Product classification
HS code for CPU: 8542.31
Electronic integrated circuits, processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits.
Classification of CPU under HS 8542.31
The classification of Central Processing Units (CPUs) under HS code 8542.31 is determined by their fundamental nature as electronic integrated circuits. Specifically, this code covers processors and controllers, which are the core components responsible for executing instructions and managing data flow within electronic systems. Whether these circuits are combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, or other timing circuits, they remain within this heading as long as they function primarily as the processing core. The Harmonized System distinguishes these components from the finished machinery they inhabit, focusing on the physical and functional characteristics of the silicon wafer and its packaging as a discrete electronic component. This classification is essential for global trade as it separates the high-tech semiconductor components from general computer hardware, ensuring that tariffs and trade regulations are applied specifically to the integrated circuit technology rather than the final consumer product.
- Covers
- Microprocessors (MPUs)
- Microcontrollers (MCUs)
- Central Processing Units for servers and personal computers
- Application processors for mobile devices and tablets
- System-on-Chip (SoC) units where the processor is the primary function
- Digital signal processors (DSPs)
- Also under 8542.31
- Intel Core i9
- AMD Ryzen 7
- Apple M1
- Qualcomm Snapdragon
- NVIDIA Jetson
- Raspberry Pi RP2040
- STMicroelectronics STM32
Codes often confused with 8542.31
Common mistake. CPUs are frequently misclassified under HS code 8471, which covers automatic data processing machines and units thereof. While a CPU is a vital unit of a computer, heading 8542 takes precedence because it specifically describes electronic integrated circuits as components. Another common error involves HS code 8542.39, which is a residual category for other integrated circuits; however, since CPUs are explicitly processors, 8542.31 is the correct specific sub-heading. Additionally, some importers confuse CPUs with complete motherboards, which fall under 8473.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854231 (the code used for CPU), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854231 (the code used for CPU) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 854231, not only CPU.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Taiwan* ~$228.5B 32% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Hong Kong $109.2B 15% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $77.0B 11% of world exports
World total: $709.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $205.3B 31% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $120.8B 18% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $62.3B 9.3% of world imports
World total: $672.2B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 CPU
Brazil splits HS 8542.31 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8542.31.10Unmounted processor and controller ICs
- 8542.31.20SMD processor and controller ICs
- 8542.31.90Other processor and controller ICs
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about CPU
What is the HS code for CPU?
The HS code for CPU is 854231 (Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits). The HS code for a Central Processing Unit (CPU) is 8542.31, which covers electronic integrated circuits that function as processors and controllers.
How do I classify CPU for customs?
CPU is classified under HS code 854231 — Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include graphics processing units (GPUs)?
Yes, GPUs are generally classified under 8542.31 as they are electronic integrated circuits designed to process and control data, specifically for rendering images and video.
Which countries are the top exporters of CPU (HS 854231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854231 (the code used for CPU) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $228.5B, 32% of world exports), Hong Kong ($109.2B) and Singapore ($77.0B). World exports came to about $709.8B, 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 CPU (HS 854231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854231 (the code used for CPU) in UN Comtrade data were China ($205.3B, 31% of world imports), Hong Kong ($120.8B) and Singapore ($62.3B). World imports came to about $672.2B, 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 CPU the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854231 for CPU 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 CPU in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 854231 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for CPU depends on the product's details: 8542.31.10 (Unmounted processor and controller ICs), 8542.31.20 (SMD processor and controller ICs), 8542.31.90 (Other processor and controller ICs).