Product classification
HS code for Composite insulator: 8546.90
Electrical insulators, other than of glass and ceramics.
Classification of composite insulator under HS 8546.90
Composite insulators are classified under HS code 8546.90. Heading 8546 covers electrical insulators of any material. The heading is structured by material type: 8546.10 for glass and 8546.20 for ceramics (such as porcelain or steatite). Composite insulators, which are typically constructed from a resin-impregnated glass fiber core and an outer housing made of silicone rubber or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), do not meet the definitions of glass or ceramic. Consequently, they fall into the residual subheading 8546.90, which covers insulators made of "other" materials. This classification follows GRI 1 and 6. These insulators are widely used in high-voltage power transmission and distribution systems due to their lightweight nature, resistance to vandalism, and superior performance in polluted environments compared to traditional porcelain insulators. The classification is based on the finished product's function as an electrical insulator and its material composition being outside the scope of the glass and ceramic subheadings.
- Covers
- Silicone rubber composite insulators
- Polymer long-rod insulators
- Fiberglass core insulators with polymer sheds
- Composite post insulators for substations
- EPDM electrical insulators
- Also under 8546.90
- Hubbell Power Systems Polymer Insulators
- TE Connectivity Composite Insulators
- MacLean Power Systems Polymer Insulators
- Lapp Insulators Composite Line
- Preformed Line Products (PLP) Insulators
Codes often confused with 8546.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for composite insulators is HS code 8546.20, which is specifically for ceramic insulators. Because porcelain was the industry standard for decades, many systems default to this code, but it is technically incorrect for polymer-based composite units. Another common error is HS code 8547, which covers insulating fittings for electrical machines or equipment. While insulators (8546) and insulating fittings (8547) are related, 8546 is the correct heading for the standalone components used to support and insulate conductors. Importers must also avoid Chapter 39 (plastics), as the specific function as an electrical insulator directs the product to Chapter 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854690 (the code used for composite insulator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854690 (the code used for composite insulator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 854690, not only composite insulator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $442M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $186M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Germany $167M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $294M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $174M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $139M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 composite insulator
Brazil classifies composite insulator under NCM 8546.90.00: HS 8546.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about composite insulator
What is the HS code for Composite insulator?
The HS code for Composite insulator is 854690 (Electrical insulators; other than of glass and ceramics).
How do I classify Composite insulator for customs?
Composite insulator is classified under HS code 854690 — Electrical insulators; other than of glass and ceramics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a polymer insulator?
A polymer or composite insulator is classified under HS code 8546.90.
Why is it not classified as a plastic product in Chapter 39?
Under the Harmonized System, products that are specifically described by their function as electrical components (like insulators) are classified in Chapter 85 rather than by their constituent material in Chapter 39.
Which countries are the top exporters of composite insulator (HS 854690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854690 (the code used for composite insulator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($442M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($186M) and Germany ($167M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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 composite insulator (HS 854690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854690 (the code used for composite insulator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($294M, 14% of world imports), China ($174M) and Germany ($139M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Composite insulator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854690 for Composite 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 composite insulator in Brazil?
In Brazil, composite insulator (HS 854690) is classified under NCM 8546.90.00.