Product classification
HS code for Fiber optic connector: 8536.70
Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables.
Classification of fiber optic connector under HS 8536.70
Fiber optic connectors are classified under HS code 8536.70. This classification is situated within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8536 generally applies to electrical apparatus for switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making connections to or in electrical circuits. While fiber optic connectors do not transmit electricity, the Harmonized System specifically allocated subheading 8536.70 to "Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables." This inclusion ensures that these critical components of telecommunications and data networking are categorized alongside other connection hardware. The classification applies to the physical connectors themselves, whether they are presented individually or as part of a housing, provided they are not yet permanently attached to a cable in a way that would reclassify the entire assembly as a cable of heading 8544. The materials used in the connector, such as ceramic ferrules or plastic housings, do not alter the classification under 8536.70, as the function of the article as a connector for optical fibers is the primary determining factor.
- Covers
- SC, LC, ST, and FC connectors
- MTP/MPO multi-fiber connectors
- Fiber optic adapters and couplers
- Mechanical splices for optical fibers
- Connector housings for optical fiber cables
- Also under 8536.70
- Corning OptiTap
- CommScope FiberGuide
- Amphenol Fiber Optic Connectors
- TE Connectivity MPO
- Furukawa Electric FITEL
Codes often confused with 8536.70
Common mistake. A common error is classifying these items under HS code 9001, which covers optical fibers and bundles. While the fibers themselves are in 9001, the connectors are specifically assigned to 8536.70. Another misclassification occurs under 8544.70 if the connector is already attached to a length of cable; in that case, the entire assembly is classified as a fiber optic cable.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853670 (the code used for fiber optic connector), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853670 (the code used for fiber optic connector) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 853670, not only fiber optic connector.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $767M 22% of world exports
- 2 United States $746M 21% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$417M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.2B 30% of world imports
- 2 China $334M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $225M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $3.9B 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 code for fiber optic connector
Brazil classifies fiber optic connector under NCM 8536.70.00: HS 8536.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fiber optic connector
What is the HS code for Fiber optic connector?
The HS code for Fiber optic connector is 853670 (Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables). The specific HS code for connectors for optical fibers, bundles, or cables is 8536.70.
How do I classify Fiber optic connector for customs?
Fiber optic connector is classified under HS code 853670 — Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include fiber optic patch cords?
No, patch cords (cables with connectors already attached) are generally classified under HS code 8544.70.
Which countries are the top exporters of fiber optic connector (HS 853670)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853670 (the code used for fiber optic connector) in UN Comtrade data were China ($767M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($746M) and Taiwan (about $417M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 fiber optic connector (HS 853670)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853670 (the code used for fiber optic connector) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 30% of world imports), China ($334M) and Mexico ($225M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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.
Is the HS code for Fiber optic connector the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853670 for Fiber optic connector 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 fiber optic connector in Brazil?
In Brazil, fiber optic connector (HS 853670) is classified under NCM 8536.70.00.