Product classification
HS code for Electrical insulators: 8547.90
Insulating fittings, (other than of ceramics or plastics), for electrical machines, appliances and equipment, excluding insulators of heading no. 8546.
Classification of electrical insulators under HS 8547.90
The classification of electrical insulators under HS code 8547.90 is specific to insulating fittings for electrical machines, appliances, or equipment, provided these fittings are not made of ceramics or plastics. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, GRI 1 states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8547 covers fittings obtained by molding or casting, which are used in the assembly of electrical equipment to provide insulation. The distinction between this code and others lies in the material composition; if the fitting were made of ceramic, it would fall under 8547.10, and if made of plastic, under 8547.20. Therefore, 8547.90 acts as a residual category for fittings made of materials like glass (other than insulators of 8546), mica, or composite materials. These items are specifically designed as fittings for machines rather than standalone insulators for power lines. The technical requirement for this code is that the item must be an integral part of an electrical machine or appliance, serving to insulate conductive parts from the rest of the assembly. This ensures that the equipment operates safely without short-circuiting. The classification also excludes insulators of heading 8546, which are typically used for supporting or fixing conductors on power lines or in substations. By focusing on the fitting aspect, 8547.90 captures internal components that are essential for the structural and electrical integrity of complex machinery such as motors, transformers, and generators.
- Covers
- Mica insulating fittings for electrical motors
- Glass insulating sleeves for internal appliance wiring
- Composite material insulating spacers for transformers
- Non-ceramic insulating bushings for electrical machines
- Base metal fittings lined with insulating material
- Also under 8547.90
- ABB high-voltage bushings
- Siemens transformer insulation
- GE industrial motor insulators
- DuPont Nomex insulation
- 3M electrical tapes (specialized types)
Codes often confused with 8547.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8546, which covers electrical insulators of any material. The key difference is that 8546 refers to standalone insulators used for power transmission lines, whereas 8547.90 refers to insulating fittings designed to be part of a machine. Additionally, fittings made of plastic are often incorrectly placed here instead of 8547.20, and ceramic fittings are often misclassified here instead of 8547.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854790 (the code used for electrical insulators), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854790 (the code used for electrical insulators) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 854790, not only electrical insulators.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $515M 33% of world exports
- 2 United States $167M 11% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $87M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $178M 12% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $115M 7.8% of world imports
- 3 China $87M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 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 electrical insulators
Brazil classifies electrical insulators under NCM 8547.90.00: HS 8547.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electrical insulators
What is the HS code for Electrical insulators?
The HS code for Electrical insulators is 854790 (Insulating fittings; (other than of ceramics or plastics), for electrical machines, appliances and equipment, excluding insulators of heading no. 8546). The HS code for electrical insulating fittings (other than ceramic or plastic) for machines is 8547.90. Standalone insulators for power lines are under 8546.
How do I classify Electrical insulators for customs?
Electrical insulators is classified under HS code 854790 — Insulating fittings; (other than of ceramics or plastics), for electrical machines, appliances and equipment, excluding insulators of heading no. 8546. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can plastic insulators be classified under 8547.90?
No, insulating fittings made of plastics are specifically classified under HS code 8547.20. Code 8547.90 is reserved for other materials like mica or glass.
Which countries are the top exporters of electrical insulators (HS 854790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854790 (the code used for electrical insulators) in UN Comtrade data were China ($515M, 33% of world exports), the United States ($167M) and Mexico ($87M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of electrical insulators (HS 854790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854790 (the code used for electrical insulators) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($178M, 12% of world imports), South Korea ($115M) and China ($87M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Electrical insulators the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854790 for Electrical insulators 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 electrical insulators in Brazil?
In Brazil, electrical insulators (HS 854790) is classified under NCM 8547.90.00.