Product classification
HS code for Optocoupler: 8541.59
Electrical apparatus, photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541.
Classification of optocoupler under HS 8541.59
Optocouplers, also known as opto-isolators, are classified under HS code 8541.59. Heading 8541 covers semiconductor devices, including diodes, transistors, and photosensitive semiconductor devices. An optocoupler is a component that transfers electrical signals between two isolated circuits by using light. It typically consists of a light-emitting diode (LED) and a photosensitive device (such as a phototransistor) integrated into a single package. While it contains an LED, its primary function is that of a semiconductor switching or isolating device rather than a simple light source. Under the 2022 HS revisions, photosensitive semiconductor devices are categorized within 8541. The sub-heading 8541.59 is used for 'other' semiconductor devices that do not fit into the specific categories of transistors or simple diodes, capturing the integrated nature of the optocoupler's input and output stages.
- Covers
- Phototransistor output optocouplers
- Phototriac output optocouplers
- Logic gate optoisolators
- High-speed CMOS optocouplers
- Darlington transistor optocouplers
- Linear optocouplers for analog signals
- Also under 8541.59
- Sony IMX series CMOS sensors
- ON Semiconductor AR0134 image sensor
- Broadcom HCPL-0600 optocoupler
- Sharp PC817 optoisolator
- OmniVision OV5640 image sensor
Codes often confused with 8541.59
Common mistake. Optocouplers are frequently misclassified under HS code 8541.41, which is specifically for Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). While an optocoupler contains an LED, the presence of the photosensitive receiver makes it a more complex semiconductor device. Another common error is 8517.62, which covers telecommunication switching apparatus. While optocouplers are used in telecom equipment, as individual components, they must be classified by their physical nature in 8541. Finally, they should not be confused with integrated circuits (8542), as optocouplers are generally considered discrete semiconductor assemblies rather than monolithic ICs.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854159 (the code used for optocoupler), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854159 (the code used for optocoupler) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 29% 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 854159, not only optocoupler.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $1.6B 29% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$1.1B 21% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $619M 11% of world exports
World total: $5.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $997M 17% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $837M 14% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$830M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $5.9B 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 optocoupler
Brazil classifies optocoupler under NCM 8541.59.00: HS 8541.59 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about optocoupler
What is the HS code for Optocoupler?
The HS code for Optocoupler is 854159 (Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541). The correct HS code for an optocoupler is 8541.59, as it is a photosensitive semiconductor device.
How do I classify Optocoupler for customs?
Optocoupler is classified under HS code 854159 — Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are optocouplers classified as integrated circuits?
Generally, no. Optocouplers are classified as semiconductor devices under 8541 because they consist of discrete components (LED and photodetector) combined in one package, rather than a single monolithic chip.
Which countries are the top exporters of optocoupler (HS 854159)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854159 (the code used for optocoupler) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 29% of world exports), Taiwan (about $1.1B) and Malaysia ($619M). World exports came to about $5.5B, 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 optocoupler (HS 854159)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854159 (the code used for optocoupler) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($997M, 17% of world imports), Thailand ($837M) and Taiwan (about $830M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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 Optocoupler the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854159 for Optocoupler 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 optocoupler in Brazil?
In Brazil, optocoupler (HS 854159) is classified under NCM 8541.59.00.