Product classification
HS code for Ethernet switch: 8517.69
Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations), machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6.
Classification of ethernet switch under HS 8517.69
Ethernet switches are classified under HS code 8517.62 or 8517.69 (depending on the specific national tariff, though 8517.62 is the most common for switching apparatus). This code resides in Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8517 is designated for telephone sets and other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data. Ethernet switches function as data transmission apparatus that connect devices within a network by using packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device. Because they facilitate the transmission and conversion of data within a wired or wireless network, they are correctly placed under the subheadings of 8517.6. The classification 8517.69 serves as a category for communication apparatus not elsewhere specified, though many jurisdictions specifically use 8517.62 for machines that perform the switching and routing functions. These devices are essential for Local Area Networks (LAN) and are distinguished from general-purpose computers by their specialized hardware and firmware designed for high-speed data packet handling.
- Covers
- Managed and unmanaged ethernet switches
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches
- Industrial rack-mount network switches
- Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches
- SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) switches
- Also under 8517.69
- Starlink Satellite Terminal
- Google Nest Hub
- TP-Link Omada Access Point
- Siemens SCALANCE X Industrial Switch
- Poly Studio X50.
Codes often confused with 8517.69
Common mistake. A common misclassification is HS code 8471.80, which covers units for automatic data processing machines. While switches work with computers, they are primarily telecommunication apparatus, making 8517 the more specific heading. Another confusion arises between 8517.62 and 8517.69; 8517.62 is generally for machines that switch, route, or regenerate data, while 8517.69 is a residual category. Additionally, simple hubs (which do not perform intelligent switching) are sometimes confused with switches but generally fall under the same 8517.62/69 umbrella.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851769 (the code used for ethernet switch), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851769 (the code used for ethernet switch) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 851769, not only ethernet switch.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 13% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $741M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $8.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $672M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $653M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $9.2B 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 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 ethernet switch
Brazil classifies ethernet switch under NCM 8517.69.00: HS 8517.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ethernet switch
What is the HS code for Ethernet switch?
The HS code for Ethernet switch is 851769 (Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6). The HS code for an ethernet switch is typically 8517.62 or 8517.69.
How do I classify Ethernet switch for customs?
Ethernet switch is classified under HS code 851769 — Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are routers classified under the same HS code?
Yes, routers are generally classified under the same subheading (8517.62) as they are also machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission of data.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethernet switch (HS 851769)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851769 (the code used for ethernet switch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Mexico ($741M). World exports came to about $8.9B, 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 ethernet switch (HS 851769)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851769 (the code used for ethernet switch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($672M) and the Netherlands ($653M). World imports came to about $9.2B, 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 Ethernet switch the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851769 for Ethernet switch 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 ethernet switch in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethernet switch (HS 851769) is classified under NCM 8517.69.00.