 854690 (other materials), so the material composition (glass) is the critical factor for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854610, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854610 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 22% 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 China $223M 50% of world exports
- 2 Italy $91M 20% of world exports
- 3 Spain $70M 16% of world exports
World total: $448M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $110M 22% of world imports
- 2 United States $54M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $25M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $502M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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. 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 8546.10
Brazil does not split HS 8546.10: its NCM code is 8546.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.46 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8546.10
What is HS code 854610?
HS code 854610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical insulators; of glass. This HS code covers electrical insulators made specifically from glass, which are essential components in power transmission and distribution systems. Glass insulators are valued for their excellent dielectric strength, resistance to environmental degradation, and ease of visual inspection for damage. They are predominantly used in overhead power lines, substations, and railway electrification systems to prevent current leakage and ensure safety. Countries with extensive electrical grids, undergoing infrastructure expansion, or maintaining aging power networks are major importers, including nations in North America, Europe, and rapidly developing economies in Asia. Exporters are typically countries with strong glass manufacturing industries and specialized expertise in high-voltage electrical components, such as China, India, and some European nations. Key considerations in trade include the insulator's voltage rating, mechanical strength, creepage distance, and resistance to arcing, all critical for reliable power delivery. The demand is closely linked to global energy infrastructure investment and grid modernization efforts.
What products fall under HS code 854610?
Toughened glass disc insulators, Annealed glass pin insulators, Glass suspension insulators, Glass strain insulators, Glass post insulators, Glass line post insulators, Glass spool insulators
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854610?
This code is distinct from 854620 (ceramic insulators) and 854690 (other materials), so the material composition (glass) is the critical factor for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854610?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854610 in UN Comtrade data were China ($223M, 50% of world exports), Italy ($91M) and Spain ($70M). World exports came to about $448M, 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 854610?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854610 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($110M, 22% of world imports), the United States ($54M) and Canada ($25M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 854610 structured?
HS code 854610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (46) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854610?
In Brazil, HS code 854610 is NCM 8546.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.