Product classification
HS code for Paper capacitors: 8532.25
Electrical capacitors, fixed, dielectric of paper or plastics.
Classification of paper capacitors under HS 8532.25
Electrical capacitors with a dielectric made of paper or plastics are classified under HS code 8532.25. Heading 8532 covers electrical capacitors, fixed, variable, or adjustable. The sub-classification 8532.25 is specific to fixed capacitors that utilize paper or plastic film as the insulating medium (dielectric) between the conductive plates. These components are fundamental in electronic circuits for energy storage, filtering, and decoupling. The classification is determined by the physical properties of the dielectric material rather than the capacitance value or voltage rating. In the context of international trade, distinguishing between dielectric materials is crucial because different materials (like tantalum, ceramic, or aluminum electrolytic) have distinct HS codes within the 8532 heading. Paper capacitors often use kraft paper impregnated with oil or wax, while plastic versions use materials like polypropylene or polyester. Because the HS nomenclature groups paper and plastic dielectrics together in this subheading, they share the same 8532.25 classification.
- Covers
- Metallized paper capacitors
- Oil-filled paper capacitors
- Polypropylene film capacitors
- Polyester (Mylar) capacitors
- Fixed plastic dielectric capacitors
- Also under 8532.25
- WIMA Film Capacitors
- KEMET Film Capacitors
- Vishay Film Capacitors
- EPCOS Film Capacitors
- Cornell Dubilier Film Capacitors
Codes often confused with 8532.25
Common mistake. These items are frequently confused with HS code 8532.10, which is reserved for fixed capacitors designed for use in 50/60 Hz circuits and having a reactive power-handling capacity of not less than 0.5 kvar (power capacitors). If a paper capacitor meets these power thresholds, 8532.10 takes precedence. Another common error is 8532.29, which is a residual category for "other" fixed capacitors. Importers must verify the dielectric material to ensure 8532.25 is used instead of the general 8532.29 code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 853225 (the code used for paper capacitors), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 853225 (the code used for paper capacitors) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 853225, not only paper capacitors.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $708M 28% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $288M 11% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $269M 11% of world exports
World total: $2.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $297M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $271M 13% of world imports
- 3 United States $233M 11% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 codes for paper capacitors
Brazil splits HS 8532.25 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8532.25.10SMD paper or plastic film capacitors
- 8532.25.90Other paper or plastic dielectric capacitors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paper capacitors
What is the HS code for Paper capacitors?
The HS code for Paper capacitors is 853225 (Electrical capacitors; fixed, dielectric of paper or plastics). The HS code for fixed electrical capacitors with a dielectric of paper or plastics is 8532.25.
How do I classify Paper capacitors for customs?
Paper capacitors is classified under HS code 853225 — Electrical capacitors; fixed, dielectric of paper or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ceramic capacitors included in this code?
No, ceramic capacitors are classified under HS codes 8532.23 (single layer) or 8532.24 (multilayer).
Which countries are the top exporters of paper capacitors (HS 853225)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 853225 (the code used for paper capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($708M, 28% of world exports), Hong Kong ($288M) and Czechia ($269M). World exports came to about $2.5B, 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 paper capacitors (HS 853225)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 853225 (the code used for paper capacitors) in UN Comtrade data were China ($297M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($271M) and the United States ($233M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Paper capacitors the same in all countries?
The base HS code 853225 for Paper capacitors 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 paper capacitors in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 853225 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for paper capacitors depends on the product's details: 8532.25.10 (SMD paper or plastic film capacitors), 8532.25.90 (Other paper or plastic dielectric capacitors).