Product classification

HS code for Microprocessor: 8542.31

Electronic integrated circuits, processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits.

Classification of microprocessor under HS 8542.31

Microprocessors are classified under HS code 8542.31 because they are defined as electronic integrated circuits that function as processors and controllers. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8542 specifically covers integrated circuits, and sub-heading 8542.31 is reserved for those that perform processing and control functions, whether or not they are combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, or clock and timing circuits. These components are the central processing units (CPUs) of computers and the brains of various smart devices. The classification is based on the physical nature of the item as a monolithic, hybrid, or multi-chip integrated circuit rather than the final device it is installed in. This ensures that the semiconductor industry has a standardized code for the movement of these high-tech components across international borders.

Covers
  • Central Processing Units (CPUs) for desktop and laptop computers
  • Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) used for rendering and data processing
  • Microcontrollers (MCUs) for embedded systems
  • Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)
  • Application-Specific Instruction-set Processors (ASIPs)
Also under 8542.31
  • Intel Core i9
  • AMD Ryzen 7
  • Apple M1
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon
  • NVIDIA Jetson
  • Raspberry Pi RP2040
  • STMicroelectronics STM32

Codes often confused with 8542.31

Common mistake. Microprocessors are frequently misclassified under HS code 8471. This code refers to automatic data processing machines and units thereof. While a microprocessor is a unit of a computer, Note 5(C) to Chapter 84 excludes electronic integrated circuits from being classified as units of heading 8471, even if they are intended for use in such machines. Another common error is using 8542.39, which is a residual category for "other" integrated circuits. 8542.31 must be used if the primary function is processing or control.

84.71Automatic data processing machines and units thereof, magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included8542.39Electronic integrated circuits; n.e.c. in heading no. 8542

Top exporters and importers of HS 854231 (the code used for microprocessor), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854231 (the code used for microprocessor) in UN Comtrade data was Taiwan, with about 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% 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 854231, not only microprocessor.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Taiwan* ~$228.5B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $109.2B
  3. 3 Singapore $77.0B

World total: $709.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $205.3B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $120.8B
  3. 3 Singapore $62.3B

World total: $672.2B 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 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 microprocessor

Brazil splits HS 8542.31 into 3 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 microprocessor

What is the HS code for Microprocessor?

The HS code for Microprocessor is 854231 (Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits). The primary HS code for microprocessors is 8542.31, which covers electronic integrated circuits acting as processors and controllers.

How do I classify Microprocessor for customs?

Microprocessor is classified under HS code 854231 — Electronic integrated circuits; processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include microprocessors with built-in memory?

Yes, HS code 8542.31 includes processors and controllers whether or not they are combined with memories, provided they remain electronic integrated circuits.

Which countries are the top exporters of microprocessor (HS 854231)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854231 (the code used for microprocessor) in UN Comtrade data were Taiwan (about $228.5B, 32% of world exports), Hong Kong ($109.2B) and Singapore ($77.0B). World exports came to about $709.8B, 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 microprocessor (HS 854231)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854231 (the code used for microprocessor) in UN Comtrade data were China ($205.3B, 31% of world imports), Hong Kong ($120.8B) and Singapore ($62.3B). World imports came to about $672.2B, 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 Microprocessor the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854231 for Microprocessor 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 microprocessor in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 854231 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for microprocessor depends on the product's details: 8542.31.10 (Unmounted processor and controller ICs), 8542.31.20 (SMD processor and controller ICs), 8542.31.90 (Other processor and controller ICs).