Product classification
HS code for Mobile base station: 8517.61
Base stations.
Classification of mobile base station under HS 8517.61
Mobile base stations are classified under HS code 8517.61 according to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, GRI 1 dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 8517 covers telephone sets, including smartphones and other telephones for cellular networks, as well as other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data. Within this heading, sub-heading 8517.61 is explicitly reserved for base stations. These devices function as the fixed transceiver that is the main communication point for one or more wireless mobile devices. They are essential components of cellular networks, facilitating the connection between mobile user equipment and the core network. The classification remains consistent regardless of the specific technology generation, such as 4G LTE or 5G, provided the device functions as a centralized node in a wireless network architecture.
- Covers
- GSM Base Transceiver Stations (BTS)
- LTE evolved Node B (eNodeB)
- 5G Next Generation Node B (gNodeB)
- Small cell access points for cellular networks
- Macrocell and microcell base station units
- Wireless local loop (WLL) base stations
- Also under 8517.61
- Ericsson Radio Dot System
- Huawei DBS3900
- Nokia AirScale
- Samsung 5G RAN
- ZTE UniSite.
Codes often confused with 8517.61
Common mistake. Mobile base stations are frequently misclassified under HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data, including switching and routing apparatus. While base stations perform some of these functions, the specificity of 8517.61 takes precedence. Another common error is using 8525.50, which applies to transmission apparatus for radio-broadcasting or television. However, because base stations are part of a bidirectional telecommunication network, they are strictly governed by the notes of heading 8517.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851761 (the code used for mobile base station), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851761 (the code used for mobile base station) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 25% 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 851761, not only mobile base station.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.3B 58% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$293M 7.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Hungary $193M 5.0% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $935M 25% of world imports
- 2 Japan $277M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $213M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 codes for mobile base station
Brazil splits HS 8517.61 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8517.61.30Cellular network base stations
- 8517.61.41Fixed main earth stations without antenna
- 8517.61.42VSAT base stations without antenna
- 8517.61.43Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S band
- 8517.61.49Other satellite base stations
- 8517.61.91Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/s
- 8517.61.92Digital base stations, over 23 GHz
- 8517.61.99Other base stations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about mobile base station
What is the HS code for Mobile base station?
The HS code for Mobile base station is 851761 (Base stations). The primary HS code for a mobile base station is 8517.61, which specifically identifies base stations within the telecommunications apparatus category.
How do I classify Mobile base station for customs?
Mobile base station is classified under HS code 851761 — Base stations. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include 5G equipment?
Yes, 5G gNodeB units are classified under 8517.61 as they perform the fundamental role of a base station within the 5G NR (New Radio) architecture.
Which countries are the top exporters of mobile base station (HS 851761)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851761 (the code used for mobile base station) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $293M) and Hungary ($193M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 mobile base station (HS 851761)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851761 (the code used for mobile base station) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($935M, 25% of world imports), Japan ($277M) and the United States ($213M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.
Is the HS code for Mobile base station the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851761 for Mobile base station 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 mobile base station in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851761 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for mobile base station depends on the product's details: 8517.61.30 (Cellular network base stations), 8517.61.41 (Fixed main earth stations without antenna), 8517.61.42 (VSAT base stations without antenna), 8517.61.43 (Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S band), 8517.61.49 (Other satellite base stations), 8517.61.91 (Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/s), and more.