Product classification

HS code for Modem: 8517.62

Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations), machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus.

Classification of modem under HS 8517.62

A modem (modulator-demodulator) is classified under HS code 8517.62. This code is designated for machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data. Modems are the quintessential example of this category as they convert digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines and vice versa. Under the Harmonized System, 8517.62 includes a wide range of communication apparatus, including switching and routing apparatus. The classification is driven by the device's primary function: facilitating communication between two points in a network. Whether the modem is an external standalone device or an internal card, its role in data conversion and transmission keeps it within this specific subheading of Chapter 85, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment.

Covers
  • External ADSL and VDSL modems
  • Cable modems for broadband internet
  • Fiber optic modems (ONTs)
  • Internal modem cards for computers
  • Wireless modems and cellular gateways
  • Network routers with integrated modem functionality
Also under 8517.62
  • Cisco Catalyst Switch
  • Juniper MX Series Router
  • Palo Alto Networks Firewall
  • Arista 7000 Series
  • Ubiquiti UniFi Switch.

Codes often confused with 8517.62

Common mistake. Modems are sometimes misclassified under 8471.80, which covers other units of automatic data processing machines. However, because a modem's primary function is telecommunication, 8517.62 takes precedence. They may also be confused with 8517.61 (base stations) or 8517.12 (telephones for cellular networks) if the device has integrated mobile phone capabilities.

8471.80Units of automatic data processing machines; n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50, 8471.60 or 8471.708517.61Base stations

Top exporters and importers of HS 851762 (the code used for modem), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851762 (the code used for modem) in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 851762, not only modem.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$68.9B
  2. 2 China $38.5B
  3. 3 Hong Kong $34.1B

World total: $303.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $84.9B
  2. 2 Hong Kong $36.2B
  3. 3 Netherlands $18.4B

World total: $301.0B 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 modem

Brazil splits HS 8517.62 into 27 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 modem

What is the HS code for Modem?

The HS code for Modem is 851762 (Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus). The HS code for a modem, as a device for the conversion and transmission of data, is 8517.62.

How do I classify Modem for customs?

Modem is classified under HS code 851762 — Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does 8517.62 include Wi-Fi routers?

Yes, Wi-Fi routers and other switching/routing apparatus that transmit data are classified under HS code 8517.62.

Which countries are the top exporters of modem (HS 851762)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851762 (the code used for modem) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $68.9B, 23% of world exports), China ($38.5B) and Hong Kong ($34.1B). World exports came to about $303.8B, 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 modem (HS 851762)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851762 (the code used for modem) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($84.9B, 28% of world imports), Hong Kong ($36.2B) and the Netherlands ($18.4B). World imports came to about $301.0B, 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 Modem the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851762 for Modem 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 modem in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851762 into 27 NCM codes, so the right one for modem depends on the product's details: 8517.62.14 (Subscriber line concentrators), 8517.62.15 (Telecommunication multiplexers), 8517.62.21 (Public automatic telephone exchanges), 8517.62.29 (Other telephone line switching apparatus), 8517.62.34 (Network switches (data packet switching)), 8517.62.39 (Other switching apparatus), and more.