Product classification

HS code for PV module: 8501.72

Electric generators, photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W.

Classification of PV module under HS 8501.72

Photovoltaic (PV) modules with a power output exceeding 50W but not exceeding 750W are classified under HS code 850172. This classification reflects the 2022 revisions to the Harmonized System, which introduced specific codes for solar energy products to better track international trade. Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8501 includes electric motors and generators, and the subheadings under 850171 to 850180 are dedicated to photovoltaic DC generators. Subheading 850172 specifically covers those with an output exceeding 50W. These modules consist of a series of solar cells connected together and encapsulated, often with a glass front and a backing material, and equipped with a junction box or cables. The classification as a "generator" is based on the module's ability to convert solar energy directly into electrical energy. This code is essential for distinguishing assembled modules from individual cells or larger solar arrays.

Covers
  • Monocrystalline PV modules (51W to 750W)
  • Polycrystalline solar panels for residential use
  • Bifacial PV modules within the specified power range
  • Thin-film photovoltaic modules with DC output
  • PV modules equipped with bypass diodes
Also under 8501.72
  • LG NeON R Solar Panel
  • JinkoSolar Tiger Pro
  • Canadian Solar HiKu
  • Trina Solar Vertex
  • SunPower Maxeon 3

Codes often confused with 8501.72

Common mistake. Before 2022, PV modules were often classified under 854140. Under the current system, 854142 and 854143 are reserved for solar cells not assembled into modules. Misclassifying a module as a cell (8541) is a common error. Additionally, modules with an output of 50W or less must be classified under 850171, while those exceeding 750W fall under 850180. If the module includes an integrated inverter, it may be classified as an AC generator or under 8504.

8501.71Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output not exceeding 50W8541.42Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells not assembled in modules or made up into panels8541.43Electrical apparatus; photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels85.41Semiconductor devices (e.g. diodes, transistors, semiconductor based transducers); including photovoltaic cells assembled or not in modules or panels, light-emitting diodes (LED) assembled with other LEDs or not, mounted piezo-electric crystals8501.80Electric generators; (excluding generating sets), photovoltaic AC generators (alternators)85.04Electric transformers, static converters (e.g. rectifiers) and inductors

Top exporters and importers of HS 850172 (the code used for PV module), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 850172 (the code used for PV module) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 62% 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 850172, not only PV module.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $157M
  2. 2 Germany $13M
  3. 3 United States $11M

World total: $211M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Chile $772M
  2. 2 Sri Lanka $89M
  3. 3 Mexico $77M

World total: $1.2B 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 PV module

Brazil splits HS 8501.72 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 8501.72.10Photovoltaic DC generators over 50 W to 75 kW
  • 8501.72.90Photovoltaic DC generators over 75 kW

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about PV module

What is the HS code for PV module?

The HS code for PV module is 850172 (Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W). For PV modules with a DC output between 50W and 750W, the correct HS code is 850172.

How do I classify PV module for customs?

PV module is classified under HS code 850172 — Electric generators; photovoltaic DC generators, of an output exceeding 50W. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are portable solar chargers classified here?

If the charger is simply a PV module with a DC output in the specified range, it fits here. If it includes a battery and control circuitry, it may be classified under 8504 or 8507.

Which countries are the top exporters of PV module (HS 850172)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 850172 (the code used for PV module) in UN Comtrade data were China ($157M, 74% of world exports), Germany ($13M) and the United States ($11M). World exports came to about $211M, 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 PV module (HS 850172)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 850172 (the code used for PV module) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($772M, 62% of world imports), Sri Lanka ($89M) and Mexico ($77M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 PV module the same in all countries?

The base HS code 850172 for PV module 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 PV module in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 850172 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PV module depends on the product's details: 8501.72.10 (Photovoltaic DC generators over 50 W to 75 kW), 8501.72.90 (Photovoltaic DC generators over 75 kW).