Product classification
HS code for Semiconductor wafers: 3818.00
Chemical elements, doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms, chemical compounds doped for use in electronics.
Classification of semiconductor wafers under HS 3818.00
Semiconductor wafers are classified under HS code 381800. This classification is found in Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. The heading specifically includes chemical elements doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers, or similar forms, as well as chemical compounds doped for use in electronics. The classification logic is based on the state of the material: it is a chemical element (usually silicon) that has undergone a "doping" process—the intentional introduction of impurities to change its electrical conductivity. Even though these wafers are the foundation of all modern electronics, they are classified as chemical products rather than electronic components because they are the raw substrate material. The wafers must be in a form ready for further processing into electronic devices to qualify for this code. This includes polished wafers, epitaxial wafers, and diffused wafers that have not yet been cut into individual chips.
- Covers
- Doped silicon wafers
- Gallium arsenide wafers
- Epitaxial silicon wafers
- Polished semiconductor discs
- Doped germanium wafers
- Also under 3818.00
- Shin-Etsu Chemical silicon wafers
- SUMCO silicon wafers
- GlobalWafers
- Siltronic
- SK Siltron
Codes often confused with 3818.00
Common mistake. A common error is classifying wafers under HS code 2804, which covers pure chemical elements like silicon. However, once the silicon is "doped" for electronic use and shaped into a wafer, it must move to 381800. Another misclassification is HS code 8541, which covers finished semiconductor devices like diodes and transistors. Wafers are the material used to make these devices, but until they are processed into individual components with specific functions, they remain in Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381800 (the code used for semiconductor wafers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381800 (the code used for semiconductor wafers) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% 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 381800, not only semiconductor wafers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $4.7B 27% of world exports
- 2 China $2.6B 15% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $2.6B 15% of world exports
World total: $17.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $3.3B 17% of world imports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$3.2B 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $2.4B 13% of world imports
World total: $19.5B 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 semiconductor wafers
Brazil splits HS 3818.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3818.00.10Doped silicon for electronics
- 3818.00.90Other doped elements and compounds, electronics
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about semiconductor wafers
What is the HS code for Semiconductor wafers?
The HS code for Semiconductor wafers is 381800 (Chemical elements; doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms; chemical compounds doped for use in electronics). The HS code for doped semiconductor wafers is 381800.
How do I classify Semiconductor wafers for customs?
Semiconductor wafers is classified under HS code 381800 — Chemical elements; doped for use in electronics, in the form of discs, wafers or similar forms; chemical compounds doped for use in electronics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are undoped wafers classified here?
No, undoped wafers or pure silicon in bulk form are typically classified under HS code 280461 (silicon containing at least 99.99% by weight of silicon).
Which countries are the top exporters of semiconductor wafers (HS 381800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381800 (the code used for semiconductor wafers) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($4.7B, 27% of world exports), China ($2.6B) and South Korea ($2.6B). World exports came to about $17.6B, 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 semiconductor wafers (HS 381800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381800 (the code used for semiconductor wafers) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($3.3B, 17% of world imports), Taiwan (about $3.2B) and China ($2.4B). World imports came to about $19.5B, 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 wafers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381800 for Semiconductor wafers 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 wafers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381800 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for semiconductor wafers depends on the product's details: 3818.00.10 (Doped silicon for electronics), 3818.00.90 (Other doped elements and compounds, electronics).