Product classification
HS code for Radio base station: 8517.61
Base stations.
Classification of radio base station under HS 8517.61
Radio base stations are classified under HS code 851761. This code is situated within the category for apparatus for the transmission or reception of voice, images, or other data, including apparatus for communication in a wired or wireless network. A base station acts as a centralized communication hub in a network, facilitating the wireless connection between mobile terminals (such as smartphones) and the core network infrastructure. The classification is driven by the device's function as a fixed point of transmission and reception within a cellular or wireless data network. As telecommunications technology evolves from 4G to 5G, the hardware remains classified here because the fundamental purpose—serving as a network node for wireless communication—remains unchanged according to the Harmonized System's functional definitions.
- Covers
- Cellular base transceiver stations (BTS)
- ENodeB (4G LTE base stations)
- GNodeB (5G NR base stations)
- Fixed wireless access points for wide-area networks
- Small cell base stations
- Base station controllers (when integrated)
- Also under 8517.61
- Ericsson Radio Dot System
- Huawei DBS3900
- Nokia AirScale
- Samsung 5G RAN
- ZTE UniSite.
Codes often confused with 8517.61
Common mistake. Radio base stations are often misclassified under 851762, which covers machines for the reception, conversion, and transmission or regeneration of voice, images, or other data (like switches and routers). While base stations perform these tasks, 851761 is the more specific code for the station itself. They are also sometimes confused with 852550 (transmission apparatus), but 851761 is preferred for network-based bidirectional communication equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851761 (the code used for radio base station), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851761 (the code used for radio base station) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 25% 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 851761, not only radio base station.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.3B 58% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$293M 7.5% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Hungary $193M 5.0% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $935M 25% of world imports
- 2 Japan $277M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $213M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $3.8B 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 radio base station
Brazil splits HS 8517.61 into 8 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8517.61.30Cellular network base stations
- 8517.61.41Fixed main earth stations without antenna
- 8517.61.42VSAT base stations without antenna
- 8517.61.43Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S band
- 8517.61.49Other satellite base stations
- 8517.61.91Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/s
- 8517.61.92Digital base stations, over 23 GHz
- 8517.61.99Other base stations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about radio base station
What is the HS code for Radio base station?
The HS code for Radio base station is 851761 (Base stations). The specific HS code for a radio base station is 851761.
How do I classify Radio base station for customs?
Radio base station is classified under HS code 851761 — Base stations. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the antennas on a base station included in this code?
Generally, no. Antennas are classified separately under HS code 851771, which covers antennas and antenna reflectors of all kinds used with telecommunications apparatus.
Which countries are the top exporters of radio base station (HS 851761)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851761 (the code used for radio base station) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 58% of world exports), Vietnam (about $293M) and Hungary ($193M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 radio base station (HS 851761)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851761 (the code used for radio base station) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($935M, 25% of world imports), Japan ($277M) and the United States ($213M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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 Radio base station the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851761 for Radio base station 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 radio base station in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851761 into 8 NCM codes, so the right one for radio base station depends on the product's details: 8517.61.30 (Cellular network base stations), 8517.61.41 (Fixed main earth stations without antenna), 8517.61.42 (VSAT base stations without antenna), 8517.61.43 (Digital satellite base stations, C/Ku/L/S band), 8517.61.49 (Other satellite base stations), 8517.61.91 (Digital base stations, 15–23 GHz, up to 8 Mbit/s), and more.