Product classification
HS code for Semiconductor manufacturing equipment: 8486.20
Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits.
Classification of semiconductor manufacturing equipment under HS 8486.20
Semiconductor manufacturing equipment is classified under HS code 8486.20 because this heading specifically covers machines and apparatus used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or electronic integrated circuits. The Harmonized System created heading 8486 to consolidate various types of equipment used in the semiconductor industry that were previously scattered across different chapters. Classification under 8486.20 is determined by the machine's primary function in the fabrication process, such as deposition, etching, stripping, or doping. This code is reserved for the 'front-end' equipment that transforms a raw wafer into a completed wafer with integrated circuits. The classification logic follows the principle that specialized machinery for a specific high-tech industry should be grouped together to facilitate trade monitoring and tariff application. This equipment often involves high-precision vacuum systems, chemical handling, and lithographic processes that are unique to the semiconductor fabrication environment.
- Covers
- Photolithography equipment (steppers and scanners)
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) machines
- Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) systems
- Ion implanters for wafer doping
- Plasma etching and ashers
- Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) tools
- Epitaxial growth reactors
- Also under 8486.20
- ASML EUV Lithography System
- Lam Research Kiyo
- Applied Materials Endura
- Tokyo Electron (TEL) Impressio
- KLA-Tencor Wafer Inspection Systems
Codes often confused with 8486.20
Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying these machines under HS code 8456, which covers machine tools for removing material by laser or other light or photon beam processes. While lithography uses light, it is specifically excluded from 8456 when used for semiconductor manufacturing. Another common misclassification is HS code 8479, which serves as a residual category for machines with individual functions. However, because 8486 is more specific to the semiconductor industry, it takes precedence over 8479 according to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 3a).
Top exporters and importers of HS 848620 (the code used for semiconductor manufacturing equipment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848620 (the code used for semiconductor manufacturing equipment) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% 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 848620, not only semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $23.8B 26% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $19.8B 22% of world exports
- 3 Japan $18.5B 20% of world exports
World total: $91.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $34.7B 37% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$19.4B 21% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $14.9B 16% of world imports
World total: $94.4B 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 code for semiconductor manufacturing equipment
Brazil classifies semiconductor manufacturing equipment under NCM 8486.20.00: HS 8486.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about semiconductor manufacturing equipment
What is the HS code for Semiconductor manufacturing equipment?
The HS code for Semiconductor manufacturing equipment is 848620 (Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits). The primary HS code for equipment used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices is 8486.20.
How do I classify Semiconductor manufacturing equipment for customs?
Semiconductor manufacturing equipment is classified under HS code 848620 — Machines and apparatus of a kind used solely or principally for the manufacture of semiconductor devices or of electronic integrated circuits. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include equipment for assembling the final chips?
No, equipment for assembly, such as wire bonders or encapsulation machines, is typically classified under HS code 8486.40, which covers the assembly and packaging stage of production.
Which countries are the top exporters of semiconductor manufacturing equipment (HS 848620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848620 (the code used for semiconductor manufacturing equipment) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($23.8B, 26% of world exports), Singapore ($19.8B) and Japan ($18.5B). World exports came to about $91.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment (HS 848620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848620 (the code used for semiconductor manufacturing equipment) in UN Comtrade data were China ($34.7B, 37% of world imports), Taiwan (about $19.4B) and South Korea ($14.9B). World imports came to about $94.4B, 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 Semiconductor manufacturing equipment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848620 for Semiconductor manufacturing equipment 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 semiconductor manufacturing equipment in Brazil?
In Brazil, semiconductor manufacturing equipment (HS 848620) is classified under NCM 8486.20.00.