Product classification
HS code for Polymer insulator: 8546.90
Electrical insulators, other than of glass and ceramics.
Classification of polymer insulator under HS 8546.90
Polymer insulators are classified under HS code 8546.90. This code is designated for electrical insulators of any material other than glass or ceramics. In the context of electrical infrastructure, insulators are components used to support and separate electrical conductors without allowing current to flow through them. While glass (8546.10) and ceramic (8546.20) were historically the primary materials for high-voltage insulation, modern power systems frequently utilize composite or polymer materials, such as silicone rubber or EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer). Because these materials do not fall under the specific subheadings for glass or ceramics, they are categorized under the \"other\" category, 8546.90. This classification applies regardless of the voltage level the insulator is designed to handle, provided it functions as an electrical insulator in a power transmission or distribution context. The classification is governed by General Interpretative Rule 1 and the specific material exclusions found in the subheadings of heading 8546. These polymer insulators are valued for their lightweight nature, resistance to vandalism, and superior performance in polluted environments compared to traditional materials.
- Covers
- Silicone rubber suspension insulators
- Composite long-rod insulators
- Polymeric post insulators
- Station post insulators made of composite materials
- Polymer pin-type insulators
- Line post insulators with fiberglass cores
- Also under 8546.90
- Hubbell Power Systems Polymer Insulators
- TE Connectivity Composite Insulators
- MacLean Power Systems Polymer Insulators
- Lapp Insulators Composite Line
- Preformed Line Products (PLP) Insulators
Codes often confused with 8546.90
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3926.90, which covers \"other articles of plastics.\" While polymer insulators are made of plastic/polymers, the specific function as an electrical insulator directs the classification to Chapter 85. Another confusion arises with HS code 8547, which covers insulating fittings for electrical machines. 8547 is for parts that incorporate insulating material but are not the insulators themselves, such as conduits or specialized connectors with internal insulation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854690 (the code used for polymer insulator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854690 (the code used for polymer insulator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 854690, not only polymer insulator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $442M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $186M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 Germany $167M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $1.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $294M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $174M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $139M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 code for polymer insulator
Brazil classifies polymer insulator under NCM 8546.90.00: HS 8546.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polymer insulator
What is the HS code for Polymer insulator?
The HS code for Polymer insulator is 854690 (Electrical insulators; other than of glass and ceramics). The HS code for electrical insulators made of polymer or composite materials is 8546.90.
How do I classify Polymer insulator for customs?
Polymer insulator is classified under HS code 854690 — Electrical insulators; other than of glass and ceramics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are composite insulators classified differently than polymer insulators?
No, in the Harmonized System, composite insulators (usually consisting of a core, housing, and end fittings) are classified under 8546.90 as they are non-glass and non-ceramic insulators.
Which countries are the top exporters of polymer insulator (HS 854690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854690 (the code used for polymer insulator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($442M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($186M) and Germany ($167M). World exports came to about $1.9B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of polymer insulator (HS 854690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854690 (the code used for polymer insulator) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($294M, 14% of world imports), China ($174M) and Germany ($139M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Polymer insulator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854690 for Polymer insulator 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 polymer insulator in Brazil?
In Brazil, polymer insulator (HS 854690) is classified under NCM 8546.90.00.