Product classification

HS code for Network switch: 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 network switch under HS 8517.62

Network switches are classified under HS code 8517.62, which covers apparatus for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data. A network switch is a sophisticated telecommunications device that connects multiple devices on a computer network and uses packet switching to forward data only to the specific device that needs to receive it. This classification is based on the device's primary function as a communication controller. Unlike simple hubs, switches operate at the data link layer (Layer 2) or network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model, performing complex tasks such as MAC address learning and traffic filtering. The HS code 8517.62 is the global standard for hardware that manages the flow of data across local and wide area networks.

Covers
  • Managed and unmanaged Ethernet switches
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches
  • Layer 3 routing switches
  • Industrial network switches
  • Fiber optic switches
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. Network switches are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8471.80, which is for units of automatic data processing machines. While switches work with computers, they are considered telecommunication apparatus rather than computer peripherals because they manage the network infrastructure itself. Another common error is using 8517.61, which is specifically for base stations. It is important to distinguish between the switching/routing function (8517.62) and the wireless transmission function of a base station.

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 network switch), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851762 (the code used for network switch) 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 network switch.

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 network switch

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 network switch

What is the HS code for Network switch?

The HS code for Network switch 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 network switches, including managed and unmanaged types, is 8517.62.

How do I classify Network switch for customs?

Network switch 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 this code include wireless routers?

Yes, most wireless routers that perform switching and routing functions are also classified under HS code 8517.62.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851762 (the code used for network switch) 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 network switch (HS 851762)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 851762 (the code used for network switch) 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 Network switch the same in all countries?

The base HS code 851762 for Network switch 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 switch in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 851762 into 27 NCM codes, so the right one for network switch 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.