Product classification
HS code for Network adapter: 8517.69
Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations), machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6.
Classification of network adapter under HS 8517.69
Network adapters, including Network Interface Cards (NICs) and wireless adapters, are classified under HS code 8517.62 or 8517.69. Specifically, 8517.69 is used for other apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data. This classification is situated in Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Historically, network adapters were often classified under 8471.80 as units of automatic data processing machines. However, following the World Customs Organization (WCO) updates to the Harmonized System, most devices whose primary function is telecommunication or data transmission across a network were moved to 8517. This shift reflects the convergence of computing and telecommunications technology. The classification 8517.69 is appropriate for adapters that facilitate communication between computers or other devices over a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), whether via physical cables (Ethernet) or wireless signals (Wi-Fi).
- Covers
- Ethernet network interface cards (NICs)
- USB Wi-Fi adapters
- PCI Express network adapters
- External LAN adapters for laptops
- Wireless network modules for embedded systems
- Also under 8517.69
- Starlink Satellite Terminal
- Google Nest Hub
- TP-Link Omada Access Point
- Siemens SCALANCE X Industrial Switch
- Poly Studio X50.
Codes often confused with 8517.69
Common mistake. Network adapters are frequently misclassified under HS code 8471.80, which covers other units of automatic data processing machines. While an adapter is used with a computer, its functional essence is communication, which takes precedence under Note 3 to Section XVI. Another common error is HS code 8517.62, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data (like switches or routers). While some high-end adapters perform these functions, simple adapters are often relegated to 8517.69.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851769 (the code used for network adapter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851769 (the code used for network adapter) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 851769, not only network adapter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 13% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $741M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $8.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $672M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $653M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $9.2B 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 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 code for network adapter
Brazil classifies network adapter under NCM 8517.69.00: HS 8517.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about network adapter
What is the HS code for Network adapter?
The HS code for Network adapter is 851769 (Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6). The HS code for a network adapter is typically 8517.69, though some jurisdictions may use 8517.62 depending on the device's processing capabilities.
How do I classify Network adapter for customs?
Network adapter is classified under HS code 851769 — Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations); machines for the transmission or reception of voice, images or other data (including wired/wireless networks), n.e.c. in item no. 8517.6. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a Wi-Fi dongle classified differently than a wired card?
No, both serve the primary function of data transmission and reception over a network and generally fall under the same 8517 subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of network adapter (HS 851769)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851769 (the code used for network adapter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and Mexico ($741M). World exports came to about $8.9B, 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 network adapter (HS 851769)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851769 (the code used for network adapter) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($672M) and the Netherlands ($653M). World imports came to about $9.2B, 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 Network adapter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851769 for Network adapter 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 network adapter in Brazil?
In Brazil, network adapter (HS 851769) is classified under NCM 8517.69.00.