Product classification
HS code for Optical fiber connector: 8536.70
Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables.
Classification of optical fiber connector under HS 8536.70
Optical fiber connectors are classified under HS code 8536.70. This code was specifically created to accommodate the growing technology of fiber optics within the electrical machinery and equipment chapter. These connectors are mechanical devices used to join optical fibers where a connect/disconnect capability is required. They align the cores of the fibers so that light can pass with minimal loss. The classification covers connectors for single fibers, bundles, or cables. Unlike electrical connectors that facilitate the flow of electrons, these facilitate the transmission of light pulses. Because they are considered components for "making connections to or in electrical apparatus" (even though they transmit light), they are grouped with switches, fuses, and other connection hardware in heading 8536.
- Covers
- SC (Subscriber Connector) fiber optic connectors
- LC (Lucent Connector) high-density connectors
- ST (Straight Tip) bayonet-style connectors
- MPO/MTP multi-fiber connectors
- Fiber optic adapters and couplers
- Mechanical splices for optical fibers
- Also under 8536.70
- Corning OptiTap
- CommScope FiberGuide
- Amphenol Fiber Optic Connectors
- TE Connectivity MPO
- Furukawa Electric FITEL
Codes often confused with 8536.70
Common mistake. Optical fiber connectors are often misclassified under 8536.69, which is intended for general electrical plugs and sockets. However, 8536.70 is the specific and superior code for optical fiber applications. Another common error is attempting to classify them under 9033.00 as parts of optical instruments. Per Note 2(a) to Chapter 90, parts that are included in Chapter 84, 85, or 91 must be classified in those chapters, making 8536.70 the mandatory choice.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853670 (the code used for optical fiber connector), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853670 (the code used for optical fiber connector) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 30% 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 853670, not only optical fiber connector.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $767M 22% of world exports
- 2 United States $746M 21% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$417M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.2B 30% of world imports
- 2 China $334M 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $225M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $3.9B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 optical fiber connector
Brazil classifies optical fiber connector under NCM 8536.70.00: HS 8536.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about optical fiber connector
What is the HS code for Optical fiber connector?
The HS code for Optical fiber connector is 853670 (Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables). The specific HS code for connectors used with optical fibers, bundles, or cables is 8536.70.
How do I classify Optical fiber connector for customs?
Optical fiber connector is classified under HS code 853670 — Connectors for optical fibres, optical fibre bundles or cables. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fiber optic adapters classified under the same code?
Yes, fiber optic adapters and couplers that facilitate the connection of two fiber optic connectors are also classified under 8536.70.
Which countries are the top exporters of optical fiber connector (HS 853670)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853670 (the code used for optical fiber connector) in UN Comtrade data were China ($767M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($746M) and Taiwan (about $417M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of optical fiber connector (HS 853670)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853670 (the code used for optical fiber connector) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.2B, 30% of world imports), China ($334M) and Mexico ($225M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Optical fiber connector the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853670 for Optical fiber connector 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 optical fiber connector in Brazil?
In Brazil, optical fiber connector (HS 853670) is classified under NCM 8536.70.00.