Product classification

HS code for Memory chip: 8542.32

Electronic integrated circuits, memories.

Classification of memory chip under HS 8542.32

Memory chips are classified under HS code 8542.32, which falls within Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System. This chapter encompasses electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof. Heading 8542 specifically covers electronic integrated circuits. The classification process involves identifying the component as an integrated circuit—a device consisting of elements which are inextricably associated and formed on a single semiconductor substrate. Subheading 8542.32 is designated for "memories," which are circuits designed specifically for the storage of data. This includes both volatile and non-volatile memory types. The classification is based on the functional nature of the chip as a component rather than the final device it may be housed in, such as a computer or a smartphone.

Covers
  • Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
  • Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)
  • Flash memory chips (NAND and NOR)
  • Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM)
  • Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)
  • Read-Only Memory (ROM) chips
Also under 8542.32
  • Samsung DDR5 DRAM
  • SK Hynix HBM
  • Micron NAND Flash
  • Kioxia UFS
  • Western Digital SSD
  • Infineon NOR Flash
  • Cypress SRAM

Codes often confused with 8542.32

Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion occurs between HS code 8542.32 and HS code 8523.51. Code 8523.51 refers to solid-state non-volatile storage devices, such as SSDs or USB flash drives. The distinction lies in whether the product is a standalone component (the chip) or a finished storage assembly (the drive). Furthermore, memory chips are sometimes incorrectly placed under 8542.31, which is reserved for processors and controllers, even if those processors contain small amounts of integrated memory.

8523.51Semiconductor media; solid-state non-volatile storage devices, whether or not recorded, excluding products of Chapter 378542.31Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits

Top exporters and importers of HS 854232 (the code used for memory chip), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854232 (the code used for memory chip) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% 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 854232, not only memory chip.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Korea $94.6B
  2. 2 China $92.9B
  3. 3 Hong Kong $53.4B

World total: $329.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $113.6B
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$59.3B
  3. 3 Hong Kong $49.0B

World total: $312.7B 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 codes for memory chip

Brazil splits HS 8542.32 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about memory chip

What is the HS code for Memory chip?

The HS code for Memory chip is 854232 (Electronic integrated circuits; memories). The HS code for a memory chip as an individual electronic integrated circuit is 8542.32.

How do I classify Memory chip for customs?

Memory chip is classified under HS code 854232 — Electronic integrated circuits; memories. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are memory modules like RAM sticks classified here?

No, complete memory modules (like DIMMs or SODIMMs) consisting of multiple chips on a printed circuit board are typically classified under HS code 8473.30 as parts of automatic data processing machines.

Which countries are the top exporters of memory chip (HS 854232)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854232 (the code used for memory chip) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($94.6B, 29% of world exports), China ($92.9B) and Hong Kong ($53.4B). World exports came to about $329.6B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of memory chip (HS 854232)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854232 (the code used for memory chip) in UN Comtrade data were China ($113.6B, 36% of world imports), Taiwan (about $59.3B) and Hong Kong ($49.0B). World imports came to about $312.7B, 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 Memory chip the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854232 for Memory chip 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 memory chip in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 854232 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for memory chip depends on the product's details: 8542.32.10 (Unmounted memory ICs), 8542.32.21 (SMD SRAM 25 ns max, (E)EPROM, PROM, ROM, flash), 8542.32.29 (Other SMD memory ICs), 8542.32.91 (Non-SMD SRAM 25 ns max, (E)EPROM, PROM, ROM, flash), 8542.32.99 (Other non-SMD memory ICs).