Product classification

HS code for MLCC: 8532.24

Electrical capacitors, fixed, ceramic dielectric, multilayer.

Classification of MLCC under HS 8532.24

Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs) are classified under HS code 8532.24 because they are fixed electrical capacitors that utilize a ceramic dielectric material arranged in multiple layers. This specific subheading is reserved for ceramic dielectric capacitors that are constructed by stacking alternating layers of ceramic and metal electrodes, which are then fired into a monolithic block. The classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, which directs classification to the heading that most accurately describes the product's physical and functional characteristics. MLCCs are distinct from single-layer ceramic capacitors due to their high capacitance-to-volume ratio, making them essential in modern surface-mount technology (SMT) for filtering, decoupling, and bypass applications in electronic circuits.

Covers
  • Surface-mount (SMD) multilayer ceramic capacitors
  • High-voltage MLCCs for power supplies
  • Automotive-grade MLCCs (AEC-Q200 compliant)
  • Radial-leaded multilayer ceramic capacitors
  • Low-ESR multilayer ceramic chips
Also under 8532.24
  • Murata MLCCs
  • Samsung Electro-Mechanics MLCCs
  • TDK MLCCs
  • KEMET MLCCs
  • Yageo MLCCs

Codes often confused with 8532.24

Common mistake. MLCCs are frequently misclassified under HS code 8532.23, which covers single-layer ceramic dielectric capacitors. While both use ceramic materials, the multilayer construction of 8532.24 is a distinct technical requirement. Another common error is using HS code 8532.21, which is reserved for tantalum capacitors. Tantalum capacitors are electrolytic and polarized, whereas MLCCs are non-polarized ceramic components. Importers must also avoid 8532.10, which is for fixed capacitors designed for 50/60 Hz circuits with a reactive power capacity of not less than 0.5 kvar.

8532.23Electrical capacitors; fixed, ceramic dielectric, single layer8532.21Electrical capacitors; fixed, tantalum8532.10Electrical capacitors; fixed, designed for use in 50/60 Hz circuits and having a reactive power handling capacity of not less than 0.5 kvar (power capacitors)

Top exporters and importers of HS 853224 (the code used for MLCC), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853224 (the code used for MLCC) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% 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 853224, not only MLCC.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $4.7B
  2. 2 China $3.8B
  3. 3 Hong Kong $3.2B

World total: $19.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $6.2B
  2. 2 United States $4.9B
  3. 3 Hong Kong $3.5B

World total: $25.5B 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 MLCC

Brazil splits HS 8532.24 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 MLCC

What is the HS code for MLCC?

The HS code for MLCC is 853224 (Electrical capacitors; fixed, ceramic dielectric, multilayer). The standard international HS code for Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors is 8532.24.

How do I classify MLCC for customs?

MLCC is classified under HS code 853224 — Electrical capacitors; fixed, ceramic dielectric, multilayer. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are MLCCs considered polarized components for customs purposes?

No, MLCCs are non-polarized ceramic capacitors. This distinguishes them from electrolytic capacitors found in other subheadings of 8532, such as aluminum or tantalum types.

Which countries are the top exporters of MLCC (HS 853224)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853224 (the code used for MLCC) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.7B, 24% of world exports), China ($3.8B) and Hong Kong ($3.2B). World exports came to about $19.8B, 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 MLCC (HS 853224)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 853224 (the code used for MLCC) in UN Comtrade data were China ($6.2B, 24% of world imports), the United States ($4.9B) and Hong Kong ($3.5B). World imports came to about $25.5B, 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.

Is the HS code for MLCC the same in all countries?

The base HS code 853224 for MLCC 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 MLCC in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 853224 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for MLCC depends on the product's details: 8532.24.10 (SMD multilayer ceramic capacitors), 8532.24.20 (Through-hole multilayer ceramic capacitors), 8532.24.90 (Other multilayer ceramic capacitors).