Product classification
HS code for Electrolytic capacitors: 8532.22
Electrical capacitors, fixed, aluminium electrolytic.
Classification of electrolytic capacitors under HS 8532.22
Electrolytic capacitors, specifically those of the aluminium variety, are classified under HS code 8532.22. Heading 8532 covers electrical capacitors, fixed, variable, or adjustable (pre-set). The classification logic follows a hierarchical structure based on the dielectric material and the construction of the capacitor. Subheading 8532.22 is dedicated to fixed capacitors that use an electrolyte (typically a liquid or gel) and an aluminium oxide layer as the dielectric. These components are essential in electronic circuits for energy storage, filtering, and decoupling. The Harmonized System distinguishes between different types of fixed capacitors to ensure precise trade statistics and tariff application. Aluminium electrolytic capacitors are characterized by their high capacitance-to-volume ratio compared to other types. To be classified under this code, the capacitor must be "fixed," meaning its capacitance value cannot be adjusted after manufacture, and the primary conductive plates must be made of aluminium. This classification is consistent globally under the WCO Harmonized System, ensuring that these ubiquitous electronic components are tracked accurately across borders.
- Covers
- Radial lead aluminium electrolytic capacitors
- Axial lead aluminium electrolytic capacitors
- Surface mount (SMD) aluminium electrolytic capacitors
- Snap-in aluminium electrolytic capacitors
- Screw terminal aluminium electrolytic capacitors
- Also under 8532.22
- Nichicon Electrolytic Capacitors
- Rubycon Electrolytic Capacitors
- Panasonic Electrolytic Capacitors
- Samwha Electrolytic Capacitors
- KEMET Aluminum Electrolytic
Codes often confused with 8532.22
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification involves HS code 8532.21, which is reserved for tantalum electrolytic capacitors. While both are electrolytic, the material of the anode (tantalum vs. aluminium) necessitates different codes. Another error is using 8532.24, which is for ceramic multilayer capacitors. It is critical to identify the dielectric and anode material before assigning a code. Furthermore, if a capacitor is variable or adjustable, it must be moved from the 8532.2x series to 8532.30, regardless of its internal chemistry.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853222 (the code used for electrolytic capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853222 (the code used for electrolytic capacitors) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% 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 853222, not only electrolytic capacitors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 20% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.2B 18% of world exports
- 3 Hong Kong $825M 13% of world exports
World total: $6.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.3B 20% of world imports
- 2 Hong Kong $882M 13% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $550M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $6.6B 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 electrolytic capacitors
Brazil classifies electrolytic capacitors under NCM 8532.22.00: HS 8532.22 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electrolytic capacitors
What is the HS code for Electrolytic capacitors?
The HS code for Electrolytic capacitors is 853222 (Electrical capacitors; fixed, aluminium electrolytic).
How do I classify Electrolytic capacitors for customs?
Electrolytic capacitors is classified under HS code 853222 — Electrical capacitors; fixed, aluminium electrolytic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for aluminium electrolytic capacitors?
The specific HS code for fixed aluminium electrolytic capacitors is 8532.22.
Are tantalum capacitors classified under the same code?
No, tantalum electrolytic capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.21, as the Harmonized System differentiates capacitors by their material composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of electrolytic capacitors (HS 853222)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853222 (the code used for electrolytic capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 20% of world exports), Japan ($1.2B) and Hong Kong ($825M). World exports came to about $6.3B, 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 electrolytic capacitors (HS 853222)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853222 (the code used for electrolytic capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.3B, 20% of world imports), Hong Kong ($882M) and Singapore ($550M). World imports came to about $6.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Electrolytic capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853222 for Electrolytic capacitors 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 electrolytic capacitors in Brazil?
In Brazil, electrolytic capacitors (HS 853222) is classified under NCM 8532.22.00.