Product classification

HS code for Ceramic insulator: 8546.20

Electrical insulators, of ceramics.

Classification of ceramic insulator under HS 8546.20

Electrical insulators made of ceramic are classified under HS code 854620. This heading is part of Chapter 85, which covers electrical equipment and its parts. Heading 8546 is specifically dedicated to electrical insulators of any material, and the subheading 854620 is reserved for those manufactured from ceramic materials, including porcelain, steatite, and alumina. These insulators are designed to support or separate electrical conductors in power lines, substations, and telecommunications infrastructure without allowing the flow of current. The classification is determined by the primary function of the article as an insulator in an electrical distribution or transmission context. Ceramic insulators are preferred in these applications due to their high dielectric strength, mechanical durability, and resistance to environmental degradation such as UV exposure, moisture, and pollution. They are essential for the safe and efficient operation of the electrical grid, preventing power loss and protecting equipment from surges. The manufacturing process involves high-pressure shaping and high-temperature firing to ensure the ceramic is fully vitrified and non-porous, which is critical for maintaining insulation in wet conditions.

Covers
  • Ceramic suspension insulators for high-voltage lines
  • Ceramic pin insulators for distribution networks
  • Post insulators for electrical substations
  • Shackle and strain insulators for utility poles
  • Ceramic insulators for telegraph and telephone lines
  • Rigid ceramic insulators for busbars
Also under 8546.20
  • NGK Insulators
  • Lapp Insulators
  • MacLean Power Systems
  • PPC Insulators
  • Victor Insulators

Codes often confused with 8546.20

Common mistake. The most common misclassification for ceramic insulators is with HS code 854710, which covers ceramic insulating fittings. The distinction is that 854620 applies to insulators used in the transmission and distribution of electricity (infrastructure), while 854710 applies to insulating parts that are built into machines or appliances. Another potential error is classifying these under 6909, which covers ceramic wares for laboratory or industrial use. However, because 8546 is a specific heading for electrical insulators, it takes precedence over the more general material-based headings in Chapter 69. Additionally, insulators made of glass are classified under 854610, not 854620.

8547.10Insulating fittings; of ceramics, for electrical machines, of insulating material only (except minor assembly parts), excluding those of heading no. 854669.09Ceramic ware for laboratory, chemical, other technical uses; ceramic troughs, tubs, similar receptacles used in agriculture; ceramic pots, jars and similar used in the conveyance or packing of goods85.46Electrical insulators of any material8546.10Electrical insulators; of glass

Top exporters and importers of HS 854620 (the code used for ceramic insulator), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854620 (the code used for ceramic insulator) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 854620, not only ceramic insulator.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $446M
  2. 2 Italy $152M
  3. 3 India $92M

World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Saudi Arabia $150M
  2. 2 United States $149M
  3. 3 China $47M

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 ceramic insulator

Brazil classifies ceramic insulator under NCM 8546.20.00: HS 8546.20 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about ceramic insulator

What is the HS code for Ceramic insulator?

The HS code for Ceramic insulator is 854620 (Electrical insulators; of ceramics). The HS code for electrical insulators made of ceramic is 854620.

How do I classify Ceramic insulator for customs?

Ceramic insulator is classified under HS code 854620 — Electrical insulators; of ceramics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are porcelain insulators covered under this code?

Yes, porcelain is a type of ceramic, and porcelain insulators used for electrical purposes are classified under 854620.

Which countries are the top exporters of ceramic insulator (HS 854620)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854620 (the code used for ceramic insulator) 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 ceramic insulator (HS 854620)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854620 (the code used for ceramic insulator) 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.

Is the HS code for Ceramic insulator the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854620 for Ceramic insulator 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 ceramic insulator in Brazil?

In Brazil, ceramic insulator (HS 854620) is classified under NCM 8546.20.00.