Product classification
HS code for Glass insulator: 8546.10
Electrical insulators, of glass.
Classification of glass insulator under HS 8546.10
Glass insulators are classified under HS code 8546.10. This classification falls within Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. The classification is based on the functional application of the product as an electrical insulator. Glass insulators are designed to support electrical conductors without allowing current to pass through the insulator itself to the ground or other structures. They are typically made from toughened glass or annealed glass and are widely used in overhead power transmission and distribution lines. The HS code 8546.10 is specific to insulators made of glass, distinguishing them from those made of ceramics or other materials. The classification is determined by the material of the insulating component, even if the item includes metal caps or pins for mounting. These products must meet rigorous electrical and mechanical standards to ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical grid, and their classification reflects their specialized role in electrical infrastructure.
- Covers
- Glass suspension insulators
- Glass pin-type insulators
- Glass disc insulators for high-voltage lines
- Glass bushings for transformers
- Toughened glass insulators
- Also under 8546.10
- Verre Industrie Glass Insulators
- Seves Glassblock Insulators
- NGK Insulators (though primarily ceramic, they also have glass)
- Lapp Insulators (also ceramic, but relevant market)
Codes often confused with 8546.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 8546.20, which is reserved for electrical insulators made of ceramics. While they perform the same function, the material difference is a primary divider in the HS system. Another frequent error is 8547.90, which covers insulating fittings for electrical machines; however, 8546 is specifically for the insulators themselves. Additionally, some may mistakenly use 7020.00 (other articles of glass), but the specific functional heading for electrical insulators in Chapter 85 always takes precedence over general glass headings in Chapter 70.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854610 (the code used for glass insulator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854610 (the code used for glass insulator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 50% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 22% 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 854610, not only glass insulator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $223M 50% of world exports
- 2 Italy $91M 20% of world exports
- 3 Spain $70M 16% of world exports
World total: $448M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $110M 22% of world imports
- 2 United States $54M 11% of world imports
- 3 Canada $25M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $502M 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 glass insulator
Brazil classifies glass insulator under NCM 8546.10.00: HS 8546.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about glass insulator
What is the HS code for Glass insulator?
The HS code for Glass insulator is 854610 (Electrical insulators; of glass).
How do I classify Glass insulator for customs?
Glass insulator is classified under HS code 854610 — Electrical insulators; of glass. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for glass insulators?
The HS code for electrical insulators made of glass is 8546.10.
What is the difference between HS 8546.10 and 8546.20?
HS 8546.10 is specifically for insulators made of glass, while 8546.20 is for those made of ceramic materials like porcelain.
Which countries are the top exporters of glass insulator (HS 854610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854610 (the code used for glass insulator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($223M, 50% of world exports), Italy ($91M) and Spain ($70M). World exports came to about $448M, 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 glass insulator (HS 854610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854610 (the code used for glass insulator) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($110M, 22% of world imports), the United States ($54M) and Canada ($25M). World imports came to about $502M, 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 Glass insulator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854610 for Glass insulator 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 glass insulator in Brazil?
In Brazil, glass insulator (HS 854610) is classified under NCM 8546.10.00.