Product classification
HS code for Film capacitors: 8532.25
Electrical capacitors, fixed, dielectric of paper or plastics.
Classification of film capacitors under HS 8532.25
Film capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.25 because they are fixed electrical capacitors that utilize a dielectric made of paper or plastics. The Harmonized System organizes capacitors in heading 8532 based on whether they are fixed, variable, or adjustable, and then further sub-divides them by the material of the dielectric. Film capacitors use thin plastic films (such as polypropylene or polyester) or paper as the insulating layer between the conductive plates. This specific dielectric material is the defining characteristic for 8532.25. These components are essential in electronic circuits for energy storage, filtering, and decoupling. The classification process involves identifying that the capacitor is \"fixed\" (cannot be adjusted) and that its dielectric is not ceramic, tantalum, or aluminum electrolytic, which would lead to different subheadings within the 8532 group.
- Covers
- Polypropylene film capacitors
- Polyester (Mylar) film capacitors
- Metallized paper capacitors
- Fixed plastic dielectric capacitors
- Power film capacitors for electronic circuits
- Also under 8532.25
- WIMA Film Capacitors
- KEMET Film Capacitors
- Vishay Film Capacitors
- EPCOS Film Capacitors
- Cornell Dubilier Film Capacitors
Codes often confused with 8532.25
Common mistake. Film capacitors are often confused with ceramic multilayer capacitors (8532.24) or aluminum electrolytic capacitors (8532.22). The distinction is purely based on the dielectric material used. If the dielectric is a ceramic material, it must be classified under 8532.23 or 8532.24. If it uses an electrolyte and an aluminum oxide layer, it belongs in 8532.22. Accurate material identification is required for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853225 (the code used for film capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853225 (the code used for film capacitors) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 853225, not only film capacitors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $708M 28% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $288M 11% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $269M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $297M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $271M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $233M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 codes for film capacitors
Brazil splits HS 8532.25 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8532.25.10SMD paper or plastic film capacitors
- 8532.25.90Other paper or plastic dielectric capacitors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about film capacitors
What is the HS code for Film capacitors?
The HS code for Film capacitors is 853225 (Electrical capacitors; fixed, dielectric of paper or plastics). The HS code for fixed capacitors with a dielectric of paper or plastics is 8532.25.
How do I classify Film capacitors for customs?
Film capacitors is classified under HS code 853225 — Electrical capacitors; fixed, dielectric of paper or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are variable capacitors included in this code?
No, variable or adjustable capacitors are classified under HS code 8532.30, regardless of the dielectric material used.
Which countries are the top exporters of film capacitors (HS 853225)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853225 (the code used for film capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($708M, 28% of world exports), Hong Kong ($288M) and Czechia ($269M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 film capacitors (HS 853225)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853225 (the code used for film capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($297M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($271M) and the United States ($233M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Film capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853225 for Film 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 film capacitors in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853225 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for film capacitors depends on the product's details: 8532.25.10 (SMD paper or plastic film capacitors), 8532.25.90 (Other paper or plastic dielectric capacitors).