HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8546.20 – Electrical insulators; of ceramics
HS code 8546.20 is the 6-digit subheading for electrical insulators, of ceramics. It is used for porcelain suspension insulators, ceramic pin insulators, porcelain post insulators, ceramic strain insulators and porcelain line post insulators.
What HS 8546.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers electrical insulators manufactured from ceramic materials, which are indispensable for power transmission and distribution systems worldwide. Ceramic insulators, typically made from porcelain or steatite, are highly valued for their superior mechanical strength, excellent dielectric properties, resistance to extreme temperatures, and long service life in harsh outdoor environments. They are widely deployed in high-voltage overhead lines, substations, transformers, and switchgear. Major importers include countries with extensive and expanding electrical grids, such as the USA, India, and various European nations, as well as those investing in renewable energy infrastructure. Exporters are typically nations with advanced ceramic manufacturing capabilities and a strong industrial base, with China, India, and Germany being prominent players. Key factors in trade include the insulator's voltage rating, mechanical load capacity, pollution performance, and design standards, all crucial for ensuring grid reliability and safety. The market is driven by global energy demand and infrastructure development.
- Covers
- Porcelain suspension insulators
- Ceramic pin insulators
- Porcelain post insulators
- Ceramic strain insulators
- Porcelain line post insulators
- Ceramic bushing insulators
- Steatite insulators
- High-voltage ceramic insulators
- Examples
- NGK Insulators
- Lapp Insulators
- MacLean Power Systems
- PPC Insulators
- Victor Insulators
Codes often confused with 8546.20
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 854610 (glass insulators) or 854690 (insulators of other materials); the ceramic composition is the defining characteristic for proper classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 854620, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 854620 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 14% 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 $446M 41% of world exports
- 2 Italy $152M 14% of world exports
- 3 India $92M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $150M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $149M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $47M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 8546.20
Brazil does not split HS 8546.20: its NCM code is 8546.20.00.
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 8546.20
What is HS code 854620?
HS code 854620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrical insulators; of ceramics. This HS code specifically covers electrical insulators manufactured from ceramic materials, which are indispensable for power transmission and distribution systems worldwide. Ceramic insulators, typically made from porcelain or steatite, are highly valued for their superior mechanical strength, excellent dielectric properties, resistance to extreme temperatures, and long service life in harsh outdoor environments. They are widely deployed in high-voltage overhead lines, substations, transformers, and switchgear. Major importers include countries with extensive and expanding electrical grids, such as the USA, India, and various European nations, as well as those investing in renewable energy infrastructure. Exporters are typically nations with advanced ceramic manufacturing capabilities and a strong industrial base, with China, India, and Germany being prominent players. Key factors in trade include the insulator's voltage rating, mechanical load capacity, pollution performance, and design standards, all crucial for ensuring grid reliability and safety. The market is driven by global energy demand and infrastructure development.
What products fall under HS code 854620?
Porcelain suspension insulators, Ceramic pin insulators, Porcelain post insulators, Ceramic strain insulators, Porcelain line post insulators, Ceramic bushing insulators, Steatite insulators, High-voltage ceramic insulators
What are common misclassifications for HS code 854620?
This code is often confused with 854610 (glass insulators) or 854690 (insulators of other materials); the ceramic composition is the defining characteristic for proper classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 854620?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 854620 in UN Comtrade data were China ($446M, 41% of world exports), Italy ($152M) and India ($92M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 854620?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 854620 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($150M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($149M) and China ($47M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 854620 structured?
HS code 854620 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 854620?
In Brazil, HS code 854620 is NCM 8546.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.