Product classification
HS code for Porcelain insulator: 8546.20
Electrical insulators, of ceramics.
Classification of porcelain insulator under HS 8546.20
Porcelain insulators are classified under HS code 854620 because they are specifically designed for electrical insulation and are composed of ceramic material. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and subheadings. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment, and heading 8546 is dedicated to electrical insulators of any material. Within this heading, the subheading 854620 is reserved for insulators made of ceramics, which includes porcelain and china. These components are essential in power transmission and distribution systems to prevent the unwanted flow of current from conductors to the ground or other conductive structures. The classification is determined by the primary function of the item—providing electrical insulation—and its material composition. Even if the insulator includes metal fittings for mounting, it remains under 8546 as long as the insulating component provides the essential character of the product. Porcelain is preferred in high-voltage applications due to its dielectric strength and resistance to environmental degradation.
- Covers
- Suspension insulators for high-voltage lines
- Pin-type insulators for distribution lines
- Post insulators for substations
- Strain and shackle insulators
- Porcelain bushing insulators for transformers
- Station post insulators
- Also under 8546.20
- NGK Insulators
- Lapp Insulators
- MacLean Power Systems
- PPC Insulators
- Victor Insulators
Codes often confused with 8546.20
Common mistake. Porcelain insulators are frequently confused with technical ceramic wares under HS code 6909. While 6909 covers ceramic wares for laboratory or technical uses, heading 8546 is more specific for electrical insulation purposes. Another common error is classifying them under HS code 8547, which covers insulating fittings for electrical machines. However, 8547 is intended for fittings that are not themselves insulators but contain insulating material, whereas 8546 is for the insulator body itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 854620 (the code used for porcelain insulator), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854620 (the code used for porcelain insulator) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, 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 854620, not only porcelain insulator.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $446M 41% of world exports
- 2 Italy $152M 14% of world exports
- 3 India $92M 8.5% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $150M 14% of world imports
- 2 United States $149M 14% of world imports
- 3 China $47M 4.3% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 porcelain insulator
Brazil classifies porcelain insulator under NCM 8546.20.00: HS 8546.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about porcelain insulator
What is the HS code for Porcelain insulator?
The HS code for Porcelain insulator is 854620 (Electrical insulators; of ceramics). The HS code for porcelain insulators is 854620, which specifically covers electrical insulators made of ceramics.
How do I classify Porcelain insulator for customs?
Porcelain insulator is classified under HS code 854620 — Electrical insulators; of ceramics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the metal caps and pins?
Yes, if the metal components are imported as an integral part of the porcelain insulator, the entire assembly is classified under 854620.
Which countries are the top exporters of porcelain insulator (HS 854620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854620 (the code used for porcelain insulator) in UN Comtrade data were China ($446M, 41% of world exports), Italy ($152M) and India ($92M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of porcelain insulator (HS 854620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 854620 (the code used for porcelain insulator) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($150M, 14% of world imports), the United States ($149M) and China ($47M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Porcelain insulator the same in all countries?
The base HS code 854620 for Porcelain 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 porcelain insulator in Brazil?
In Brazil, porcelain insulator (HS 854620) is classified under NCM 8546.20.00.