Product classification
HS code for Doped silicon: 3818.00
Chemical elements, doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms, chemical compounds doped for use in electronics.
Classification of doped silicon under HS 3818.00
Doped silicon is classified under HS code 3818.00. This classification is designated for chemical elements that have been doped for use in electronics, provided they are in the form of discs, wafers, or similar shapes. Doping is the process of intentionally introducing impurities into an extremely pure semiconductor to change its electrical properties. Under the Harmonized System, pure silicon (containing at least 99.99% by weight of silicon) is classified in Chapter 28 (specifically 2804.61). However, once the silicon is 'doped' with elements like boron, phosphorus, or arsenic to create p-type or n-type semiconductors for electronic applications, it is moved to Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. This classification follows GRI 1 and the specific notes for Chapter 38, which prioritize the functional application of the doped element in electronics over its status as a pure chemical element. The physical form—usually a thin wafer or disc—is also a requirement for this specific heading.
- Covers
- Doped silicon wafers for semiconductor fabrication
- Doped silicon discs for electronic circuits
- Doped germanium wafers
- Doped selenium for electronic use
- Chemical compounds doped for electronics in wafer form
- Also under 3818.00
- Shin-Etsu Chemical silicon wafers
- SUMCO silicon wafers
- GlobalWafers
- Siltronic
- SK Siltron
Codes often confused with 3818.00
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 2804.61, which is for pure, undoped silicon. Importers often confuse the two because the base material is the same. Another common error is using HS code 8541.10, which is for finished diodes or transistors. Doped silicon under 3818.00 is a raw material or intermediate substrate, not a finished electronic component with a specific circuit function.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381800 (the code used for doped silicon), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381800 (the code used for doped silicon) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% 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 381800, not only doped silicon.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $4.7B 27% of world exports
- 2 China $2.6B 15% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $2.6B 15% of world exports
World total: $17.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $3.3B 17% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$3.2B 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $2.4B 13% of world imports
World total: $19.5B 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. 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 doped silicon
Brazil splits HS 3818.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3818.00.10Doped silicon for electronics
- 3818.00.90Other doped elements and compounds, electronics
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about doped silicon
What is the HS code for Doped silicon?
The HS code for Doped silicon is 381800 (Chemical elements; doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms; chemical compounds doped for use in electronics). The HS code for doped silicon in the form of wafers or discs for electronic use is 3818.00.
How do I classify Doped silicon for customs?
Doped silicon is classified under HS code 381800 — Chemical elements; doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms; chemical compounds doped for use in electronics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is undoped silicon wafer classified here?
No, undoped silicon wafers, even if polished, are generally classified under 2804.61 if they have not been doped with chemical impurities for electronic functionality.
Which countries are the top exporters of doped silicon (HS 381800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381800 (the code used for doped silicon) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.7B, 27% of world exports), China ($2.6B) and South Korea ($2.6B). World exports came to about $17.6B, 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 doped silicon (HS 381800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381800 (the code used for doped silicon) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($3.3B, 17% of world imports), Taiwan (about $3.2B) and China ($2.4B). World imports came to about $19.5B, 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 Doped silicon the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381800 for Doped silicon 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 doped silicon in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381800 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for doped silicon depends on the product's details: 3818.00.10 (Doped silicon for electronics), 3818.00.90 (Other doped elements and compounds, electronics).