Product classification
HS code for Micro inverter: 8501.80
Electric generators, (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators).
Classification of micro inverter under HS 8501.80
Micro inverters are classified under HS code 8501.80 when they are defined as photovoltaic (PV) AC generators. This classification is relatively specific and distinguishes these devices from general-purpose static converters. A micro inverter's primary role is to convert the direct current (DC) generated by a single solar panel into alternating current (AC) for immediate use or grid integration. Under the HS 2022 updates, the category for PV AC generators was clarified to include systems where the inverter is an integral part of the power generation process. Heading 8501 generally covers electric motors and generators; subheading 8501.80 specifically addresses the unique technological intersection of solar energy and power inversion. This classification is used when the device is presented as a unit that generates AC power from a solar source. It is important to distinguish this from heading 8504, which covers electrical transformers and static converters. The choice of 8501.80 often depends on the manufacturer's technical documentation and the device's ability to function as a standalone AC power source within a PV array.
- Covers
- Solar micro-inverters for individual panels
- Photovoltaic AC alternators
- Integrated PV module inverters
- Grid-tie micro inverters
- Plug-and-play solar AC generators
- Also under 8501.80
Enphase IQ Series Microinverters integrated with panels (when marketed as a single AC generating unit), AC Solar Modules (e.g., from SunPower, LG, if they market them as direct AC generators)
Codes often confused with 8501.80
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for micro inverters is HS code 8504.40, which covers static converters (including standard inverters). While many standalone inverters belong in 8504.40, the 8501.80 code is preferred for units specifically designed as PV AC generators. Another potential error is 8541.43, which covers photovoltaic modules. While a micro inverter may be attached to a module, the inverter itself is a power conversion device and should not be classified as a solar cell or panel unless it is imported as an inseparable part of a complete PV assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 850180 (the code used for micro inverter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850180 (the code used for micro inverter) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 60% 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 850180, not only micro inverter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$276M 57% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 China $120M 25% of world exports
- 3 France $21M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $483M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Chile $654M 60% of world imports
- 2 South Africa $174M 16% of world imports
- 3 Guatemala $31M 2.9% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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. 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 micro inverter
Brazil classifies micro inverter under NCM 8501.80.00: HS 8501.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about micro inverter
What is the HS code for Micro inverter?
The HS code for Micro inverter is 850180 (Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators)). The HS code for micro inverters classified as photovoltaic AC generators is 8501.80.
How do I classify Micro inverter for customs?
Micro inverter is classified under HS code 850180 — Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why not use 8504.40 for all inverters?
Code 8501.80 is more specific for PV systems that function as AC generators, whereas 8504.40 is a general category for all static converters.
Which countries are the top exporters of micro inverter (HS 850180)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850180 (the code used for micro inverter) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $276M, 57% of world exports), China ($120M) and France ($21M). World exports came to about $483M, 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 micro inverter (HS 850180)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 850180 (the code used for micro inverter) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($654M, 60% of world imports), South Africa ($174M) and Guatemala ($31M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Micro inverter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 850180 for Micro inverter 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 micro inverter in Brazil?
In Brazil, micro inverter (HS 850180) is classified under NCM 8501.80.00.