Product classification
HS code for Cellular base station: 8517.61
Base stations.
Classification of cellular base station under HS 8517.61
Cellular base stations are classified under HS code 8517.61. This classification falls within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8517 specifically addresses telephone sets and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data. Subheading 8517.61 is the dedicated code for "Base stations." These are fixed stations in a mobile network used for wireless communication with mobile user equipment. The classification includes the electronic hardware necessary for transmitting and receiving radio signals, managing network traffic, and connecting to the core network. This code applies regardless of the generation of technology, covering 4G (LTE) and 5G (New Radio) infrastructure. Proper classification is essential for telecommunications infrastructure projects to ensure correct duty rates and compliance with national security regulations regarding network equipment.
- Covers
- 5G gNodeB (Next Generation NodeB) units
- 4G eNodeB (Evolved NodeB) equipment
- Small cells, microcells, and picocells
- Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) for GSM networks
- Integrated radio units for cellular communication
- Also under 8517.61
- Ericsson Radio Dot System
- Huawei DBS3900
- Nokia AirScale
- Samsung 5G RAN
- ZTE UniSite.
Codes often confused with 8517.61
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data, such as routers and switches. While base stations perform these functions, 8517.61 is more specific and takes precedence. Another error involves classifying antennas separately under 8517.71; while antennas are parts of a base station, a complete base station system is classified under 8517.61. Additionally, transmission apparatus for radio or television (8525.50) is sometimes confused with cellular base stations, but 8517.61 is specific to telecommunication networks.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851761 (the code used for cellular base station), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851761 (the code used for cellular base station) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 25% 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 851761, not only cellular base station.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.3B 58% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$293M 7.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Hungary $193M 5.0% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $935M 25% of world imports
- 2 Japan $277M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $213M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 cellular base station
Brazil splits HS 8517.61 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8517.61.30Cellular network base stations
- 8517.61.41Fixed main earth stations without antenna
- 8517.61.42VSAT base stations without antenna
- 8517.61.43Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S band
- 8517.61.49Other satellite base stations
- 8517.61.91Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/s
- 8517.61.92Digital base stations, over 23 GHz
- 8517.61.99Other base stations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cellular base station
What is the HS code for Cellular base station?
The HS code for Cellular base station is 851761 (Base stations). The HS code for a cellular base station is 8517.61.
How do I classify Cellular base station for customs?
Cellular base station is classified under HS code 851761 — Base stations. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8517.61 include 5G equipment?
Yes, 8517.61 includes base station equipment for all cellular generations, including 5G, 4G LTE, and 3G.
Which countries are the top exporters of cellular base station (HS 851761)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851761 (the code used for cellular base station) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $293M) and Hungary ($193M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 cellular base station (HS 851761)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851761 (the code used for cellular base station) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($935M, 25% of world imports), Japan ($277M) and the United States ($213M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Cellular base station the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851761 for Cellular base station 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 cellular base station in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851761 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for cellular base station depends on the product's details: 8517.61.30 (Cellular network base stations), 8517.61.41 (Fixed main earth stations without antenna), 8517.61.42 (VSAT base stations without antenna), 8517.61.43 (Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S band), 8517.61.49 (Other satellite base stations), 8517.61.91 (Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/s), and more.