Product classification
HS code for Photovoltaic cell: 8541.42
Electrical apparatus, photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels.
Classification of photovoltaic cell under HS 8541.42
Photovoltaic cells are classified under HS code 8541.42 when they are imported or exported as individual cells that have not yet been assembled into modules or panels. This classification falls under the broader heading 8541, which encompasses diodes, transistors, and similar semiconductor devices. The specific subheading 8541.42 was introduced in recent Harmonized System updates to distinguish between the raw semiconductor cells and the finished solar panels. The classification is based on the physical state of the product; as long as the cells are discrete units—even if they are interconnected in a string but not yet encased in a frame with glass and backing—they remain under this code. These devices function by converting light energy directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, a characteristic of semiconductor materials like silicon.
- Covers
- Monocrystalline silicon solar cells
- Polycrystalline (multicrystalline) silicon cells
- Thin-film photovoltaic cells (unassembled)
- Perovskite solar cells in discrete form
- Concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells
- Also under 8541.42
- Trina Solar Vertex cells
- Jinko Solar Tiger Neo cells
- LONGi Hi-MO cells
- Canadian Solar CS cells
- Hanwha Q CELLS Q.ANTUM cells
Codes often confused with 8541.42
Common mistake. The most common error is confusing 8541.42 with 8541.43. HS code 8541.43 is strictly for photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels. If the cells are mounted in a frame or protected by a glass cover, they must be moved to 8541.43. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 8501.31, which covers DC generators; while solar panels generate DC electricity, the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) prioritize the specific semiconductor heading 8541 over the general machinery heading 8501.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854142 (the code used for photovoltaic cell), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854142 (the code used for photovoltaic cell) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 44% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 31% 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 854142, not only photovoltaic cell.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $4.5B 44% of world exports
- 2 Indonesia $1.7B 17% of world exports
- 3 Laos* ~$982M 9.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $10.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $2.7B 31% of world imports
- 2 United States $2.5B 29% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $629M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $8.6B 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. 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 photovoltaic cell
Brazil splits HS 8541.42 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8541.42.10Organic solar cells, not in modules
- 8541.42.20Other solar cells, not in modules or panels
- 8541.42.90Other photovoltaic cells, not in modules
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about photovoltaic cell
What is the HS code for Photovoltaic cell?
The HS code for Photovoltaic cell is 854142 (Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels). Individual photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules are classified under HS code 8541.42.
How do I classify Photovoltaic cell for customs?
Photovoltaic cell is classified under HS code 854142 — Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8541.42 include solar cells for calculators?
Yes, if the solar cells are imported as individual components intended for integration into electronic devices like calculators, they are classified under 8541.42.
Which countries are the top exporters of photovoltaic cell (HS 854142)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854142 (the code used for photovoltaic cell) in UN Comtrade data were China ($4.5B, 44% of world exports), Indonesia ($1.7B) and Laos (about $982M). World exports came to about $10.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of photovoltaic cell (HS 854142)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854142 (the code used for photovoltaic cell) in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.7B, 31% of world imports), the United States ($2.5B) and Singapore ($629M). World imports came to about $8.6B, 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 Photovoltaic cell the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854142 for Photovoltaic cell 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 photovoltaic cell in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 854142 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for photovoltaic cell depends on the product's details: 8541.42.10 (Organic solar cells, not in modules), 8541.42.20 (Other solar cells, not in modules or panels), 8541.42.90 (Other photovoltaic cells, not in modules).