Product classification
HS code for Photodiode: 8541.49
Electrical apparatus, photosensitive semiconductor devices, diodes other than light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels.
Classification of photodiode under HS 8541.49
Photodiodes are classified under HS code 8541.49. This classification is part of Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8541 is dedicated to semiconductor devices, including diodes, transistors, and similar photosensitive devices. Specifically, 8541.49 covers photosensitive semiconductor devices that are not light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and are not photovoltaic cells used for power generation. Photodiodes function by converting light into an electrical current or voltage through the photoelectric effect. The classification is based on the physical properties of the semiconductor junction and its operational role as a sensor or signal converter. This includes various types such as PIN photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, and phototransistors when they are presented as individual components or unmounted chips. The code remains applicable regardless of whether the device is used in telecommunications, medical equipment, or consumer electronics.
- Covers
- PIN Photodiodes
- Avalanche Photodiodes (APD)
- Schottky Photodiodes
- Phototransistors
- Photosensors (semiconductor based)
- Optical detectors for fiber optic systems
- Also under 8541.49
- BPW34 photodiode
- LTR-301 phototransistor
- Vishay VEMD2000X01
- Hamamatsu S1223
- OSRAM SFH 203 P
Codes often confused with 8541.49
Common mistake. Photodiodes are often misclassified under HS code 8541.41, which is specifically for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). While both are semiconductor diodes, LEDs emit light while photodiodes detect it. Another common error is using HS code 8541.42 or 8541.43, which are reserved for photovoltaic cells and modules. Although photodiodes and solar cells operate on similar principles, the latter are specifically designed to generate power, whereas photodiodes are designed for signal detection. Additionally, if a photodiode is integrated into a complex module with other active components, it might be classified under 8543.70 as an electrical machine with individual functions, depending on the complexity of the assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854149 (the code used for photodiode), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854149 (the code used for photodiode) in UN Comtrade data was Singapore, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 854149, not only photodiode.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Singapore $1.9B 16% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$1.6B 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $1.3B 11% of world exports
World total: $11.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 2 Singapore $1.5B 13% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $1.4B 12% of world imports
World total: $11.6B 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 photodiode
Brazil classifies photodiode under NCM 8541.49.00: HS 8541.49 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photodiode
What is the HS code for Photodiode?
The HS code for Photodiode is 854149 (Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, diodes other than light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels). The HS code for a photodiode is 8541.49, which covers photosensitive semiconductor devices excluding LEDs and solar cells.
How do I classify Photodiode for customs?
Photodiode is classified under HS code 854149 — Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, diodes other than light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are photodiodes in a fiber optic receiver classified differently?
If the photodiode is part of a complete telecommunication receiver, it may be classified under 8517.62; however, as a standalone component, it remains 8541.49.
Which countries are the top exporters of photodiode (HS 854149)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854149 (the code used for photodiode) in UN Comtrade data were Singapore ($1.9B, 16% of world exports), Taiwan (about $1.6B) and Malaysia ($1.3B). World exports came to about $11.3B, 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 photodiode (HS 854149)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854149 (the code used for photodiode) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 13% of world imports), Singapore ($1.5B) and Hong Kong ($1.4B). World imports came to about $11.6B, 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 Photodiode the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854149 for Photodiode 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 photodiode in Brazil?
In Brazil, photodiode (HS 854149) is classified under NCM 8541.49.00.