Product classification
HS code for Aerial: 8517.71
Communication apparatus, parts, aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds, part suitable for use therewith.
Classification of aerial under HS 8517.71
The classification of aerials under HS code 8517.71 is determined by their primary function as essential components of telecommunication apparatus. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 8517 covers telephone sets and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data. Subheading 8517.71 specifically identifies aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds, as well as parts suitable for use therewith. These components are designed to propagate and receive electromagnetic waves within telecommunication networks. Unlike general-purpose antennas, these are specifically engineered for integration with sophisticated communication systems, including cellular base stations, satellite links, and point-to-point microwave systems. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the aerial is a simple dipole or a complex phased array, provided its primary application is within the scope of telecommunication equipment defined in heading 8517.
- Covers
- Cellular base station antennas
- Parabolic reflectors for telecommunications
- Telescopic antennas for portable communication devices
- Satellite communication dishes
- Yagi-Uda antennas for data transmission
- Also under 8517.71
- CommScope Base Station Antenna
- Laird Technologies IoT Antenna
- Ubiquiti airMAX Antenna
- Winegard Satellite Dish
- Taoglas GPS Antenna.
Codes often confused with 8517.71
Common mistake. Aerials are frequently misclassified under HS code 8529.10. While 8529.10 also covers antennas and antenna reflectors, it is specifically reserved for parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 8525 to 8528, which includes radio and television broadcasting equipment. If the aerial is intended for telecommunication (voice/data) rather than broadcasting, 8517.71 is the correct code. Additionally, complete transmission machines are often confused with aerials and should be classified under 8517.62.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851771 (the code used for aerial), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851771 (the code used for aerial) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 851771, not only aerial.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.7B 36% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$422M 8.8% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $344M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $4.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $892M 16% of world imports
- 2 China $432M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$398M 7.2% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $5.5B 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. 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 aerial
Brazil splits HS 8517.71 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8517.71.10Antennas for mobile phones
- 8517.71.20Antennas for cellular base stations
- 8517.71.90Other telecom antennas, reflectors and parts
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about aerial
What is the HS code for Aerial?
The HS code for Aerial is 851771 (Communication apparatus; parts, aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds, part suitable for use therewith). The HS code for aerials used in telecommunication apparatus is 8517.71.
How do I classify Aerial for customs?
Aerial is classified under HS code 851771 — Communication apparatus; parts, aerials and aerial reflectors of all kinds, part suitable for use therewith. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between HS code 8517.71 and 8529.10?
HS code 8517.71 is for antennas used in telecommunication (phones, data networks), while 8529.10 is for antennas used in radio or television broadcasting reception and transmission.
Which countries are the top exporters of aerial (HS 851771)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851771 (the code used for aerial) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 36% of world exports), Vietnam (about $422M) and Germany ($344M). World exports came to about $4.8B, 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 aerial (HS 851771)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851771 (the code used for aerial) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($892M, 16% of world imports), China ($432M) and Vietnam (about $398M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Aerial the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851771 for Aerial is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for aerial in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851771 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for aerial depends on the product's details: 8517.71.10 (Antennas for mobile phones), 8517.71.20 (Antennas for cellular base stations), 8517.71.90 (Other telecom antennas, reflectors and parts).