Product classification

HS code for RAM: 8542.32

Electronic integrated circuits, memories.

Classification of RAM under HS 8542.32

Random Access Memory (RAM) is classified under HS code 8542.32 because it is fundamentally defined as an electronic integrated circuit designed for data storage, specifically categorized as memory. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, and the Section XVI notes, semiconductor-based memories are specifically identified under heading 8542. This classification applies to the individual memory chips as well as memory modules (such as DIMMs or SO-DIMMs) consisting of multiple chips mounted on a printed circuit board. Even though RAM is a critical component of a computer, it is not classified as a computer part under 8473 because Chapter 85, Note 9 (or Note 8 depending on the version) dictates that integrated circuits take precedence over other headings in the nomenclature. The technical nature of the device as a semiconductor memory circuit is the primary factor for its classification under 8542.32.

Covers
  • DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
  • SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
  • DDR4 and DDR5 memory modules
  • VRAM (Video RAM) chips
  • EEPROM and EPROM semiconductor units
Also under 8542.32
  • Samsung DDR5 DRAM
  • SK Hynix HBM
  • Micron NAND Flash
  • Kioxia UFS
  • Western Digital SSD
  • Infineon NOR Flash
  • Cypress SRAM

Codes often confused with 8542.32

Common mistake. RAM is frequently misclassified under HS code 8473.30, which covers parts and accessories of automatic data processing machines. While RAM is a part of a computer, the legal notes in the Harmonized System state that electronic integrated circuits must be classified in heading 8542 even if they are designed for use in a specific machine. Another common error is using 8471.70, which is reserved for storage units like hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs) that function as peripheral devices rather than volatile system memory.

8473.30Machinery; parts and accessories (other than covers, carrying cases and the like) of the machines of heading no. 847185.42Electronic integrated circuits8471.70Units of automatic data processing machines; storage units

Top exporters and importers of HS 854232 (the code used for RAM), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 854232 (the code used for RAM) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 36% 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 854232, not only RAM.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 South Korea $94.6B
  2. 2 China $92.9B
  3. 3 Hong Kong $53.4B

World total: $329.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $113.6B
  2. 2 Taiwan* ~$59.3B
  3. 3 Hong Kong $49.0B

World total: $312.7B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 RAM

Brazil splits HS 8542.32 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about RAM

What is the HS code for RAM?

The HS code for RAM is 854232 (Electronic integrated circuits; memories). The primary HS code for RAM, including modules and individual chips, is 8542.32.

How do I classify RAM for customs?

RAM is classified under HS code 854232 — Electronic integrated circuits; memories. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does the speed of the RAM affect its HS code?

No, the clock speed (e.g., 3200MHz or 5200MHz) and the generation (DDR4 vs DDR5) do not change the classification; all semiconductor memories remain under 8542.32.

Which countries are the top exporters of RAM (HS 854232)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 854232 (the code used for RAM) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($94.6B, 29% of world exports), China ($92.9B) and Hong Kong ($53.4B). World exports came to about $329.6B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of RAM (HS 854232)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 854232 (the code used for RAM) in UN Comtrade data were China ($113.6B, 36% of world imports), Taiwan (about $59.3B) and Hong Kong ($49.0B). World imports came to about $312.7B, 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 RAM the same in all countries?

The base HS code 854232 for RAM 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 RAM in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 854232 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for RAM depends on the product's details: 8542.32.10 (Unmounted memory ICs), 8542.32.21 (SMD SRAM 25 ns max, (E)EPROM, PROM, ROM, flash), 8542.32.29 (Other SMD memory ICs), 8542.32.91 (Non-SMD SRAM 25 ns max, (E)EPROM, PROM, ROM, flash), 8542.32.99 (Other non-SMD memory ICs).